Fault Code Reader 'linking Error'

[Calypso Cab]

Hi don't know if anyone else has experienced the same problem, but I have a 1997 MK6 Escort Calypso 1.6 16v Zetec, and it needs a lot of work. I'm noticing that it seems to be holding back on power, checked the Oxygen Sensor fuse, and replaced it as it was blown, but no real change to performance, then decided to put my fault code reader on to see if I could find the problem (cheap eBay one, which has worked on my 2001 Peugeot 406), but keeps displaying 'Linking Error' on checking the obd socket I found pin 5 was corroded, so I got another obd socket from a scrappy, and pinched the pin from that one, and soldered wire onto it, but still getting 'Linking Error' message. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. :-)

[Guest Dick19666]

If I'm not mistaken this could be because your pug was after the year 2000 some readers read obd2 from the year 2000 only.

Hence not linking....

 

Rich

[allblue]

Correctr, even through the socket is similar cars from circa 1999 have OBD II compatible ECU's fitted which give more data readings than eariler OBD type ECU which is fitted on the Escort Cabrio models.

 

Both types are not compatible.

 

Back to your problem - have you checked the MAF sensor on the airbox. This will cause a drop in performance if faulty.

 

If the O2 sensor was faulty, then your car will either run too rich (black smoke from exhaust - does you car have a lot of black sooty deposits on the rear bumper/bootlid? Or run to lean.

[Calypso Cab]

I haven't changed the MAF sensor, nor do I have black smoke, that's why I was hoping my reader would tell me as I have suspect MAF sensor, and reader is 'supposed' to be compatible with vehicles 1996 - 2001, but evidently not. Thanks both much appreciated, I think I'm gonna have to bite the bullet, and book it into Ford's sadly.