Hi Folks,
I just replaced the ECM in my 90 2.3L Ranger because I could not get any KOEO codes from the old unit. I was looking for codes cause my faithful Ranger suddenly would not start. Now I have a code (57) but the engine still will not start.

My Haynes manual translates that to 'Octane adjust service pin in Use'.

When I google that code most of the folks on the World Wide Web seem to believe that a Ford KOEO code 57 translates to 'Intermittent in Park/Neutral/ Switch or Neutral Pressure switch circuit'.

There is gas in the fuel rail and the engine turns over fine but does not start.

Any advice would be very much appreciated!
Thanks!

tdr

 

See if you can see the timing belt moving behind it's cover, it is not uncommon for them to break and that would be a no start.

57 - 1990 Scorpio - Octane jumper installed (information only code - to inform you if it is installed or not)

Starter motor wouldn't work if you had 57 - 'Intermittent in Park/Neutral/ Switch or Neutral Pressure switch circuit'.

After cranking engine a few times pull out an Exhaust side spark plug, it should be wet with fuel.

Now hook spark plug up to it's wire and place plug so it is grounded to engine/metal, I use a jumper cable to hold plug and ground it.
Then crank engine again and look for nice bright blue spark.
You need to use Exhaust side spark plug because Intake side spark plugs do not work when cranking engine, they don't start working until engine starts.

On the front of the intake manifold is the ICM(ignition control module).
The CKP(crank position) sensor on the crankshaft is connected directly to the ICM.
When you crank the engine over the CKP sensor reads a wheel on the crankshaft and sends a pulse to the ICM and that is what starts and times the Spark plugs, that pulse is passed on to the computer by the ICM so the computer can time the fuel injectors.
So if there is no fuel and no spark then CKP sensor or ICM could be the issue, if there is fuel but no spark then ICM could be the issue.

Gets some starting fluid(ether) and spray some into the intake and then try to start engine.

 

Thanks very much for your help RonD. I appreciate your quick response and the troubleshooting suggestions.
The timing belt is good.
I have spark and the engine will run for a couple seconds with starting fluid. It starts right away in fact.
I do not get a wet plug.
I tried a couple cylinders and there is no sign of gas on the plugs. I did not measure the fuel pressure on the fuel rail, I just poked the Schrader valve to make see if some fuel squirts out. A small amount comes out. The fuel pump seems to re-pressurize it if I turn the key off and on again. I assume that since I can hear it and there is some pressure in the fuel rail.
I'm going to pick up a pressure gauge to check the fuel pressure.

Since the engine runs with starting fluid, I am assuming that the CKP is sending to the ICM. Maybe i'm not getting that signal back to the computer?
It seems unlikely that all 4 injectors would fail.
The computer is new (installed yeaterday).

The only code I get from the computer is that 57.

Thanks again for your help.
I will let you know any news.

tdr

 

If you hear fuel pump running but only a little bit of fuel comes out at Schrader Valve and engine only runs for a few seconds then it is one of two things.
Fuel Pressure is maintained at the fuel rail by the Check Valve on the fuel pump and the Fuel Pressure Regulator(FPR) on the fuel rail.
Check Valve is part of the Fuel Pump, fuel can flow out but not back in, like a back flow preventer, this holds pressure in that end of the fuel system.

FPR is on the fuel rail, it is connected to the Fuel Return line, it is vacuum operated, you can check it's vacuum hose for gasoline, that would mean diaphragm is leaking, but other than that there is not much to test.
You can loosen the return line and turn the key on and off several times to see if fuel is flowing directly back to the tank, some fuel should come out but not alot.

Fuel rail/Schrader valve should have 35psi of pressure so fuel should squirt 20-30ft when you press it, just like 30psi of tire pressure, a little bit means no pressure

 

Hello Ron,
Thanks again for all of your help.

While I was checking the pressure on the fuel rail (it was 35psi) I got some gas on my hand while removing the pressure gauge. It did not smell right.

I rigged up a hose to run some gas out of the fuel rail via the sample valve and I could see some water in the gas.

I pumped out about a gallon and there was clearly a pint or so of water in the bottom. I drained the tank ( jumpered the fuel pump relay) and flushed with some gas, put in some Heet & clean gas and the engine fired up.

Wahoo.

It is running a little bit rough, but I may still be working through some moisture in the sytsem as things slosh around.

I still have that 57 code but I am hoping that is related to the aftermarket ECM I installed.

I noticed that I had another code (66) indicating a bad voltage from the MAF. The odd thing is... I don't see and MAF anywhere on the air intake.

Is it possible that the 1990 did not use an MAF?

Thanks again for your help.

tdr

 

1990 2.3l will have a MAF sensor, it is in the tube coming out of the air cleaner box