Wiring Harness Plugs and Components

[Rickward47]

I'm sure most will think this is bizarre. But I bought a 1992 Lincoln frame with engine, transmission, rear end and tires all intact. The body was cut off under the windshield and all the way around. All the wiring is still intact on the engine. The AC/Heater box has been removed inside and out. All the wires from electric windows, doors, seats, mirrors, fuel tank, gas door, trunk latch and all lights, are lying in the floorboard. I just want to get the engine started for now. I will deal with all the unplugged wires later. A 1948 Dodge convertible body was placed over it to make a rat rod.

I am confused as to which box is the main computer ECU/ECM? I am sending a photo of a box under the dash to the left of the steering column that goes through the firewall under the master cylinder. I am also including a picture of the plug-in outside the firewall. Is that the main computer?

If so, I have a large plug with about 50 pins in it that is plugged into nothing lying on top of the engine. When I look up ECU on google I see boxes that have male pins on the end of them that look like they will plug directly into that empty plug. So, is that the ECU plug and am I missing the ECU to plug into it.

Please review these photos after reading this and tell me if you know what is what! Thank you in advance. Obviously, I'm a moron do please try to educate me.

 

[etinpa]

The Ford wiring information in the Factory Service Manual shows the connector to the EEC (Electronic Engine Control) Module (not ECU in 1992) as C185.

I've attached a pinout and pin description for that connector.

I've also attached the location drawings showing the connectors in the engine compartment.

Hopefully these should get you started down the correct path.

I would HIGHLY suggest that you get a Ford Factory Service Manual (paper or digital). Aftermarket manuals do not have the level of detail you will require.

These manuals show up on EBay sometimes.

Best of luck and keep us informed of your progress...

 

[driller]

I am confused as to which box is the main computer ECU/ECM? I am sending a photo of a box under the dash to the left of the steering column that goes through the firewall under the master cylinder. I am also including a picture of the plug-in outside the firewall. Is that the main computer?

The engine computers of that era had a 60 pin layout and were typically located as you described, under the dash to the left of the steering column. Your 3rd and 4th pics appear to be the EEC box. There should be a sticker on it with a 4 digit alphanumeric code such as "W2S1" (separate from the part number). There should be a main harness that runs through the firewall that connects the engine wiring harness to the vehicle main harness that leads to the computer.

Hope that helps.

 

[Rickward47]

The engine computers of that era had a 60 pin layout and were typically located as you described, under the dash to the left of the steering column. Your 3rd and 4th pics appear to be the EEC box. There should be a sticker on it with a 4 digit alphanumeric code such as "W2S1" (separate from the part number). There should be a main harness that runs through the firewall that connects the engine wiring harness to the vehicle main harness that leads to the computer.

Hope that helps.

Can you tell me what the big red plug is that has about 50 pinholes in the photo? What does it plug into. It is loose lying across the engine.

______________________________

 

[Rickward47]

The engine computers of that era had a 60 pin layout and were typically located as you described, under the dash to the left of the steering column. Your 3rd and 4th pics appear to be the EEC box. There should be a sticker on it with a 4 digit alphanumeric code such as "W2S1" (separate from the part number). There should be a main harness that runs through the firewall that connects the engine wiring harness to the vehicle main harness that leads to the computer.

Hope that helps.

The engine computers of that era had a 60 pin layout and were typically located as you described, under the dash to the left of the steering column. Your 3rd and 4th pics appear to be the EEC box. There should be a sticker on it with a 4 digit alphanumeric code such as "W2S1" (separate from the part number). There should be a main harness that runs through the firewall that connects the engine wiring harness to the vehicle main harness that leads to the computer.

Hope that helps.

Can you tell me what the big red plug is that has about 50 pinholes in the photo? What does it plug into? It is loose lying across the engine.

 

[etinpa]

C162 for the Anti-Lock Brake Module... see attached

 

[driller]

Can you tell me what the big red plug is that has about 50 pinholes in the photo? What does it plug into? It is loose lying across the engine.

Looks like @etinpa confirmed my suspicion. I was going to suggest that in my first reply but wasn't sure and didn't want to add to your confusion.

Looks like one heck of a project!

I've seen several Mark VIII drivetrains in various ratrods and custom builds over the years but not so much with a Town Car. It should prove out to be reliable platform to work with but the factory manuals will help immensely with sorting everything out and deciding which circuits to keep available and which ones to do without.

 

[Action]

The wire harness connector to the PCM/ECU is bolted to the PCM/ECU.

The red connector shown in the first post, last picture is NOT for the PCM. As there is no bolt in the center.
Likely for the ABS system and that system has more than 50 pins.
Post an overall picture in as found condition.
The post a second picture of the harness leading into that connector.

As a guess, this connector may go to the central junction box or some similar box as well.

Action

______________________________

 

[driller]

Likely for the ABS system and that system has more than 50 pins.

The OP said "about 50 pins" and I counted 55 pins. The ABS harness connector has 55 pins.

As a guess, this connector may go to the central junction box or some similar box as well.

That was also a thought I had but I could not find any other Town Car module that matched that number of pins on Google.

The EVTM (Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual) for this model year Town Car would answer all the questions on the wiring, both now and any in the future as the project progresses.

 

[Action]

+1 on an EVTM.

Especially for this partial vehicle.


Action

 

[Rickward47]

The OP said "about 50 pins" and I counted 55 pins. The ABS harness connector has 55 pins.


That was also a thought I had but I could not find any other Town Car module that matched that number of pins on Google.

The EVTM (Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual) for this model year Town Car would answer all the questions on the wiring, both now and any in the future as the project progresses.

I think you are right and mine does have 55 pin holes so now I need to find that computer. Thank you.

 

[Rickward47]

The Ford wiring information in the Factory Service Manual shows the connector to the EEC (Electronic Engine Control) Module (not ECU in 1992) as C185.

I've attached a pinout and pin description for that connector.

I've also attached the location drawings showing the connectors in the engine compartment.

Hopefully these should get you started down the correct path.

I would HIGHLY suggest that you get a Ford Factory Service Manual (paper or digital). Aftermarket manuals do not have the level of detail you will require.

These manuals show up on EBay sometimes.

Best of luck and keep us informed of your progress...

Thank you very much !

______________________________