Repair And Fix it

The Ford Ranger pickup truck comes with 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive transmissions. It may have a 6-cylinder 3.0L or a 6-cylinder 4.0L engine, and all versions of the Ford Ranger use electronic fuel injection. The fuel pump on this vehicle uses high pressure, and is located on the fuel tank. This makes it necessary to remove the fuel tank before replacing the fuel pump on a 1996 Ford Ranger.

Instructions

1

Relieve the pressure in the fuel system, and disconnect the fuel tank. Clean the area around the attaching flange for the fuel pump with a shop rag. This will prevent dirt from getting into the fuel tank when you replace the fuel pump.

2

Turn the locking ring on the fuel pump counter-clockwise with a locking ring removal tool. Remove the locking ring from the fuel pump. Disconnect the fuel pump assembly from the fuel tank, including the bracket. Remove the gasket for the fuel pump.

3

Apply a thin layer of heavy grease to the new fuel pump gasket, and install it into the ring groove on the fuel tank. Place the new fuel pump assembly into position in the fuel tank. Place the locking ring onto the fuel pump, and turn it clockwise until it locks into place.

4

Connect the fuel tank onto the vehicle, and put at least ten gallons of gas into the fuel tank. Fix any fuel leaks, and connect a pressure gauge to the throttle body valve. Turn the ignition on for three seconds without starting the engine, and turn it off for three seconds. Repeat this at least five times to pressurize the fuel system to at least 30 pounds per square inch, or PSI.

5

Check the vehicle and fix any leaks. Disconnect the pressure gauge, and start the engine. Check the vehicle again, and fix any leaks.

The Ford Focus is a popular passenger sedan. It was introduced to the driving public in the 1999 model year and remains in production as of 2011. Some owners of early Focus models have experienced problems with the powertrain control module.

PCM Defined

A powertrain control module (PCM) is a computer that regulates the emissions, fuel injection and the spark ignition of the engine. The Service Engine Soon" warning light illuminates whenever a fault is detected by the PCM. The fault is assigned a code and stored in the PCM. All contemporary passenger cars have this on-board computer.

2009 Service Bulletin

In August of 2000, Ford issued a technical service bulletin warning of a PCM problem in some of the 2000 Focus models. A defect in the PCM causes the engine not to start after it is cranked. This problem was limited to Focus models equipped with an automatic transmission.

Throttle Response

Calibration of the PCM can affect throttle response. If the PCM is out of calibration, one of the obvious signs is that the engine surges when the accelerator is released. If the diagnostics cannot pinpoint the condition, the PCM may be reprogrammed to the latest calibration.

Ford F-150 fuel injectors are designed for long life. While regular cleaning will keep the fuel injectors performing well, fuel injectors have moving parts that wear out. Worn or broken fuel injectors result in inadequate or too much fuel being consumed during the combustion process. Incorrect fuel combustion may result in damage to the engine or catalytic converter. Fuel injectors which are worn or damaged should be replaced. To avoid future failures, if one fuel injector has gone bad due to wear and tear, replacement of all the injectors is recommended.

Instructions

Access the Fuel Injectors

1

Depressurize the fuel system. If your vehicle is equipped with a fuel safety cut-off switch--usually located on the passenger side front foot panel on the F-150--access and remove the electronic plug. This will disable the fuel pump. Turn on the engine several times to remove any fuel pressure in the lines. The engine will not stay started, this is normal.

2

Disconnect the battery cables to avoid fire hazards when working with fuel.

3

Remove any engine shroud, air intake tube, vacuum lines and other bolt-on accessories that restrict access to the fuel rails. Unbolt the fuel rail from the engine. The metal fuel rail will be braced to the engine with one or two bolts.

4

Remove the fuel injector electronics plug from each injector to be replaced.

5

Lift the fuel rails off the fuel injectors. Lift the end of the fuel rail closest to the bumper and pop each fuel injector free. Some injectors will stay in the engine and others will remain in the fuel rail. All injectors that are freed from either the engine or fuel rail will need new o-rings.

6

Remove the fuel injector from both the engine and the fuel rail. Inspect the injector for missing o-rings. Two o-rings should exist, one for the top connection on the fuel rail, and one for the bottom connection to the engine. Locate the missing o-rings and discard.

