problems with the diagnostics tester?

[ChefJ]

anyone ever have issues with the actron super auto scanner when they plugged it into a 1992 mtx?
its telling me that it needs to be plugged in when it is plugged in. I am ositive that the attachment is correct but have no idea what the problem could be. the key is on engine off I just don't get it.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Try a paperclip. If that works, it's the gadget you're trying to use, if it still doesn't work, then you've got a wiring or PCM issue.

 

[projectSHO89]

If your CEL doesn't work, the scanner also can not work.

Check the CEL for operation during bulb proveout. If the bulb is open, there is no pullup voltage for the output of the PCM.

This assumes you're using the Actron that has the OBD-i interface attachements.

Couple of other things also possible, like a loss of Vref.

Depends on whether the scanner interface is 100% self-sufficient or if it uses some of the vehicle's systems for its operation. You'd have to contact Actron to properly answer that.

Steve

 

[Rockledge]

Or, if the problem is that your CEL is ON but you still cannot pull codes, then you might find something to help you out in this previous post of mine (from another site) setting forth a few tips from Ford on the subject:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2513788&postcount=6

It's highly unlikely that the code reader is at fault. FWIW, I've had an Actron 9015 scanner for several years and never had any problems pulling EEC-IV codes with it.