Testing Equipment

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 1984 Ford RV Cutaway, 1984 Ford Pickup, 1984 Ford Econoline, 1984 Ford Cutaway, and 1984 Ford Club Wagon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The following equipment is recommended to diagnose and test EEC-IV systems. Some equipment is REQUIRED to perform tests. DO NOT attempt to test this system without proper equipment. Damage to vehicle components will result if improper equipment is used.

Self-Test Automatic Read-Out (STAR) Tester. This tool is recommended, but not required. It is specially built for the EEC-IV system and is used to display the 2-digit service codes that are programmed into the control module.
Analog Volt-Ohmmeter with 0-20V DC range. This can be used as an alternate to the STAR tester.
Breakout Box. This is a jumper wire assembly which connects between the vehicle harness and the ECA. The Breakout Box is REQUIRED to perform certain tests on the system. Ford Motor Co. DOES NOT recommend using a DVOM to probe the ECA pins as permanent damage to the pins will result.
Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with 10 megohm minimum input impedance.
Vacuum Gauge with 0-30 in. Hg range, and resolution in the 1 In. Hg. range.
Tachometer with 0-6000 RPM range, accuracy F 40 RPM and resolution within 20 RPM.
Vacuum Pump with 0-25 in. Hg range.
Timing light.
Spark tester. A modified spark plug with side electrode removed and alligator clip attached may be used.
Non-powered test light.
Jumper wire about 15" long.

NOTE: A small, portable tester for 1983-84 models is available from Hickok Electrical Instrument Co., 10514 Dupont Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106. This tester (STAR; Self Test Automatic Readout) provides a built-in capability to locate intermittents within the EEC-IV system.