Replace the Injectors

7

Replace the o-rings with new o-rings. Lubricate the new o-rings with motor oil and slide over the ends of the fuel injectors. New injectors commonly come with o-rings installed. Lubricate the pre-installed o-rings with motor oil. A drop of oil on your finger smeared on the o-ring is sufficient.

8

Insert the new fuel injector into the engine hole. Press downward until the fuel injector is seated properly. A popping sensation may be felt, but not always. Pull upward on the injector. A properly seated injector will resist removal.

9

Replace all o-rings on the injectors from which the fuel rail was removed. Replace the fuel rail on each injector.

10

Bolt the fuel rail to the engine and replace any bolt-on accessories removed to access the fuel rail. Replace the fuel injector electronics plugs. Replace any vacuum lines removed. Replace the air intake tube. Replace the engine shroud, if equipped.

11

Reconnect the battery. Reconnect the fuel safety cut-off switch plug. Turn the ignition key to the electronics only mode for five seconds and turn off. Repeat the ignition key on/off sequence twice to allow the fuel pump to pressurize the fuel line. Inspect the fuel rails for leaks and repair. If necessary, return to step 1.

12

Start the vehicle to confirm installation.

Ford equipped the 1993 Ranger pickup with a crossmember to support the weight of the transmission. The crossmember bolts to the longitudinal frame members running down the sides of the truck. Due to the exposed position of the bolts, road treatment, moisture and grit tend to corrode the crossmember bolts and make them difficult to remove. Remove bolts that do not release with penetrating oil by using aggressive techniques.

Instructions

1

Place a jack under the transmission. Place a block of wood on top of the jack pad, then raise the jack until the block contacts the transmission case behind the transmission oil pan. Raise the transmission slightly, just enough to take the load off the crossmember.

2

Place the nut splitter over the nut on the crossmember bolt. Tighten the threaded part of the nut splitter until the splitter blade squarely contacts one of the flats on the nut. Ensure the blade only bears on the nut, not the washer.

3

Install a ratchet and socket onto the hex head of the nut splitter. Firmly hold the splitter in place and turn the hex head using the ratchet and socket, until the nut is completely cut through and pops loose.

4

Back off on the splitter until it can be removed from the nut and bolt. Remove the bolts from the crossmember.

5

Install the new bolts and tighten them to 48 to 63 foot-pounds on 3.0 liter models, or 65 to 85 foot-pounds on 2.3 and 4.0 liter models using a foot-pound torque wrench, socket and wrench.

Ford Windstar fueling problems have resulted in several recalls on models manufactured between 1995 and 2003. Fuel system defects, including incorrectly manufacturer parts and cracks in the gas tank, can result in potentially dangerous gas leaks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises that registered vehicle owners take affected vehicles in for repair to avoid accidents and injuries. Registered vehicle owners should have been notified of recalls via mail by Ford Motor Company.

1999-2003 Models Recalled for UFI Filter Defect

As part of a 58,640 unit recall by UFI Filters USA and NHTSA, certain 1999-2003 model Ford Windstars were recalled in August 2006 due to design defects that could potentially cause fuel spillage and fires. According to NHTSA, the recall only applies to certain defective filters sold under the Purolator brand name "P/N F65277" that were shipped from Jan. 16 through June 2, 2006. Due to the design defect, "the quick connectors might not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector is fully attached," the recall notice states. This may lead to dangerous gas leakage problems, which could cause a fire.

2000 Models Recalled for Incorrect Fuel Line End Forms

On June 14, 2000, Ford Motor Company recalled 3,000 Windstar minivans because these vehicles may have incorrect fuel line end forms that could result in a lower than specified pull-apart force for the installed fuel line connection. This problem may result in gas leakage, which could lead to a fire. To remedy the problem, dealers must "install a redundant fuel line clip on the fuel supply and return line connections at the rear of the chassis fuel line bundle," the recall notice states.

1995 Models Recalled for Fuel Tank Cracks

In November 2009, Ford Motor Company recalled 70,116 Windstar minivans manufactured in 1995 due to fuel tank cracking problems in hot-weather states. This particular model can develop fuel tank cracks in the strap area of the standard 20 gallon tank due to "a combination of factors that are present in certain very hot areas of the country." If cracks propagate all the way through the fuel tank, a potentially dangerous gas leak may result. This recall was issued for registered vehicle owners in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Nevadas Clark County and 10 southern counties of California.

