Greetings,

I just purchased a used 1994 Ford XLT Powerstroke 4x4. It seems to drive and run well; however, there are two specific things bothering me.

First: The ABS light in the lower right of the instrument cluster is ON, all the time.

Second: The Check Engine light comes on once in a while. I have tried an ACTRON code scanner (Ford Specific), tried the instructions here and looked at a couple of YouTube videos to try and get the trouble codes out of the computer. When I hook up, the Check Engine light does come on and when I turn the key to Start, the light goes out and -never- blinks.... at all. I'm pretty certain I'm doing it right at this point but never get any flashes at all, not even engine size or 111.

The Instruction book with the ACTRON indicates if there are no flashes at all, I need to check the service manual. Well... unlucky me, there was no service manual or even owners manual that came with the truck. Yes, I plan to purchase (if anyone has any good leads on where to buy service manuals, please let me know).

I have tried searching the Internet and this forum and mostly I find information on how to properly hook up the connectors and read the codes. I've not found anything on what to do if there are no blinks at all.

Those are my two problems; ABS light on all the time and no blinks on the Check Engine light when hooked to a scanner or jumper wired. Granted, maybe I'm doing something wrong so at this point, I need to some kindly pointers.

Thank you,
Asa Jay

PS. For those wondering why I purchased a new truck, my old 1974 Jeep J20 snow plow truck is just not worth trying to keep up anymore. My preference was for a diesel, I wasn't too picky but lean toward Ford or Dodge Cummins. The Ford Powerstroke came to us first at a reasonable price so we bit.

 

Is your OD light on at all

 

I'm guessing your asking about an OverDrive light?
I don't believe the 5 speed manual has one. The only light constantly ON is the ABS.

I continued to do some more research and I think I found there is another plug next to the EEC plug that can be used to get codes from the ABS system. I need to try that later.

Meanwhile, I still need to understand why I can't get codes from the EEC.

Thank you,
Asa Jay

 

You're right, just assumed it was an automatic my bad, you said you already tried to sensor on top of the rear differential? Would be where I start since it controls the speedometer and rabs

 

I haven't tried any sensors yet; I was learning more today by surfing around and discovering.

With regard to the ABS, I'm guessing there were two different systems in the 1994 model year from what I've read. This truck appears to be a later 94 model. I'm not sure if that makes it RABS or not but I think it does (is there a way to really identify it?) Either way, it seems a sensor on the rear differential is mentioned a lot.

I can see from the CarFax service history it had all major fluids flushed and changed in the last few years by a previous owner. I'd hazard a guess a sensor may have been left unplugged or damaged, now that I've discovered more info.

If I get time after work tomorrow, I'll pull it into the garage and roll around underneath to check on things like that.

I might also note, it appears to be wired for electric brakes when towing as well. I may need to trace all that around to make sure it's been installed correctly and not interfering with proper operation too.

Still need help with the EEC Trouble codes if anyone can tell me what to look for when the codes don't seem to be coming out at all.

Asa Jay

 

rockauto.com for those manuals
try the Haynes manual #36058
or the chilton #26664
the owners manual part number is BISHKO Part # 3994

 

Thank you for the pointers to manuals. I checked Rock Auto based on your recommendation and found their prices on the Bishko reprints cheaper than Bishko direct (except for the actual printed shop manual which is listed cheaper on Amazon).

I'll be placing an order with Rock Auto shortly for the following:
BISHKO Part # 12113 CD ROM Shop Manual (covers the truck series)
BISHKO Part # 8929 Shop Manual Bound (supplement that covers the 7.3L Turbo Diesel)
BISHKO Part # 3994 BOUND (owners manual)

Hopefully that should cover pretty much all I need with regard to literature.
Again, thank you.

Asa Jay

 

Another possible cause of your ABS light is a blown brake light fuse.

Congrats on your new ride, but if it's a powerstroke, you are in the wrong section of the forum. This is the IDI pre-powerstroke section, you may get better results in the proper section.

 

Well you had me confused there for a while and honestly for a newbie it wasn't very intuitive. There are -two- Ford forums that cover the 1994. Apparently I chose the 1983-1994 and pressed on. However, now noticing there is a 1994-1998 which apparently is where you are saying I should have opened this; now that I note it says "Powerstroke" once you actually go there.

Sorry about that. I am totally new to diesel's in general and didn't really know there were two different models available for this year.

I don't appear to have sufficient rights to change where this thread goes. If a kindly administrator could do that for me I'd be happy to have it appear in the proper location.

Thank you for pointing that out... I might have gone a while without properly understanding.

Asa Jay

 

Hey, no problem, it happens. The fact that both motors were available in 1994 can make it a bit confusing. It's really annoying if you have a 1994 IDI with a factory turbo and go to a parts store, they always assume it's a powerstroke and you end up with the wrong stuff. Enjoy your new ride.