I'm not sure if i should have tagged this onto my other long post or not...i thought it would be better to address it this way in case someone else had a question on their check engine light. Someone (i think Tracy) had mentioned somewhere in my last post to make sure my check engine light wasn't on. It didn't really register with me though until I was doing some research on oxygen sensors. From what i have read it sounds like when your check engine light is on, then your vehicle runs in an open (or idle) loop rather then in a closed loop like its suppose too. Is this true? The 95 Ford van I'm working on has had its check engine light on for ages. We have done what we can to fix it and also had it taken into a shop. The van has 280,000 miles on it and we were told by the shop that with an engine that old we would never be able to get all the codes to go away. So maybe some of you can give me some insight. If i can't get all the codes to go away is that why the computer isn't noticing the groove? Am I just wasting my time if I can't get the codes to go away?

Hi Andy,

There are a lot of different codes that can cause the check engine light to come on, most of them are more informational than critical. I think the typical for 1995 would be your Fuel vapor canister (EGR).

As far as open/closed loop on the fuel management, even with fuel injection back then I would wonder about that much sophistication.
I'll check to see what engine codes are available for that make/year.

If you can find out what the codes are you can look them up on-line to give you an idea of what it thinks is going on.

Keep in mind, the early years of the ECU they didn't do as much as one might think.

My 1991 Ford Aerostar had one in it and I didn't know it was unplugged until I started messing with the HHO stuff.

If you don't have an ECU scanner and you plan on doing more grooves it would be very helpful to have one.

Karl Fortner
Tacoma, Washington

According to this site...



Your Ford has a OBD-1 ecu in it so if/when you go to purchase a scanner keep that in mind.


Karl Fortner
Tacoma, Washington

Hi Andrew, Karl's right. '95 is the last year for OBD1 computer systems. A code scanner for your Ford ought to be cheap, though it won't read codes except on 80's-95 Fords.


How has your van been running? Any issues? Use cheapo or name brand gas? If it has run smoothly for years but check engine light has been on it Might be a Service Reminder Light function keeping it on trying to remind you to service the emission System every 60 K miles.


You could buy new O2 sensor(s), pull both batt. cables, jumper the CABLES together (turn key to on and turn lights on w/ cables off batt.) This will dump codes. Replace the 02(s) while batt is unhooked, give it an hour or more up to overnight. Turn off key/lights then re-conn. batt. Drive, see if it's different. If check engine light re-illuminates you know ya need to check codes now!

TracyG Gadgetman Reno

Hello Andy!

Well, I too grooved a 1995 Ford E150 with the In-Line 6 cyl. 4.9. This is the one, for those that remember, that I replaced the head gasket due to piece of metal that got stuck in #2 intake valve. Anyway, after I got the job done and did the groove, the customer began noticing oil leaks and smells. I reconnected the PCV and the leaks and smells went away. His check engine light was on, and because I could not read it, he took it to the Ford dealer. They found some vacuum lines around the back of the engine that had melted from improper routing - my fault. Anyway, I would have someone scan for codes - sometimes automotive stores can read codes.

Let us know what codes you come up with - WE WILL HELP!

Scott Castleberg
Pellston, MI
Gadgetman Michigan

Hi Andy, welcome aboard.

I would say, check your compression as well as your vacuum. If your compression is low, so will be your running vacuum. If your engine is quite worn, you may not build good vacuum. As was mentioned previously, take care of all codes, and you can check them yourself on the OBD 1 systems. Here is a good website: NameBright - Coming Soon

The Diagnostic Trouble Codes or DTC may be fired for a multitude of reasons, only a few of which will cause an "Open Loop" condition. This is almost always reserved for a complete failure of the O2 sensor circuit. I WOULD say always, but I haven't worked on EVERY type of engine...

YET!

Anyway, it is ALWAYS important to get the codes whenever the light comes on. Many times you will find that you have missed something. A vacuum line, a disconnected electronic device, not seating the TB correctly, or (God forbid!) a leak!

Come back with your codes. With them, we can generate a more accurate diagnosis as well as give you a possible course of action.

Ain't it great living in Gadgetman Land?

Thanks everyone! Your answers have been very satisfactory! I have a code scanner for OBD 2 but not for OBD 1. My dad and I had purchased a really nice Innova 3140 off of Amazon that did just about everything. However, we felt it was way too advanced because I didn't really understand all of the live readings and etc. So I returned it and got the money back. Now I wish I had kept it! I could have really used it now! Oh, well. I am looking at getting a cheap one to read the obd 1.