The most recent use of a 4.9-liter engine in Ford vehicle is in F-150 pickup trucks made from 1987 to 1996. This is a six cylinder gasoline engine, which requires the fuel injectors to deliver fuel to the engine under high pressure. The installation of a new fuel injector for a 4.9-liter Ford engine requires you to remove the entire fuel rail assembly. This procedure is generally the same for all Ford trucks with a 4.9-liter engine made since 1987.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable on the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to reduce the possibility of a spark while replacing the fuel injectors. Open the filler cap on the fuel tank to relieve the pressure in the tank. Remove the cap for the fuel pressure relief valve on the fuel line and connect MFI Pressure Gauge T80L-9974-A to the valve. Open the pressure gauge to relieve the pressure in the fuel lines and replace the valve cap.

2

Disconnect the upper intake manifold assembly from the engine with a socket wrench. Remove the mounting bolts for the fuel rail and disconnect the fuel rail from the engine. Unplug the electrical connector for each fuel injector.

3

Rock the fuel injector back and forth as you pull up to remove the fuel injector from the fuel rail. Remove and discard any damaged O-rings from the fuel injector.

4

Coat the new O-rings with clean engine oil and mount them to the new fuel injector. Install the new fuel injector into the fuel rail by gently rocking it back and forth.

5

Attach the electrical connectors for the fuel injectors, and install the fuel rail with the socket wrench. Replace the upper intake manifold and connect the cable to the negative battery terminal.

Correct ignition timing specifications are crucial for engine performance. Timing affects many variables, including fuel economy and engine longevity. Sold for more than six decades, the F150 is a full-sized pickup manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Its engineers have determined precise timing specifications so that you can benefit from your 1989 F150 truck as much as possible.

Measuring Ignition Timing

A timing light is used to check the timing. When the motor is running, an inductive trigger signal is picked up from one of the spark plug cables, causing the light to illuminate and freeze while the spark plug fires. This helps determine the crankshaft position. Use this information for timing adjustment.

Timing Specifications

The ideal time at which the mixture should be fully burned on the 1989 F150 is in the range from 9.5 to 14.0 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) with engine running at 2,500 rpm.

Notes

These adjustments should be performed only on mechanical advance distributors. Also, when the engine is operating at high altitudes, the timing should be set to 14 degrees.

A 2002 Ford pickup is equipped with an On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) computer. This computer reads trouble codes sent from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle, and it keeps track of when the pickup needs to be serviced. When you see the Service Engine Soon light illuminate on your instrument panel, this is information being sent to you from the vehicles computer. Make sure you service the engine first before you attempt to reset and turn off the light. Otherwise the light will just keep turning back on and it wont accurately keep track of when your vehicle needs servicing.

Instructions

1

Lift up the hood of the pickup and prop it open. Remove the battery cable from the negative side of the battery using a 1/2-inch end wrench. Let the truck sit for about five minutes. Put the cable back in place and close the hood.

2

Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Look at your instrument panel to see if the Service Engine Soon light turned off. If it didnt turn off, go to an auto parts store and buy an OBD-II code scanner to reset the light.

3

Plug the connector on the OBD-II code scanner into the port to the left under the steering column. Put the key into the ignition and turn the car on but dont start the engine. Key into your scanner your pickups make, model and engine size.

4

Wait for the trouble code for Service Engine Soon to appear on the scanner. When it does, press "delete." Remove the scanner from the port and start the engine. The light should now turn off.

The Power Stroke is Fords top tier diesel truck engine that can generate as much as 800 foot-pounds of torque, thanks to a turbocharger. This device is a turbine that is powered by the exhaust gases to push more air into the combustion chambers. By increasing the amount of air in the engine, the combustion process is made more powerful and efficient. However a turbocharger may eventually need to be replaced, since it is subjected to high pressure that can damage parts like turbine blades.

Instructions

1

Turn of the engine and engage the parking brake. Open the hood and place a step stool next to the engine compartment to make it easier to reach the components. Put drop cloths over the fenders to protect the finish. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery to prevent a short circuit.

2

Remove the clips holding the cover of the air filter housing and remove it. Unbolt the bottom of the air filter housing with a wrench and pull the plastic shield out. Unscrew the air intake line O-ring clamp from the front of the turbocharger. Pull the air line off and place it to the side. Unplug the ECU wire from the side of the turbocharger and place it out of the way.

3

Unbolt the turbocharger from the down pipe that leads to the front of the V-8. Then unbolt the turbocharger from the exhaust manifold on the top of the diesel engine. Pull the turbo out caully because it is heavier than it looks. Place the new turbocharger on the exhaust manifold and thread the bolts in by hand. Then thread the bolts in on the down pipe by hand. Once all the bolts are in then wrench the bolts down flush. Plug the ECU wire in on the side of the turbocharger.

4

Place the intake pipe on the front of the new turbocharger and screw the O-ring clamp down tight. Replace the air intake housing and reattach its bolts. Replace the air filter and snap on the top of the air housing. Reconnect the battery cable, remove the drop cloths and close the hood.

Ford introduced the Taurus in 1985. During its production run, the number of Taurus vehicles sold totaled over seven million. Ford ceased production of the Taurus in 1996. Though frustrating for drivers, an overheating Taurus does not have to signal disaster. A few maintenance interventions and some troubleshooting can keep the Taurus on the road and running normally.

Causes

Several factors can cause or contribute to a Taurus overheating. A temperature gauge climbing into the red zone is a sign of overheating. A Taurus can overheat due to leaking hoses, coolant leaks to cylinders or oil, improper coolant levels, heat transfer problems or cooling system circulation issues. A failing water pump does not circulate water and coolant through the cooling system, interfering with proper temperature maintenance and cooling.

Prevention/Solution

Observation is crucial and helps immensely in troubleshooting overheating causes. Look for signs of leakage that could be contributing to overheating in the Taurus. Yellow buildup near the oil cap can indicate a coolant leak going to the oil compartment. White smoky exhaust fumes indicates coolant is likely leaking to the engine cylinders. Locating and resolving leaks can fix overheating woes and prevent costlier repairs later. Make sure the radiator cap is securely capped so that the cooling system pressure is maintained. Replace components such as failing water pumps, thermostats or electrical fans. Maintain proper coolant levels, using a hydrometer to measure antifreeze concentration. The suggested mixture is a 50/50 ratio of water to ethylene glycol.

Warning

Never open a hot radiator or attempt to work on a hot heating system. Allow the Taurus to cool before inspection. The cooling system is pressurized and can release dangerous pressure and scalding-hot fluids. Utilize care in coolant disposal and clean spills promptly, as pets could drink antifreeze left unattended.

When an oxygen sensor fails in your 1999 Ford Explorer, it is like pouring money into your gas tank. Your gas mileage will decrease substantially, and your Check Engine light may illuminate. If you have a bad oxygen sensor, you should replace it right away. One sensor is located on each side of the exhaust manifold. You can buy new sensors at an auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Lift the truck with a jack and secure it on jack stands. Move the jack out of the way once the truck is stable on the jack stands.

2

Pull the wiring harness connection apart at the top of the oxygen sensor. The connector will simply pull apart.

3

Remove the oxygen sensor with an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. Discard the old sensor as you will no longer need it.

4

Insert the new sensor, threading it by hand to start it. Torque it to 30 pound-feet with your torque wrench.

5

Press the wiring harness connection into place on the new sensor. The connector should click when it engages fully.

6

Repeat the steps on the remaining oxygen sensor if necessary. Raise the truck with the jack enough to remove the jack stands. Return the truck to the ground.

Changing the valve body in your 1994 Ford Bronco with automatic transmission can give you more control over the shift points of your transmission as well as fix valve body-related transmission problems. With the right tools, this is a job that can be accomplished in around three to four hours.

Instructions

1

Place wheel chocks in front of and behind one rear wheel. These can be 4-by-4-in. blocks. Jack the front end of the Bronco up enough that you can comfortably slide under the transmission area. Place the jackstands under both sides and caully lower the vehicle onto them.

2

Push the drain pan with the umbrella over it under the rear portion of the transmission where you can reach it from under the transmission pan. Bringing the tools, slide under the truck inline with the transmission pan.

3

Verify the correct socket size for the transmission pan bolts. Attach the correct socket to the end of the extension and the extension to the ratchet. It will be either the 7/16 or 1/2-in. socket.

4

Remove the three bolts from one corner by rotating them counterclockwise. Loosen the rest of the pan bolts halfway.

5

Slide the drain pan and umbrella under the transmission pan.

6

Insert the tip of the screwdriver between the pan and transmission case in the corner with the removed bolts and twist, breaking the seal of the gasket. Hold the pan umbrella and center the drain pan under the fluid flow. Wait for the flow to significantly slacken.

