Help! I am working on a 1996 Ford F350, 7.3L diesel, auto E4OD transmission. Let me begin by giving a quick recent history of the work that has been done:
New HPOP, new Injection Pressure Regulator, new Injection Control Pressure sensor, new Cam Position sensor, new Coolant Temp sensor, fuel bowl rebuild, new fuel pump. Changed engine oil, coolant fluid, and serviced transmission with new filter/gasket/fluid.
Yes, I have been busy for a while.
Now, during the fuel bowl rebuild, I found that the dreaded fuel bowl heater element had come loose. Had not yet shorted out. I removed the element and have left it out and the connector unplugged. I have read many a post on other forums that this causes no trouble (Hmm...). If the fuel bowl element shorts out, it blows the fuse to the PCM (on the same circuit) and shuts down the truck. Better to leave it unplugged if the element is loose.
Now to the issue for this forum.
I just bought ScanXL with the Ford Enhanced add-on. Using it with OBDLink SX cable assembly. With the key on engine off, the Check Engine Light is *not* illuminated on the dash. I connect to the vehicle with the laptop and ScanXL, generic OBDII first. Read codes and all is clear. No pending, stored, or permanent codes. **HOWEVER**, ScanXL says that the Check Engine Light is *ON*!
OK. I disconnect from the vehicle in the software and re-connect to the Power Train Module. Read codes again. All is clear, no pending, stored, or permanent codes present. Again, ScanXL says the Check Engine Light is *ON*! I look on the dash, Key On Engine Off, and the Check Engine Light is off. I disconnect from the vehicle in the software and re-connect to the ABS module. Or rather, *try* to reconnect to the ABS module. It fails. I can not connect to the ABS module.
Next, I start the vehicle. Engine fires right up and runs smooth. Damn well better after the biological and financial blood that I have just shed.
*NOW* the Check Engine Light is on. The ABS light is also on. It has been going on and off for several years. Something is up with the ABS, but it has not bothered me or affected the limited driving that I do. I have thus far ignored it. I test drive the vehicle. Engine runs great! Smooth with plenty zip. Check engine light is *ON* the entire time.
Get back to the driveway and re-run all of the above with the same result. The Check Engine Light is on while the vehicle is running, but no codes are set in the generic or power train.
Help?
First, I guess, is that I need some advice on how to connect to the ABS module. When I try to connect it fails (if memory serves) for not finding an OBDII device. Is there some diagnostic mode that I can try to figure out why it won't connect? Would like to see why the ABS light has been on all this time and maybe deal with it.
Second, why the Check Engine Light with no codes set? This one has me stumped. Could it have something to do with the disconnected fuel bowl heater? Other than the lack of current on a circuit, there would be no data there. Is there a way to look at the PIDs or capture a log that would show something?
Still learning the software and need some guidance and pointers to figure this out. Thanks!!
