need EFI code help

[Steve Collins]

I just got my crate 302 ready to start. I did the self test and came up with code 15 Its a memory error, what is my next step? All of my EFI is new from Mass-Air should I even attempt to start? Thanks

[Velox]

Hi Steve, need a little more info here
Did you mean Mass-Flo?
Is your system using the A9L computer?
What exact self test did you run and how did you access the system and read the code? If it's the check engine light flash sequence from the 9AL (or similar) then you are correct, it's a ROM (read only) or KAM (keep alive) memory failure. But that can set from a number of factors, low voltage, heat, initializing error etc. Try a formal reset - disconnect battery and any keep alive wiring for at least 30 mins, then reconnect, leave test wiring disconnected, turn to "run" position and make sure fuel pump runs briefly and then check engine light goes out. It all that is OK then turn off key, hook up self test wire and ground it, and then read codes. You should get code 11(s) for system pass followed by any other codes that are stored. Let us know what you find, good luck

[Steve Collins]

Sorry it is Mass-Flo and Chris at Mass-Flo contacted me and said a new system would have a code 15 at first so I primed the fuel system and it started right up but was sputtering and running way fat and popping in the intake. Every thing is new except for the dist and idle air motor and TPS.
My guess is dist module may be going out? or TPS is bad? This is my first EFI
Build. The firing order and timing is OK

[Velox]

Hi Steve, glad it started up for you but sounds like it isn't running right the biggest install problems are air/vacuum leaks so you need to go through every inch of the install and check your connections, vacuum lines, injector plugs, wiring connections, and all hoses and then make SURE you cap off the vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator and then adjust the fuel pressure as best you can at or near idle to 40 psi (or whatever your manual says, and this has to be fairly close, as it will not run right with fuel pressure set wrong) then reconnect the vacuum line. The timing is a big factor at this point in problems with running smooth on initial start-up, you have to be sure that you installed the dizzy correctly to TDC with rotor at number 1, and if so, then make SURE you have disconnected the SPOUT wire at the dizzy before checking timing - check your manual, the SPOUT connector is right near the the harness plug in to the dizzy. You CAN NOT set timing unless the SPOUT is disconnected, as it controls the electronic timing through the computer. Once timing and fuel pressure are set close, you should then be able to achieve a reasonable idle, bump it up if needed with the idle stop screw on the primary linkage arm. After that the computer should smooth it out, gets better each time it goes through a run cycle (start, stop, restart) as it will "learn" to some extent each system fairly quickly. If you still can't idle well with correct timing and fuel pressure then something is set-up wrong, maybe recheck firing order plug wiring etc. The next step if all that fails then is to run it for a few minutes at fast idle as best you can, shut it down, then go back through the procedure to read any error codes the computer may have stored after the initial start-up, that will tell you more info. Chris at Mass-Flo is real good about walking through any problems and getting it right, he is prompt with email and call-backs, a terrrific resource. Good luck!

[Dwight]

I had a 5/16" vaccum hose on a 1/4" barb, it took a year to find that vaccum leak. Ford mechanic use a break out box to test each component when the code reader does not identify the problem. They measure the volt or resistance (value) of each item. I had a after market mass air meter that checked good with the code reader and the break out box, but when my mechanic talked me into replacing it my problem when away. Two books that I use are
"How To Tune and Modify Ford Fuel Injection" Ben Watson ISBN-13 978-0-7603-0503

" Mustang 5.0 Technical Reference & Performance Handbook"
Al Kirschenbaum ISBN-0-8376-0210-6 Ford Racing Part No. M-1832-Z4

You may find them on Ebay or at Barns & Noble
Don't give up. Once you get it run right, horsepower and gas mileage are your friend!

Dwight

[Steve Collins]

It was my intake gasket. I was told that thicker intake gaskets needed for aluminum heads and intake. Thanks for all of your input