7

Remove the remaining bolts, slowly allowing the rest of the transmission fluid to flow out of the pan. Set the pan aside.

8

Remove the three screws holding the transmission filter in place and remove the filter, setting it into the pan umbrella.

9

Verify the size of the bolts securing the valve body and attach the correct socket to the extension. Rotate the bolts counter-clockwise to remove them. Set the bolts aside within easy reach. Set the valve body in the umbrella also.

10

Slide out from under the truck and clean the transmission pan with the parts cleaner and rags. Use the scraper to remove the gasket and through this away. Slide the pan and replacement parts and scraper under the truck and caully remove the drain pan.

11

Slide under the truck and use the gasket scraper to remove the gasket from the transmission case to pan mating surface.

12

Align the new valve body correctly and insert the bolts into the corresponding holes and start them by twisting them clockwise.

13

Attach the socket and ratchet to each bolt and tighten them to approximately 30 pounds per square inch of torque.

14

Align the new transmission with the bolts and fluid holes and insert the three retaining bolts. Twist these clockwise to start and tighten with the screwdriver.

15

Align the pan gasket with the bolt holes in the transmission pan. Use four to six bolts to hold the gasket in place and place the gasket and pan against the transmission case. Start the four or six bolts sufficiently to hold the pan in place by turning them clockwise.

16

Insert and start the remaining bolts. Run them all down to finger tight.

17

Tighten the bolts, moving from the center of each side of the pan to the corners. Torque the bolts to between 30 and 40 foot-pounds of torque. Slide out, bringing the tools with you.

18

Lift the truck off the jack stands and pull them out. Slowly lower the truck completely and pull the jack out.

19

Remove the transmission dipstick and insert the funnel in the opening. Caully pour four to five quarts in. Start the engine and allow the transmission to warm up. Shift gears every 10 to 15 seconds.

20

Place the transmission in park and check the fluid level. Pour enough fluid in for the reading to be full. Shift gears every minute or so again to ensure proper fluid flow.

The rocker arm in a combustion engine translates the rotation of the camshaft into the linear movement needed to open the intake valve of the cylinder head. The Ford 390 engine appears on various Ford vehicles from 1961 to 1976, such as some 1968 Mustangs. The rocker shafts on this engine are part of the intake manifold assembly, so the rocker shaft installation procedure requires the removal of any components needed to access the intake manifold.

Instructions

1

Drain the coolant from the radiator into a container, and store the coolant for later use.

2

Detach the radiator hose from the housing of the thermostat, and remove the bypass hose from the intake manifold. Disconnect the air cleaner and ducts from the the intake manifold with a socket wrench. Remove the distributor cap, and detach its electrical wiring from the engine.

3

Mark the distributor housing to indicate the rotors position, and detach the electrical primary wire from the ignition coil. Disconnect the hold-down bolt for the distributor, and remove the distributor from the intake manifold.

4

Detach the vacuum lines on the intake manifold, and disconnect the electrical wire for the temperature sending unit. Remove the vacuum lines and fuel line from the carburetor. Disconnect the linkages that attach the carburetor to the intake manifold.

5

Disconnect the valve covers with a socket wrench. Turn the four mounting bolts for the rocker shaft two turns counterclockwise, proceeding from front to back. Repeat this until you disconnect all of the mounting bolts for the rocker shaft.

6

Mount the new rocker shaft and fasten the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Tighten each bolt two full turns at a time, proceeding from back to front.

7

Install the remaining components by performing steps two through four in reverse sequence. Use the mark that you made on the distributor housing in Step 3 to install the distributor in the correct position. Refill the radiator with coolant, and check the vehicle for fluid leaks.

Since its invention in the 1940s, air conditioning has changed considerably. Now, air conditioning systems are computer controlled, giving the driver unprecedented control over the level of airflow and temperature. The three main components in any air conditioning system are the compressor, the evaporator and the receiver dryer. These three components work in tandem to cool incoming air and filter it into the car. Ford is not alone in using air conditioning in its automobiles, with most of its models coming with air conditioning as standard.

