Displaying and Reading Trouble Codes

NOTE: Ford DOES NOT provide procedures to retrieve or clear trouble codes without the New Generation Star (NGS) tester.

The anti-lock brake/traction assist system has on-board diagnostic capabilities via the Ford ISO 9141 serial data link. The Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) can be retrieved in the following manner:

1. Connect the New Generation STAR (NGS) tester to the serial data link connector under the dash to the right of the steering column.
2. Plug the NGS into the cigarette lighter.
3. Make sure the ignition is in the "RUN" position.
4. Follow the instructions on the NGS screen. (Choose correct vehicle and model year, proceed to "diagnostic data link" menu item, choose "ABS (Anti-Lock Brake Module)", choose "retrieve/clear DTC's, press START).
5. The NGS will display any DTC's found, and by turning the dial to highlight each one, will give a verbal description of the code.
6. Write down all DTC's.
7. If NGS reports "System passed, no DTCs", proceed to the Anti-Lock Quick Check Sheet. Quick Check Sheet
8. Next, on the same menu as "Retrieve/Clear DTCs" will be "On Demand Self Test". Run the on demand self test.
9. Write down all DTCs.
10. Compare DTCs from the "On Demand Self Test" to the DTCs from "Retrieve Codes". Any codes given by the self test are existing failures and must be repaired before codes given by the "Retrieve Codes" command. Codes given by the "On Demand Self Test" are failures that can be detected without the car moving. Stored codes that are not detected by the "on Demand Self Test" are intermittent failures or failures that only occur when the vehicle is driven.
11. Refer to the DTC Index to determine which pinpoint test to perform for each code. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index

If you get "Link Communication, Module Not Responding" when trying to pull codes, it means the NGS is not able to communicate with the anti-lock brake control module. It does not mean the anti-lock brake control module is defective. Check the following items when this message occurs:

1. Confirm that the ignition in RUN position.
2. Check the fuse box for blown fuses.
3. Check the NGS connection to the diagnostic connector.
4. There is an 8-pin connector on the LH front apron (by the power steering fluid reservoir). This connector is used by the assembly plant. Ensure that there is a cap on this connector. If the cap is not in place, power cannot get to the ABS ECU.

If none of these actions will restore the communication link, proceed to Anti-Lock Quick Check Sheet to check battery power, ignition feed, and diagnostic link. Quick Check Sheet