Pulling the ECU fuse for 15 to 30 seconds
The easiest and most common method to clear DTCs is pulling the ECU fuse for 15 to 30 seconds. You don’t have to jerk off the battery’s negative terminal as the process will reset the ECU. Drive for 75+ miles, then run the self-test once more using a jumper cable or paper clip to verify if the trouble codes were erased.
Some other methods for specific vehicles
For EEC-V & DI 7.3L Turbo Diesel
You can reset the PCM by disconnecting the ground cable to the battery for five minutes or using the NGS (New Generation Star) tester. Disconnecting the battery’s ground cable to clear DTCs will result in the rough operation of the vehicle for the first few miles. However, normalcy will resume when the adaptive values are relearned.
For EEC-IV Continuous Memory
* Initiate the KOEO self-test.
* Deactivate the self-test as soon as DTCs start to display as follows:
* Position the central button to the STAR tester in the up position.
* If the test was conducted using an analog voltmeter or an Ohmmeter, dislodge the jumper cable from the self-test input connector and self-test return pin connector.
* If the test was done using an NGS tester, press the STOP button.
* For test results, read through the engine check light, message center, and OCIL, remove the jumper cable from the self-test signal return pin and the input connector of the self-test.
* On completion, the continuous streams of DTCs would have been erased.
For Keep Alive Memory (KAM)
You’ll need to disconnect the negative battery cable and isolate it for at least five minutes to clear the keep alive memory. Afterward, driving for at least 10 miles for the vehicle’s processor to relearn the values is necessary.
For Merkur 2.9L & 85–88 2.3L Engine
* You’ll first need to initiate the KOEO self-test.
* Immediately the first error code is received, disconnect the jumper wire from the self-test input terminals.
* Repeat the self-test once more with the jumper wire to confirm that the DTCs are erased.
For Aspire, Capri (1.6L), Escort & Tracer (1.8L), Probe (2.0L w/4EAT, 2.2L & 2.5L) & 88–93 Festiva
* Start the KOEO self-test.
* Immediately you receive the first error code, unlatch the push button located on the Super Star II Tester.
* Disconnect, then isolate the battery’s ground cable before pressing and holding the brake pedal for about 5 to 10 seconds.
* Finally, conduct the self-test to verify the DTCs are erased.
For Mercury Villager
All other DTCs can be erased using each of these methods except that of a malfunction indicator lamp. After disconnecting the battery’s ground cable, stored DTC in the backup memory will be erased after 24 hours. If you’re using an NGS tester, select the Diagnostic Test Mode Results before pressing the CLEAR button.
Here are the steps to adhere to erase DTC resulting from malfunctioning indicator lamp:
* Firstly, actuate the diagnostic test mode.
* Next, disconnect the DTC.
* While utilizing the suitable jumper cable, loop through wires BL/W and GY/BL.
* Remove the jumper cable after waiting for about two seconds before reconnecting the DTC.
* Although the MIL will remain on, the DTCs will have been erased.
For MCU System
MCU systems don’t contain KAM to store service DTCs. Therefore, DTCs are cleared on switching the ignition off.
Final thoughts
Reading OBD1 codes doesn’t have to be a daunting experience, and you don’t have to spend a dime if you can DIY. By performing a simple KOEO or a KOER test, you can identify the error codes in the vehicle, whether by checking the engine light, TMIL, or using the message center.
The process is simple, loop through the data link connectors using a jumper cable or an unrolled paper clip before running through the procedure. You will head after this only to the spare parts shop to purchase the faulty component and not a repair shop to diagnose your vehicle.
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