Manual Control

Manual control air conditioning is the standard specification given to most Ford cars. Models such as the Focus come with manual control air conditioning, with the option to upgrade for an additional cost. Manual air conditioning systems require the driver to manually turn them on. A button or a dial on the dashboard usually controls this. The driver can then select the level of blower by turning the fan level up or down. The restriction on a manual system is that the driver has no control over the temperature, having to feel when it is just right. The system is also unable to maintain a pre-programmed ambient temperature and will often require adjusting manually.

Automatic Temperature Control

Using a complicated array of both internal and external sensor, automatic temperature control calculates the current temperature and how to either raise or lower the ambient temperature to the preselected level. The automatic temperature control works with both the heater and air conditioning to maintain the appropriate temperature and prevent humidity levels within the car from causing the windows to fog over. The systems come in two varieties, semi and fully automatic. A semi-automatic system will maintain the temperature set by the driver, while a full-automatic system will do this and also operate other devices such as defrosters, heated seats and more.

Dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control

DEATC, or Dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, is a system that is available in several newer Ford models, often as an optional extra. The system works as an automatic temperature control system, which allows users to select the temperature desired, and the system using advanced sensors throughout the vehicle will ensure that temperature is maintained. Unlike normal automatic temperature control systems, however, the DEATC is capable of maintaining two separate temperature regions, usually the left and right of the car. Other manufacturers use this system but call it climate control.

The Ford F-Series is a line of full-size pickup trucks in continuous production since 1948. The F150 models have a nominal carrying capacity of at least 1/2 ton, although the actual payload is typically more than 1/2 ton. A 1989 Ford F150 has a variety of engine choices and all of them come with fuel injection. The procedure for installing a fuel injector in this vehicle will vary slightly depending on the size of the engine.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable on the negative terminal of the battery with a socket wrench. Loosen the cap on the fuel tank to relieve the pressure in the fuel tank. Remove the valve cap from the fuel pressure relief valve on the fuel line in the upper right quadrant of the engine compartment.

2

Attach pressure gauge T80L-9974-A to the relief valve and open the pressure gauge to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Remove the pressure gauge from the relief valve and place the cap on the relief valve.

3

Disconnect the upper intake manifold with a socket wrench. Remove the fuel rail and detach the electrical connection for each fuel injector.

4

Remove the fuel injectors from the lower intake manifold by rocking the fuel injectors gently back and forth while pulling up. Replace any worn O-rings or plastic caps for the fuel injectors.

5

Apply engine oil to the O-rings and put them on the new fuel injectors. Place the plastic caps onto the top of the fuel injectors. Install the fuel injectors onto the lower intake manifold by pushing them in gently as you rock them back an forth.

6

Attach the electrical wiring to the fuel injection and install the fuel rail. Connect the upper intake manifold if you removed it in Step 3. Connect the cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.

Fords manufactured before 1996 come equipped with a first-generation On-Board Diagnostics computer (OBD-I) that retrieves and stores all error codes sent to it from various sensors throughout the vehicle. When these sensors detect a malfunction, they send the trouble code to the Fords computer, which turns on the vehicles warning and service lights. You can pull these codes right at home using a small device known as an OBD-I code reader, which you can purchase at any auto-parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Locate the diagnostic port on the drivers-side dash near the steering column. The port will be the same size and shape as the connector end of the OBD-I code reader.

2

Plug the code reader into the port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position, but dont crank the engine.

4

Wait for the code reader to power on. Some readers have to be turned on, so you may have to find the "on/off" switch.

5

Select the command on the reader that says "Retrieve Codes" or something similar (the command will vary by brand). Wait while the code reader interfaces with the vehicles computer, then write the codes down on a piece of paper.

6

Look up the codes in the scanner manual. Unplug the reader and have the vehicle serviced or repaired based on the diagnosis obtained from the codes you retrieved.

While many Ford vehicles are acclaimed for their affordability, performance and reliability, several of Fords models have become recognized for having electrical problems. The Ford Explorer, Focus and Ranger have a history of electrical system issues.

Ford Explorer

Auto-Facts.org explains that the 1994 through 1996 Explorers have experienced electrical issues that cause the keyless entry system to malfunction. The problem was due to improper electrical grounding that resulted in a faulty connection. Other common Explorer electrical problems include issues with interior lighting, automatic headlights and the malfunction of powered windows.

Ford Focus

On November 6, 2002, Ford Motor Company recalled 291,854 2001 Focus models in response to misrouted electrical connections between the battery and the engine. According to Automotive.com, the potential danger of this defect was that the battery cables might short, which could cause heat-related damage to the cables, making them nonfunctional. The vehicle could then smoke, fail to start or catch fire.

