How to Diagnose a 1988 Ford Taurus
- 1). Stick your key into the Taurus ignition, and start the vehicle. Run the engine at 2,000 rpm for two to three minutes. The engine must be at the regular running temperature.
- 2). Turn the engine off; but, leave the key in the ignition. You will return to this key, and use it later.
- 3). Open the hood of the Taurus. You are looking for two specific outlets. One is trapezoidal and features six ports. This hub is the self-test outlet. Nearby, you will find another outlet with only one slot, which is the self-test input.
- 4). Place one end of the jumper wire into the self-test outlet grounding port. This slot is on the lower row of four slots. It is the second one in from the left side. Place the other end of the jumper wire into the self-test input.
- 5). Return to the driver's seat. Have your pen and paper ready. Turn the key in the ignition, but do not crank the engine. You want the electrical system on.
- 6). Count how many times the "Check Engine" light flashes. EEC-IV codes are either two or three-digit sequences. Once the check engine light finishes one number of the code, there will be a slight pause, signaling a new number. For example, EEC-IV code 44 will entail the Check Engine light flashing four times, pausing, and flashing four more times. Longer gaps between flashes indicate the beginning of a new fault code.
- 7). Switch the electrical system off. Return to the engine compartment; remove the jumper wire, and close the hood.
- 8). Find the code descriptions for the numbers you wrote down. This will involve searching the Internet. OBD-II code definitions are more widely listed, but there are a few resources for EEC-IV codes. Knowing a fault code definition will help you decide whether you have the experience to attempt a fix or to take the Taurus to professional mechanic.