1996 Lincoln ContinentalFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Pinpoint Test "A"

NOTE: PINPOINT TEST "A" is provided to diagnose short to ground in circuit No. 914 (+) (shorted wiring or shorted control module). If circuit No. 915 (-) is suspected to have a short-to-ground condition, go to PINPOINT TEST "B" . DO NOT  perform the following pinpoint tests unless NGS scan tester displays Code 01FF or 03FF and open circuit in module communication bus lines cannot be detected.
  1. Remove fuse No. 6 in interior fuse panel. Perform COMMUNICATION NETWORK DIAGNOSTICS . If NGS scan tester displays CIRCUIT 914 (+) = 01FF or 03FF, front control unit module and electronic automatic temperature control module and circuits are okay, go to next step. If NGS scan tester does not display CIRCUIT 914 (+) = 01FF or 03FF, short to ground exists in circuit No. 914 (+) between fuse No. 6 and front control module and electronic automatic temperature control module or between fuse No. 6 and driver seat module. Install fuse No. 6 and go to step 7).
  2. Remove fuse No. 12 in interior fuse panel. Perform COMMUNICATION NETWORK DIAGNOSTICS . If NGS scan tester displays CIRCUIT 914 (+) = 01FF or 03FF, driver door module and vehicle dynamics module and cellular phone module (if equipped) and circuits are okay, go to next step. If NGS scan tester does not display CIRCUIT 914 (+) = 01FF or 03FF, short to ground exists in circuit No. 914 (+) between fuse No. 12 and one of the following modules: driver door module, vehicle dynamics module and cellular phone module. Install fuse No. 12 and go to step 12).
  3. Disconnect harness connector No. 4. See Figure and Figure. Perform COMMUNICATION NETWORK DIAGNOSTICS . If NGS scan tester does not display CIRCUIT 914 (+) = 01FF or 03FF, virtual instrument cluster module and circuit is okay. Reconnect harness connector No. 4 and go to next step. If NGS scan tester displays CIRCUIT 914 (+) = 01FF or 03FF, short to ground exists in circuit No. 914 (+) between data link connector and virtual instrument cluster module connector. Reconnect connector No. 4 and go to step 17).
    Fig 1: Data Bus Plus, Circuit No. 914 (+) Layout (Continental)
    G96I01145Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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When to See a Mechanic

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.