1997 Ford Contour Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Data Link Diagnostics

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Ford Ranger and 1997 Ford Aerostar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Connect New Generation Star (NGS) scan tester on Data Link Connector (DLC) and perform proper hook-up procedure. See EQUIPMENT HOOK-UP  .
  2. Turn ignition on. Rotate dial on scan tester to menu item DIAGNOSTIC DATA LINK and press trigger. A test will be performed on the BUS (circuit No. 914 and 915) for the module communications network and the ISO 9141 communication link (circuit No. 70). This is the Light Blue/White wire that goes between terminal No. 7 on DLC and the air bag diagnostic monitor and other optional modules.
  3. If scan tester displays CKT 70 = SYSTEM PASSED, ISO 9141 communication link is operating properly. If scan tester does not display CKT 70 = SYSTEM PASSED, go to next step.
  4. If scan tester displays CKT 70 = 00000000F, go to TEST F: NO MODULE/NETWORK COMMUNICATION - ISO 9141 LINK under TESTING  . If scan tester does not display CKT 70 = 00000000F, go to next step.
  5. If scan tester displays CKT 70 = (module of interest listed here) NO RESPONSE/NOT EQUIPPED, go to SYMPTOM INDEX TABLE under SYMPTOM TESTING  to continue diagnosis. If scan tester does not display CKT 70 = (module of interest listed here) NO RESPONSE/NOT EQUIPPED, test is passed.
  6. If scan tester displays CKT 914 = SYSTEM PASSED and CKT 915 = SYSTEM PASSED, BUS communication link is operating properly. If scan tester does not display CKT 914 = SYSTEM PASSED and CKT 915 = SYSTEM PASSED, go to next step.
  7. If scan tester displays CKT 914 or CKT 915 = 00000001, go to TEST E: POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) DOES NOT RESPOND TO NGS TESTER under TESTING  . If scan tester does not display CKT 914 or CKT 915 = 00000001, go to next step.
  8. If scan tester displays CKT 914 or CKT 915 = (module of interest listed here) NO RESPONSE/NOT EQUIPPED, go to TEST E:POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) DOES NOT RESPOND TO NGS TESTER under TESTING  . If scan tester does not display CKT 914 or CKT 915 = (module of interest listed here) NO RESPONSE/NOT EQUIPPED, test is passed.
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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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