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Can't read engine codes?!

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Old 07-29-2014
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Can't read engine codes?!

Ok so here's the deal. The check engine light has been on for like 18 months on my 99 ranger 4.0L 4wd. I have a CAN OBD II U480 car diagnostic tool. this scanner WORKS on my 2003 Subaru WRX and my friend's 2006 Toyota Tacoma. It WILL NOT read the codes from my ranger! So I go to autozone....NOPE! now it DID read codes once at autozone like 3 years ago. But this last batch will NOT read at all. I try disconnecting the battery to see if it'll reset, NOPE. This in itself is not a problem. But I have developed a hesitation/stutter that I cannot figure out. I have new plugs/wires/ignition coil. Just put in a 20 dollar camshaft position sensor (was a real bitch to get in!) I'm thinking of replacing the O2 sensors and the MAF sensor. But aside from replacing every damn thing on the truck I would really like to know what the code says so I know where to start! O also thinking of replacing the catalytic converter. Fuel pump was done recently but it could be going bad too I suppose. Anyways. ANY help or tips are greatly appreciated! Are there any tricks to getting the damn codes? thanks fellas!
 
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Old 07-29-2014
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Might seem pretty obvious, but have you checked the OBDII fuse? I work at Autozone and the machine should work on something that's only a 99. A lot of times I see that the fuse is normally just burnt for the power to the port.
 
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Old 07-30-2014
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Excellent! I didn't know there was a fuse for OBD. Is it in the fuse box under the hood or under the dash?
 
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Old 07-30-2014
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It is usually powered on the Cigarette lighter fuse, so inside cab fuse panel
 
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Old 07-30-2014
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thanks so much I will find it tonight and all will be right in the world!
 
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Old 07-30-2014
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In my 05 its location 29. second row from last, third one in from the left. Its probably not the same location as yours, but who knows. Should be like a 20A fuse. Hope it fixes your problem
 
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Old 07-31-2014
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If you don't have an owners manual for your Ranger (to obtain the fuse assignment), they can be had for free via a downloaded PDF from here:

Owner Manuals | fleet.ford.com
 
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Old 07-31-2014
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Dammit i replaced the fuse but now all i get is "linking error" any ideas?
 
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Old 07-31-2014
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I got it! Key had to be in on position. I got code p1151 and p0360 any ideas wut these mean? Thanks!
 
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Old 07-31-2014
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Originally Posted by TexMex
I got it! Key had to be in on position. I got code p1151 and p0360 any ideas wut these mean? Thanks!
P1151 = Lack of HO2S-21 Switch, Sensor Indicates Lean

It is your driver's side, front 02 sensor (before the cat convertor).

Keep in mind that the 02 sensor indicating lean might mean that somehwere along your driver's side bank of cylinders there is unmetered air being allowed inside, due to something such as a vacuum leak.

p0360 i'm not too sure. people say coil pack, plugs, wires idk lol
 
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Old 07-31-2014
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well for the p0360 I think I got that covered. I had a spark plug on #3 cylinder and #4 cylinder that was matted with black oil looking stuff. they were hard to unscrew...cleaned them up and moved all the spark plugs around a little. All spark plugs were bought new this past march so I wasn't suspecting them until the code. Not sure what is causing the oil or grease or whatever it is but it was caked on half of the threads that screw into the head. the half facing outwards not inwards. anyways, i'll get on the sensors tomorrow. should be easy fix. thanks for your help! truck runs tons better already!
 
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Old 07-31-2014
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P1151 is often a corroded O2 connector, so check that first.
 
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Old 10-07-2014
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Originally Posted by TexMex
Excellent! I didn't know there was a fuse for OBD. Is it in the fuse box under the hood or under the dash?
Hey guys, I was doing a search and came across this thread. I'm trying to figure out why I couldn't get my EQUUS 3145 to read any codes from my 1993 Ranger XLT 5spd or 4sd OD.

I just got the little truck and had plans to sell it since my son decide to go for a tuner car, but I have decided to keep it and tinker with it. I kinda like driving it.

First thing I noticed was sooty plugs like it's burning rich. I got the reader thinking I could pulls some codes and try to get at the repairs. I connected the reader and it powered up but didn't connect to the EEC. Equus is good as it connects to other cars. I am wondering what it could be.

I read this thread and I figure, the 1993 must have a fuse blown too, that is keeping the reader from act passing power thru.

Then again, I thought maybe the manual trans may have something to do with reading.

Can any of you help with ideas of how to trouble shoot getting the reader to work? In the a.m. I'll look for a fuse....

Thanks to all for the help.
 
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Old 10-07-2014
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If it powered itself on when plugging in, you have power to the port. Not too sure about OBDI, but you should still have to do the whole key on, engine off routine. Maybe RonD will chime in on this and help a little more than I
 
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Old 10-08-2014
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Originally Posted by Dewey
If it powered itself on when plugging in, you have power to the port. Not too sure about OBDI, but you should still have to do the whole key on, engine off routine. Maybe RonD will chime in on this and help a little more than I
Thanks Dewey for the help. What I meant by powering ing on is that the OBD I unit powers on using its own AA batteries, but it can not find / sinc with the truck's computer.

It's still early and dark here now, but I will take the test probe out to check for voltage to the test port where the OBD I connects. I don't have a manual yet to check for which fuse may be involved as I just got this truck and started to tinker with it....
 
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