On a 92 Ford Tempo can the Service Engine Light be used to tell Trouble Codes just like older GM cars?

Answer 1

YES, connect pin 2 of the large conetor to the test plug, turn on the key but do not start it and the check engine light will flash once followed by the codes.

my 92 tempo had a yellow light service engine soon, i had a small computer under the hood replaced, that meters fuel to the car and was shutting off allowing to much fuel into the engine. the cost WA $245 usd but the problem was cured.

AnswerThere is a way to get trouble codes, but it's not like otheres. I know Doge had cars/trucks you could access codes using the light & turning key to 'accessory' twice & then off. With the Tempo/Topaz, there is a 'pin' located in a small plastic box (diagnostic label) under the hood. With a multimeter, +lead, on pin, -lead to ground. But you'll still need a manual to be sure the right pin,(I can't describe it for sure), and to know what the codes mean. I guess the answer to the question is......'sort of'. AnswerOn the firewall, near the strut tower - depending on year and engine depends if it is on the passenger side or driver's side - you will find a connector that looks like a trapezoid. It should have a smaller connector (ground) next to it. It may also say "Self Test". There are six terminals on the larger and the smaller has only one. If you use a sweep hand (analog) multimeter for this procedure, use a piece of wire to connect pin 2 on the larger connector to the negative side of the voltmeter and then use the probe of the multimeter to connect to pin 4 of the large terminal. Make sure you set the voltimeter between 15 and 20 volts. Put the key on the ignition, turn the switch to on (but do not start) and watch the sweep hand do its thing. If everything works correctly it will sweep once pause and then sweep again. This is a Code 11. That means everything is good to go.

You can also purchase at most autoparts stores, small engine analyzers that do the same thing without the hastle of pesky wires. It also comes with a book that has all of the trouble codes. But the best thing is it covers most Ford vehicles from 1984-1994, at which time Ford changed from the EEC-IV electronic engine control system to a newer system. The cost for this analyzer is about $30.00. It is truly a must have in your tool collection. It will tell you exactly what is wrong with any electronic engine control problem on your vehicle.