Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Excursion, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The message center is also referred to as the overhead trip computer (OTC).

NOTE: The OTC must be reconfigured upon installation of a new message center. Refer to the diagnostic tool help screen on the configuration card to program the fuel tank size.

Verify the customer concern.
Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage. REFER to the following chart:

Fig 1: Visual Inspection Chart
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- check that the program card is correctly installed.
- check the connections to the vehicle.
- check the ignition switch position.
If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool manual.

NOTE: Before carrying out the self-test diagnostics, the headlamp switch must be turned to the full ON position and the vehicle must be running.

NOTE: If the DTC B1342 is received, clear the DTCs and carry out the self-test again.

Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
- ISO circuit fault; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article.
- No response/not equipped for the OTC, Go To PINPOINT TEST B: NO COMMUNICATION WITH THE MESSAGE CENTER - F-SUPERDUTY for F-SuperDuty or Go To PINPOINT TEST C: NO COMMUNICATION WITH THE MESSAGE CENTER - EXCURSION for Excursion.
- System passed, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs, and carry out self-test diagnostics for the OTC.
If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX to continue diagnostics.
If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics.