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Diagnostic Procedure Sequence

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Ford Ranger and 1997 Ford Aerostar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Following diagnostic procedure sequence should be followed for diagnosing module communications network.
  1. Verify customer's original problem. Inspect vehicle for any obvious electrical component wiring or connector damage.
  2. Inspect pins in 16-pin Data Link Connector (DLC) for damage. See Figure . The DLC is located below driver's side of instrument panel, to right of steering column. If pins are okay, go to next step. If pins are damaged, repair as necessary and proceed to next step.
  3. Ensure transmission is in Park. Ensure all controls and switches are in the OFF position. Connect New Generation Star (NGS) Scan Tester (007-00500) on Data Link Connector (DLC).
  4. Check that all doors, hood and trunk are fully closed. Perform proper hook-up procedure and vehicle selection for scan tester. See EQUIPMENT HOOK-UP  .
    NOTE: DO NOT touch any handle or switch that may produce a module input unless instructed to do so by the scan tester.
  5. Perform data link diagnostics. See DATA LINK DIAGNOSTICS  .
  6. Retrieve continuous Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from selected module. See RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES  . Record all continuous DTCs.
  7. Clear continuous DTCs from selected module. See CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES  .
  8. Perform On-Demand Self-Test on selected module. See ON-DEMAND SELF-TEST  . Record all DTCs obtained when performing On-Demand Self-Test.
  9. If no DTCs were obtained when retrieving continuous DTCs or performing On-Demand Self-Test, problem is not related to module communications network. Return to test procedure that sent you here and continue diagnosis by symptom.
  10. If DTCs were obtained when retrieving continuous DTCs or performing On-Demand Self-Test, proceed to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) DEFINITIONS for DTC identification and reference to proper DTC testing procedure. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) DEFINITIONS are listed after TESTING  in this article.
NOTE: When performing specified test procedures, technician may be instructed to retrieve Parameter Identification (PID) information on a specified component. For information on retrieving PID, see RETRIEVING PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION (PID) INFORMATION. Technician may also be instructed to perform an ACTIVE COMMAND on a specified component to verify operation of systems controlled by the module being tested. For ACTIVE COMMAND operation, see DIAGNOSTIC COMMAND  . It may also be necessary to verify correct version of module being tested. For module version identification procedure, see MODULE VERSION IDENTIFICATION  .
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