Jim Grant's Tech Tips
96
Mercury Villager, Computer Codes
Q: I'm
a professional mechanic working at a local utility company. I don't have
access to a scanner with foreign car capabilities. I need information
on getting the codes without a scanner on a '96 Mercury Villager with
a 12/95 build date and a 3.0 liter engine. Of course the check engine
light is on and I'm not very familiar with this model vehicle, can you
help?
A: If
I'm not mistaken the Villager is new enough to be equipped with an advanced
generation of on-board diagnostics known as OBD II. The OBD II system
requires specialized equipment and software to communicate with the system.
This equipment is costly and not every repair facility is going to make
an investment in this type of equipment. Check for a facility in your
area that has the correct equipment to access the vehicle's computer.
It's a common practice today for the specially equipped automotive repair
facilities to provide diagnostic services. Basically they'll plug-in to
the on-board computer and provide you with the diagnostic information
that will allow you to perform the necessary repairs.
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