For owners of the classic 1993 Ford Probe, understanding your vehicle’s diagnostic system is crucial for maintenance and repair. A common question that arises is: does the 1993 Ford Probe have an OBD2 port? This article will provide a definitive answer and guide you through the diagnostic process for this model.
The short answer is no, the 1993 Ford Probe does not have an OBD2 port. The 1993 Ford Probe, along with models produced up to 1995, utilizes an earlier diagnostic system known as OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics I). OBD2 became mandatory in the United States for all cars manufactured from 1996 onwards. Therefore, a 1993 model predates this standardization and employs a different system.
Understanding OBD-I and Your 1993-1995 Ford Probe
Instead of the standardized 16-pin OBD2 connector, the 1993-1995 Ford Probe uses a MECS-II (Mazda Electronic Control System II) system, reflecting Ford’s collaboration with Mazda on this vehicle. This system, while serving the same fundamental purpose of monitoring vehicle systems and storing trouble codes, operates differently from OBD2.
To access the diagnostic information on your 1993-1995 Ford Probe, you will need to use the OBD-I method, which involves retrieving “blink codes” from the check engine light. This process doesn’t require a dedicated OBD2 scanner but instead relies on interpreting the flashing patterns of your car’s check engine light.
How to Read Trouble Codes from Your 1993-1995 Ford Probe (OBD-I)
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to read the trouble codes from your 1993-1995 Ford Probe using the blink code method:
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Locate the Diagnostic Connector: The diagnostic connector is situated under the hood on the driver’s side, near the front corner, positioned between the fender and the battery. It’s typically housed in a small black box.
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Access the TEN and GND Pins: Open the diagnostic connector box. Inside, you’ll find various pins and a diagram usually located underneath the cover to help identify them. You need to locate the GND (Ground) pin and the TEN (Test Engine) pin.
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Create a Connection: Use a wire or a large paper clip to create a connection between the GND pin and the TEN pin.
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Turn the Ignition ON: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
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Observe the Check Engine Light: After turning the ignition ON, the check engine light on your dashboard will begin to blink. These blinks are the trouble codes.
Interpreting the Blink Codes
The check engine light will blink in a pattern to represent the trouble codes. Here’s how to interpret these blink codes:
- Long Pulse (1.2 seconds): Represents the first digit (tens place) of the trouble code.
- Short Pulse (0.4 seconds): Represents the second digit (ones place) of the trouble code.
- 1.6 Second Gap: Separates the long and short pulse sections within a code.
- 0.4 Second Gap: Separates individual pulses within a digit.
- 4 Second Gap: Separates individual trouble codes.
For example, if you see: Long blink, short blink (1.6-second gap), short blink (4-second gap), this represents code 12. The system will usually repeat the codes. Record all the codes displayed.
Optional Test Connector Method
An alternative method involves using a test connector, which is a single green pin connector located on the driver’s side under the hood, rearward of the strut mount. You can ground this single pin connector to read the codes.
There is also a larger, 6-pin green connector in the same area (though only 3 pins are typically used). Pin 2 (Light Green/Black wire) is the Code Pulse signal.
Caution: Be careful with the Red/Black wire in the 6-pin connector as it’s directly connected to the battery via a fuse.
Clearing the Trouble Codes
Once you have diagnosed and addressed the issue indicated by the trouble codes, you will likely want to clear them. To clear the codes on a 1993-1995 Ford Probe, you need to disconnect the battery.
- Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery for at least 5 minutes.
- Reconnect the Battery: After waiting, reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Disconnecting the battery clears the KAM (Keep Alive Memory) where the trouble codes are stored. However, be aware that this will also reset the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) learning.
Post-Reset Driving: After resetting, it’s advisable to let your car idle for about 10-15 minutes to allow the PCM to relearn engine idle characteristics. Additionally, drive the car normally for about 15-20 miles so the PCM can relearn your driving habits. This helps ensure smooth engine operation after the reset.
OBD-I Trouble Code Table for 1993-1995 Ford Probe
Here is a table of common OBD-I trouble codes for the 1993-1995 Ford Probe to help you understand the meaning of the blink codes you retrieve:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | Ignition Diagnostic Monitor (IDM) or Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) |
| 02 | Crankshaft Position Sensor #2 (CKP2) |
| 03 | Cylinder Identification (CID) Sensor |
| 04 | Crankshaft Position Sensor #1 (CKP1) |
| 05 | Knock Sensor (KS) |
| 06 | Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) |
| 08 | Volume Air Flow (VAF) or Measure Core Volume Air Flow (MAF) Sensor |
| 09 | Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor |
| 10 | Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor |
| 12 | Throttle Position (TP) Sensor |
| 14 | Barometric Pressure (BARO) Sensor |
| 15 | (Left) Heated Oxygen Sensor (LHO2S) Voltage Always Below 0.55v |
| 16 | EGR Valve Position (EVP) Sensor |
| 17 | (Left) Heated Oxygen Sensor (LHO2S) Voltage Does Not Change |
| 23 | (Right) Heated Oxygen Sensor (RHO2S) Voltage Always Below 0.55v |
| 24 | (Right) Heated Oxygen Sensor (RHO2S) Voltage Does Not Change |
| 25 | Fuel Pressure Regulator Control (FPRC) Solenoid |
| 26 | Canister Purge (CANP) Solenoid |
| 28 | EGR Control (EGRC) Solenoid |
| 29 | EGR Vent (EGRV) Solenoid |
| 34 | Idle Air Control (IAC) Solenoid |
| 41 | Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS) Solenoid #1/High Speed Inlet Air (HSIA) Solenoid |
| 42 | Turbocharger Boost Control Solenoid (BOOST) |
| 46 | Variable Reasonance Induction System (VRIS) Solenoid #2 |
| 55 | Pulse Shift Generator (PSG) |
| 56 | Transmission Oil Temperature (TOT) Sensor |
| 57 | Reduce Torque Signal #1 (RTS1) (to PCM) |
| 58 | Reduce Torque Signal #2 (RTS2) (to PCM) |
| 59 | Torque Reduce/Engine Coolant Temperature Signal (TRS) (from PCM) |
| 60 | 1-2 Shift Solenoid (SS1) |
| 61 | 2-3 Shift Solenoid (SS2) |
| 62 | 3-4 Shift Solenoid (SS3) |
| 63 | Torque Converter Clutch Control (TCCC) Solenoid |
| 64 | Downshift Solenoid (DSS) |
| 65 | Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid |
| 66 | Line Pressure Solenoid (LPS) |
| 67 | Low Cooling Fan (LFAN) Relay |
| 69 | Cooling Fan Engine Coolant Temperature (ECTF) Sensor |
| No Code | Pass Code |
Conclusion
To reiterate, the 1993 Ford Probe does not have an OBD2 port. It uses an OBD-I system, specifically MECS-II. By understanding how to read blink codes and utilizing the provided code table, you can effectively diagnose and maintain your 1993-1995 Ford Probe without needing an OBD2 scanner. This knowledge empowers you to perform basic diagnostics and understand potential issues with your vehicle, keeping this classic car running smoothly for years to come.
