Visual Check & Vehicle Preparation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1989 Mercury Sable and 1989 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before hooking up any equipment to diagnose the EEC system, make the following visual checks and perform the preparation procedures:

Verify condition of air cleaner and air ducting.
Check all vacuum hoses for leaks, restrictions, and proper routing.
Check the EEC-IV system wiring harness electrical connections for corrosion, bent or broken pins, loose wires or terminals, and proper routing.
Check the ECA, sensors and actuators for physical damage.
Check engine coolant level.
Perform all necessary safety precautions to prevent personal injury or vehicle damage.
Set parking brake and place shift lever in "P" for automatic transmissions, and Neutral for manual transmissions. DO NOT move shift lever during test unless specifically directed to do so.
Turn off all lights and accessories. Ensure vehicle doors are closed when making voltage or resistance readings.
Start engine and idle until upper radiator hose is hot and pressurized, and throttle is off fast idle. Check for leaks around exhaust manifold, exhaust gas oxygen sensor, and vacuum hose connections.
Turn ignition off. Service items as required, then go to TEST EQUIPMENT HOOK-UP .