Macguyver anyone? Get "code" w/out diagnostics equip on 01 Focus Se wagon...

[7flowers4u]

I've seen it done on a car or 2 in my day.....is there a way to get the code via paper clip on a Focus SE wagon??
LOL!
You put it in the fuse box...somewhere, and the light on the dash flashes a code....
Anyone?
You'd be my hero
Please?
Anyone?

[jason43050]

Originally Posted by 7flowers4u

I've seen it done on a car or 2 in my day.....is there a way to get the code via paper clip on a Focus SE wagon??
LOL!
You put it in the fuse box...somewhere, and the light on the dash flashes a code....
Anyone?
You'd be my hero
Please?
Anyone?

Dude you can go to autozone and they will give you the code for free!!

[Miler]

You are referring to vehicles that had OBD1 emissions. Your Focus has OBDII.
In days of old you could put a paper clip between upper right and lower left connections on the Comm plug, switch the engine on and the `Service Engine Light' would flash `1' then `2' (ie, 12) three times and then the fault code, then 12 three times. Not any more. With OBD II you need a code reader, try the paper clip trick on your Focus and you will have serious problems
Sorry

[mark v]

Yep, new cars you need a real tester now days.

[frgtflrcn]

goto focushacks.com you can get them through the gauge cluster

[mark v]

Explain how?

Originally Posted by frgtflrcn

goto focushacks.com you can get them through the gauge cluster

[wide oval]

You turn the ignition on and off plus I think you have to hold the trip mileage reset button down. Go to the link.

[mark v]

OK looked at the site. What you can get off the dash is utterly useless. Reading the link provides NO useful codes.

Sounds like if you dont follow directions to the "T" you can change settings on your dash and mess it up.

Dont be cheap, get the codes read for free at most parts stores or just invest in a cheap code reader.

[BroncoJoe19]

Marks' right, I think those DTCs are pertenant only to the elctronic dash.
I suspected that it had to do with PSOM. The '92 to '96 full size broncos had a programmable speedometer/odometer. One would program it so that it would give an accurate speed reading when one changed the dimensions of his tires.
That hack said nothing of it, so who knows?

Again Mark differenciated bewteen OBD and OBDII. OBDII requires a reader, but OBD can be flashed to the dashboard or to a test light, or volt meter. The switch to OBDII came in 1996, some cars in late '95.
Here's how to read OBD like MacGuyver
Pull Diagnostic Trouble Codes From your onboard computer.
Your engine and transmission are computer controlled.
The computer uses sensors to tell it a number of different things and it controls actuators that push or pull mechanical levers (kinda). If one or more sensors aren't working properly, the computer goes "blind" and doesn't know what to do. If the computer can "see" but one of the actuators is broken and therefore can't follow the commands of the computer; the engine won't run correctly. The computer is preprogrammed with set values for each of its sensors, and each of its actuators. It will run a self check of all systems, like the space shuttle; it will compare its set value(s) to the value(s) it recieves from its sensors, and actuators. If any sensor or acutator is out of the "normal" range the computer will generate a "code." It will generate some codes on the fly, and others will be stored while you are driving. There is a simple method to "pull codes" out of the computer for one to use for diagnostic purposes.

Earlier versions of On Board Diagnostics OBD 1983-1995 can flash the error code to the dash board and can be pulled in one's driveway without any special tools.
Later versions of On Board Diagnostics OBDII some 1995, and pretty much all 1996 and newer, require one to use a code reader or scanner tool.

Some auto parts stores will scan your engine codes for FREE, you may want to call around. Some will scan OBDII but not the older (prior to 1996) OBD systems.

SO here you go...
How to scan FORD on board diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in your driveway
Howto Pull Codes 1983-1995 Mustang, F series Trucks, Econolines, Broncos, 302, 351 and more

1993-1995 Ford Probe