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Spark Knock Test (V8)

  1. If vehicle is not equipped with knock sensor or 3-connector ignition module, check ignition timing and reset as necessary. Testing is now complete. MCU system is functional and problem must be in some other area.
  2. If vehicle is equipped with knock sensor or 3-connector module, disconnect knock sensor and set timing. Disconnect 2-wire connector (Yellow and Black/White wires) and jumper wires together at module.
  3. Check ignition timing. If timing retards 16-20°, reconnect module and go to next step. If timing does not retard, replace module and repeat Spark Knock Test.
  4. With vehicle at normal operating temperature, set fast idle screw on cam step that will maintain engine speed above 1200 RPM. Read and record ignition timing.
  5. Locate zone vacuum switch, then remove and plug hose from it. Recheck timing, If timing retards more than 5 degrees and system has a knock sensor, go to step  7. If no knock sensor, testing is complete, MCU system okay. If timing does not retard 5 degrees, go to next step.
  6. While engine is still at 1 200 RPM, disconnect 2-wire connector at ignition module. If timing retards, check Yellow wire for short to ground. If okay, replace MCU module and retest. If timing does not retard, check Yellow wire for open circuit. If okay, replace MCU module and retest.
  7. Reconnect knock sensor. Repeat MCU Running Test, but do not simulate knock by tapping rod on intake manifold. If service code 25 is obtained, MCU system is okay. If any other code is observed, replace knock sensor and retest.
FORD MCU SYSTEM SERVICE CODES & SUB-ROUTINE TESTS
Code 4-Cylinder Test 6-Cylinder Test V8 Test
None 14  Functional Test Not Operating 14  Functional Test Not Operating 29  No Self-Test Output
No Start No Start Test No Start Test 18  No Start Test
11  System OK System OK System OK
12  ..... ..... 24  Idle Speed Incorrect
25  ..... ..... 28  Knock Detection System
33  13  Running Test Not Initiated 13  Running Test Not Initiated .....
41  Fuel Always Lean Fuel Always Lean 22  Fuel Always Lean
42  Fuel Always Rich Fuel Always Rich 23  Fuel Always Rich
44  10  Thermactor System 10  Thermactor System 25  Thermactor System
45  11  Thermactor Air Diverter 11  Thermactor Air Diverter 26  Thermactor Air Diverter
46  12  Thermactor Air By-Pass 12  Thermactor Air By-Pass 27  Thermactor Air By-Pass
51  Low Temperature Switch Low Temperature Vacuum Switch 20  Vacuum Switch Open
52  Idle Tracking Switch Vacuum Switch .....
53  Vacuum Switch Vacuum Switch 19  Electrical Temp. Switch Open
54  ..... ..... 19  Electrical Temp. Switch Open
55  ..... ..... 20  Vacuum Switch Open
56  ..... Vacuum Switch .....
61  ..... ..... 21  Vacuum Switch Closed
62  Idle Tracking Switch Vacuum Switch Baro
63  Vacuum Switch Vacuum Switch .....
65  ..... ..... 21  Vacuum Switch Closed
66  ..... Vacuum Switch .....