For owners of the 1994 and 1995 Ford Thunderbird models looking to enhance their vehicle’s diagnostic capabilities, upgrading to an OBD2 system by swapping the Engine Control Module (ECM) from a 1996 or 1997 model is a viable solution. This modification is particularly beneficial as it eliminates the separate Ignition Control Module (ICM), which is integrated into the ECM in the later 1996-97 models. This guide provides a detailed procedure for performing this 95 Ford Thunderbird Obd2 Upgrade.
1996-97 ECM Installation Procedure for 1994-95 Thunderbird Chassis
This section outlines the necessary wiring modifications to install a 1996-97 ECM into a 1994-95 Ford Thunderbird. Carefully follow each step to ensure a successful OBD2 upgrade.
Cooling Fan Control Wiring
The cooling fan control system requires adjustments to ensure proper operation with the new ECM.
- Step 1: Fan Control Monitor Wire: Locate and cut the wire connected to ECM Pin #4 (Circuit 226-R/O), which is responsible for the Fan Control Monitor.
- Step 2: Low Fan Control Wire Relocation: Move the wire currently in ECM Pin #68 to Hole #45. This will connect the Low Fan Control (LFC).
- Step 3: High Fan Control Wire Relocation: Move the wire from ECM Pin #17 to Hole #46 to establish the High Fan Control (HFC).
Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid Wiring
Modifications to the TCC solenoid wiring are necessary for transmission control.
- Step 4: TCC Solenoid Wire Relocation: Move the wire from ECM Pin #82 to Hole #54. This correctly connects the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC).
Crank Position Sensor Wiring and ICM Integration
Adjustments to the Crank Position Sensor wiring are crucial, along with integrating wires from the original ICM.
- Step 5: Crank Position Sensor Wire Relocation & Splice: Move the wire from ECM Pin #50 to Hole #21. Splice the wires from ICM Pins #3 and #4 into this relocated wire.
- Step 6: Crank Position Sensor Wire Relocation & Splice: Move the wire from ECM Pin #49 to Hole #22. Splice the wires from ICM Pins #1 and #5 into this relocated wire.
- Step 7: ICM Grounding: Ground ICM Pin #10. This is essential for proper ICM functionality in the modified setup.
Purge Flow Sensor Wiring
Wiring for the Purge Flow Sensor, part of the evaporative emission control system, needs to be added and adjusted.
- Step 8: Purge Flow Sensor Addition: Add a wire from the Evap Canister Vacuum line and connect the positive (+) end to the wire from ICM Pin #6. Connect the negative (-) end of this added wire to ICM Pin #7.
- Step 9: Purge Flow Sensor Wire Relocation: Move the wire from ECM Pin #23 to Hole #11.
Coil Packs Wiring
The wiring for the coil packs needs to be rerouted from the ICM to the ECM for ignition control.
- Step 10: Coil Driver #1 Wiring: Connect ECM Pin #26 wire to ICM Pin #8, which controls Coil Driver #1.
- Step 11: Coil Driver #2 Wiring: Connect ECM Pin #52 wire to ICM Pin #9, which controls Coil Driver #2.
- Step 12: Coil Driver #3 Wiring: Connect ECM Pin #78 wire to ICM Pin #11, which controls Coil Driver #3.
- Step 13: Coil Driver #4 Wiring: Connect ECM Pin #104 wire to ICM Pin #12, which controls Coil Driver #4.
Reference: ICM Module Wire Details
For clarity and reference, the following table details the original ICM module wire connections and their corresponding functions, which are crucial during the 95 Ford Thunderbird OBD2 upgrade.
| ICM Module Pin | Circuit | Function Description | Corresponding ECM Pin (Original) | Corresponding ECM Pin (New) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin #1 | 395-GY/O | PIP (Profile Ignition Pickup) | Pin #49 | Hole #22 |
| Pin #2 | 659 | Tachometer Signal | Pin #48 | N/A |
| Pin #3 | 929-PK | Spout Connector | Pin #50 | Hole #21 |
| Pin #4 | 350 | CKP + (Crankshaft Position +) | N/A | Hole #21 (Splice) |
| Pin #5 | 349 | CKP – (Crankshaft Position -) | N/A | Hole #22 (Splice) |
| Pin #6 | 361 | Power (+) | Pin #71 & #97 | N/A |
| Pin #7 | 259 | Ground (-) | Pin #23 | Hole #11 |
| Pin #8 | 95-T/W | Coil #1 Driver | N/A | ECM Pin #26 |
| Pin #9 | 96-T/O | Coil #2 Driver | N/A | ECM Pin #52 |
| Pin #10 | 651 | Ground | N/A | Ground |
| Pin #11 | 97-T/LG | Coil #3 Driver | N/A | ECM Pin #78 |
| Pin #12 | 98-T/LB | Coil #4 Driver | N/A | ECM Pin #104 |
By carefully following these steps and referencing the wiring details, you can successfully complete the 95 Ford Thunderbird OBD2 upgrade, enhancing your vehicle’s diagnostic capabilities and bringing it more in line with modern automotive standards. This guide is intended for experienced automotive technicians or individuals with a strong understanding of automotive electrical systems. Always ensure safety precautions are taken when working with vehicle electrical systems.
