I have an intermittent engine light that comes and goes on my 83 T-bird. I go to try and get a Diagnostic code to source the problem and......I can't find the freakin
diagnostic port to plug into. I have several parts store guy and mechanics try and find it but no dice.
I did a lil research and I'm reading that my Bird has a EEC- IV predecessor system called a MCU system?
any senior members or Fordies know anything about these? the "brain" on the fender wall says EEC-IV. What year was the MCU changed over to the EEC-IV diagnostics?
A 83 will have eec-III.
The red engine light is either low oil pressure or overheating.
The engine light is turned on by the oil pressure switch or the coolant temperature switch. No brain involved.
The EEC III doesn't have a test connector for pulling codes.
83 5.0L is EEC III
83 2.3L Turbo is EEC IV
83 3.8L is carburetor
All engines went to EEC IV in 84.
The "brain" you are seeing on the fender wall is probably the Duraspark III ignition module.
Great summary softtouch!
Can you post pictures of the "brain" you are referring to? The ECU (brain) is typically located behind the passenger side kick panel (below the glove compartment) and looks like this (it is one in a Fox Mustang but ours are in the same location):
http://www.mustangspecialties.net/images/1993-ecm-loc.jpg
The ignition module is out in the engine bay on the inner fender and looks like this:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BWD1/CBE7/02801.oap?year=1983&make=Ford&model=Thunderbird&vi=1140107&ck=Search_02801_1140107_2075&pt=02801&ppt=C0334
If you can take a picture of the data tag on the ECU that will positively identify which generation of EEC you have. I don't recall any of the late production '83's getting an EEC IV but who knows who swapped what around on a 35 year old car.
Correction the ignition module on the fender wall says "Duraspark" Not EEC-IV
The car never overheated.....but coolant was a little low,topped it off and presto no more engine light.....feeling really stupid now
Cheap easy fixes are the best ones.
My crown vic didnt have a temp guage. I drove it for two days with the check engine light on before I realized it was overheating.