Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1997 Ford Probe Base, StandardFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Test L: No Response From Steering Column/Ignition/Lighting Control (SCIL) Module
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Ensure ignition switch is in OFF position. Disconnect connector C288 from SCIL module. See Figure . SCIL module is located behind passenger's side of instrument panel, to the right of glove box. SCIL module contains one 16-pin connector, one 22-pin connector and two 26-pin connectors.
- Using ohmmeter, check resistance between terminal No. 1 (Tan/Orange wire) on connector C288 and terminal No. 2 (Tan/Orange wire) on Data Link Connector (DLC). See Fig 1 . Note resistance and go to next step.
- Using ohmmeter, check resistance between terminal No. 2 (Pink/Light Blue wire) on connector C288 and terminal No. 10 (Pink/Light Blue wire) on DLC. See Figure . Note resistance and go to next step.
- If resistance is 5 ohms or less on both circuits, go to next step. If resistance is more than 5 ohms on any circuit, repair open circuit on Tan/Orange wire or Pink/Light Blue wire between connector C288 and DLC. Repeat TEST AΒ .
- Inspect terminals No. 1 and 2 on connector C288 for damage. Also inspect corresponding pins on SCIL module for damage. If terminals on connector C288 and pins on SCIL module are okay, replace SCIL module. Repeat TEST AΒ . If terminals on connector C288 or pins on SCIL module are damaged, repair as needed. Repeat TEST AΒ .
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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