Ford Ranger

According to CarComplaints.com, the 1988 Ford Ranger started off the model series with electrical problems related to the cruise control surging while the vehicle was stalled. Ford Rangers continued to have issues with electrical systems in later models, including the 2007 model for computer problems with the check engine light.

If the composite headlight assembly in your 1991 Ford Ranger needs replacing due to damage or discoloration, the assembly can be removed from the front of the truck with a little effort and basic tools. The assembly uses screws to hold it in place, and while the trim bezel has to come off first, the screws are all readily accessible. If you need to change the bulbs in these assemblies, do it from the rear of the light without removal.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the truck and locate the two screws on the top of the trim bezel. Remove them with a Phillips screwdriver then move to the front of the bezel and locate the four screws in the face of it. Remove them with your Phillips screwdriver and set them aside.

2

Pull the trim bezel off the front of the truck and set it aside. There are three clips along the bottom edge of the bezel; they may require you to pull harder than you think you should but they will let go if you pull hard enough.

3

Locate the four screws at the corners of the headlight assembly. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver then pull the headlight assembly toward you until you can reach the headlight bulb connection on the rear off the assembly.

4

Release the locking tab on the headlight bulb and pull the wiring harness connector off the bulb. Set the harness aside and remove the headlight assembly off the truck.

The Ford AOD automatic overdrive four-speed transmission, introduced in 1980, was used with most Ford engines of the day. Ford later introduced the AODE, a computer-controlled version of the AOD. The AODE was used from 1992 to 1995, when it was improved with wider gear ratios to become the 4R70W. The AODE and 4R70W differ from the older AOD by an attached cable, allowing computer control. The AOD transmission is identified visually, first to identify the AOD, then to differentiate between the AODE and 4R70W transmission.

Instructions

1

Slide under the vehicle to view the transmission pan. The transmission is under the center of the vehicle, immediately behind the engine. The pan is located on the bottom of the transmission and attached by 14 bolts. AOD, AODE and 4R70W transmissions all have the same pan shape, illustrated on Fordification.coms AOD section on the Automatic Transmission Identification page.

2

Look for the electronic cable and electrical plug. AODE and 4R70W transmissions have a plug on the drivers-side rear of the transmission housing. This is where the electronic control cable plugs into the unit and is what differentiates the older AOD transmission from AODE and 4R70W units.

3

Identify differences between the AODE and 4R70W. Although essentially the same transmission, the Thunderbird and Cougar Club of America identifies their differences as different gear ratios and the 4R70W having a larger outside diameter slip yoke on the drive shaft, requiring a different extension housing. Another identification tool, found on The Ranger Station, identifies the 4R70Ws transmission code as "U," which is located on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the inside Drivers side door post.

An 8-cylinder 7.3-liter diesel engine is one of the engines that Ford uses in full-size pickup trucks. This engine is most common in the F-250 3/4-ton and F-350 full-ton pickup truck. The fuel system for this engine requires the fuel pump to deliver fuel under high pressure. The fuel pump for this engine is located in the engine compartment on top of the engine. A turbocharged engine will also require you to remove the turbocharger prior to replacing the fuel pump.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the banjo bolt for the fuel line on the fuel pump with a socket wrench. Remove the fittings for the fuel line at the rear of the cylinder heads and discard the old seal rings. Release the clamps for the fuel pump lines on the front of the fuel pump and detach the fuel lines.

2

Disconnect the drain hose from the fuel filter and remove the fuel filter with a socket wrench. Loosen the retaining bolts for the fuel pump retaining bolts and pull the fuel pump from the crankcase. Discard the O-ring and disconnect the tappet of the fuel pump from the crankcase bore.

3

Connect the fuel pump tappet to the base of the new fuel pump and replace the O-ring on the fuel pump. Install the new fuel pump into the crankcase and fasten the mounting bolts with a socket wrench.

4

Install the fuel filter and fasten its mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Attach the drain hose to the fuel filter and connect the fuel lines to the front of the fuel pump. Tighten the clamps on the fuel line and install new seal rings on the rear of the fuel pump.

5

Install the fittings for the fuel lines towards the rear of the cylinder heads without tightening them. Install the banjo bolt onto the fuel pump and tighten it to 40 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Tighten the fittings for the fuel line with a socket wrench.