For owners of classic vehicles like the 1989 Ford Escort, understanding how to diagnose and maintain your car is essential. If you’re searching for the “1989 ford escort obd2 location,” it’s important to clarify some key points about onboard diagnostics for vehicles of this era.
It’s a common misconception that all cars, regardless of their age, have OBD2 ports. OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) is a standardized system that became mandatory in the United States for all cars manufactured from 1996 onwards. Therefore, a 1989 Ford Escort, predating this standard by several years, does not have an OBD2 port.
Instead of OBD2, vehicles from 1989, like the Ford Escort, utilize earlier diagnostic systems, often referred to as OBD-I or EEC-IV (Electronic Engine Control IV) in Ford’s case. These systems are quite different from OBD2 and require a different approach to access diagnostic information.
So, if you’re looking to troubleshoot issues with your 1989 Ford Escort, you won’t be plugging in an OBD2 scanner. Let’s explore how diagnostics were performed on these models.
Diagnostic Procedures for a 1989 Ford Escort
The original post you referenced provides valuable insights into diagnosing a 1989 Ford Escort. It describes a method involving a “test jumper” and reading “trouble codes” through flashing lights. This is typical of the EEC-IV system used in many Ford vehicles of that period.
Here’s a breakdown of the diagnostic process based on the original text:
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Test Mode Activation: The process involves connecting a “test jumper.” While the exact location of this jumper isn’t detailed in the original text, it would typically be in the engine bay, near the diagnostic connector. Consulting a repair manual specific to the 1989 Ford Escort is crucial to pinpoint the correct location.
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Key Position: The ignition key needs to be in the “on” position, just as if the car were running, but without actually starting the engine.
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Observing the Indicator Light: The original author mentions that a light will stay on continuously when the test jumper is connected. This light is likely the “check engine” light or a similar indicator used for diagnostics.
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Listening for the ICM: You might also hear the Idle Control Motor (ICM) moving when the test jumper is connected. This is a normal part of the diagnostic self-test.
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Engine Running in Test Mode: The car should run in test mode. The engine RPM might increase to around 3000 RPM. This higher RPM is used to test systems like high RPM spark advance and the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).
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Reading Trouble Codes (Car Off): To retrieve trouble codes, the engine should be off. The system will cycle through “current codes” first, which are issues presently detected. Common current codes might include water temperature, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), and air temperature, especially if the car isn’t at operating temperature.
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Reading Memory Codes: After cycling through current codes twice, the system will then display codes stored in memory from past issues.
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Interpreting Flash Codes: Codes are communicated through flashes of the indicator light. For example, “3 flashes…wait one second, then two flashes” would represent code 32. These flashes are intentionally slow to make them easy to count and read.
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Shift Light Insight: The original post also mentions the shift light in manual transmission Escorts. This light is designed to indicate the optimal shift point for fuel economy, not performance. It is triggered based on RPM, vacuum, and throttle position. The author humorously points out that it can activate even under very light acceleration around 1500 RPM, and at higher RPMs (4500-5000) under heavier acceleration.
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Fuel Economy Expectation: With everything functioning correctly, a 1989 Ford Escort should achieve fuel economy in the mid-30s MPG range, with the author reporting even getting around 42 MPG with their vehicle.
Finding the Diagnostic Connector and Code Charts
To effectively use this diagnostic method, you will need to:
- Locate the Diagnostic Connector: A repair manual for a 1989 Ford Escort will show the precise location of the diagnostic connector. It’s typically found in the engine compartment.
- Obtain a Code Chart: You’ll need a chart that lists the Ford EEC-IV trouble codes and their meanings. The original author mentions that a Haynes manual for Ford Tempos can be a useful resource, as these vehicles used the same codes. Online resources and repair manuals specific to the 1989 Ford Escort will also provide these code charts.
Conclusion
While you won’t find an OBD2 port on your 1989 Ford Escort, you can still perform diagnostics using the EEC-IV system and flash codes. By understanding the process outlined and utilizing resources like repair manuals and code charts, you can effectively troubleshoot and maintain your classic Ford Escort. Remember to prioritize safety and consult professional help if you are uncomfortable performing these diagnostic steps yourself. Understanding the diagnostic system of your vehicle is a crucial step in keeping it running smoothly for years to come.
