For owners and automotive enthusiasts working with a 1999 Ford Contour, understanding the On-Board Diagnostics 2 (OBD2) port is crucial for vehicle maintenance and troubleshooting. This standardized port provides access to your car’s computer system, allowing you to read diagnostic trouble codes, monitor vehicle parameters, and ensure your car is running smoothly. This article delves into the specifics of the 1999 Ford Contour Obd2 Port, its location, protocol, and how to utilize it for effective car diagnostics.
What is OBD2 and Why Is It Important?
OBD2, or On-Board Diagnostics second generation, is a standardized system implemented in vehicles in the United States starting from 1996. It was designed to provide vehicle owners and technicians with a way to monitor engine and emissions control systems. The system alerts drivers to potential issues through the “Check Engine Light” or “Service Engine Soon” indicator on the dashboard.
The importance of OBD2 lies in its ability to:
- Diagnose problems: By connecting an OBD2 scanner to the port, you can retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that pinpoint the source of a problem.
- Monitor vehicle health: OBD2 systems monitor various sensors and systems within your car, providing real-time data on engine performance, emissions, and more.
- Ensure emissions compliance: OBD2 was initially mandated to ensure vehicles meet emission standards, making it a key component for environmental regulations.
- Facilitate repairs: Knowing the DTCs allows for quicker and more accurate repairs, potentially saving time and money.
Locating the OBD2 Port on a 1999 Ford Contour
Finding the OBD2 port in your 1999 Ford Contour is usually straightforward. Typically, in most vehicles of this era, the OBD2 port is located within the passenger compartment.
Common locations to check for the OBD2 port in a 1999 Ford Contour include:
- Under the dashboard on the driver’s side: Look below the steering column, often near the pedals or to the left side of the steering wheel. It might be visible or slightly tucked away but generally easy to access.
- Around the center console area: In some models, the port could be located near the center console, sometimes concealed by a small cover.
The OBD2 port is a 16-pin connector, with a trapezoidal shape, making it easily identifiable. It is designed for easy access so you can plug in a diagnostic scanner.
OBD2 Protocol for the 1999 Ford Contour: J1850 PWM
The 1999 Ford Contour, as indicated by compatibility lists and automotive data, utilizes the J1850 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) protocol for its OBD2 communication. This was a common protocol for Ford vehicles and other American manufacturers during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Understanding J1850 PWM:
- SAE Standard: J1850 is a standard defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for serial data communication in vehicles.
- PWM Modulation: Pulse Width Modulation refers to the method of encoding data by varying the width of the pulses in a signal.
- Compatibility: Knowing that your 1999 Ford Contour uses J1850 PWM is essential when selecting an OBD2 scanner. Ensure that the scanner you choose is compatible with this specific protocol to establish communication with your vehicle’s computer.
While later Ford models and newer vehicles generally adopted CAN (Controller Area Network) protocols, the 1999 Ford Contour and vehicles of similar vintage often rely on J1850 PWM.
1999 Ford Contour OBD2 Port Pinout and What It Means
The OBD2 port has a standardized 16-pin layout, but not all pins are used by every vehicle or protocol. For a 1999 Ford Contour using J1850 PWM, certain pins are crucial for diagnostic communication. Here’s a look at a typical OBD2 port pinout, highlighting pins relevant to J1850 PWM and general OBD2 functionality:
| Pin | Signal | Circuit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | J1850 Bus+ / SCP Bus | 914 (TN/OG) | J1850 PWM Bus (+) – Used for communication |
| 3 | Medium speed CAN+ or UBP bus | 2180 (WH/BK) or 1906 (VT) | Typically not used for J1850 PWM |
| 4 | CGND | 57(BK) | Chassis Ground |
| 5 | SGND | 570(BK/WH) | Signal Ground |
| 6 | CAN High | 1827(WH/LB) | Not used for J1850 PWM |
| 7 | K-LINE | 70(LB/WH) | ISO 9141-2 and ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000) communication |
| 10 | J1850 Bus- | 915(PK/LB) | J1850 PWM Bus (-) – Used for communication |
| 11 | Medium speed CAN- | 2181(BK/YE) | Typically not used for J1850 PWM |
| 13 | PCM | 107(P) / 107(VT) | Power Train Control Module programming signal |
| 14 | CAN Low | 1828 (PK/LG) | Not used for J1850 PWM |
| 16 | +12v | 40(LB/WH) | Battery Power (+12V) |
Key Pins for 1999 Ford Contour (J1850 PWM):
- Pin 2 & 10 (J1850 Bus+ and J1850 Bus-): These are the primary pins for data communication using the J1850 PWM protocol. Your OBD2 scanner will communicate through these pins to retrieve diagnostic information.
- Pin 4 (Chassis Ground) & Pin 5 (Signal Ground): Ground pins are essential for completing the electrical circuit, ensuring proper communication between the scanner and the vehicle’s computer.
- Pin 16 (+12V Battery Power): This pin provides power to the OBD2 scanner.
Understanding the pinout can be helpful if you are troubleshooting connection issues or need to understand the basic electrical connections for OBD2 communication.
Using an OBD2 Scanner with Your 1999 Ford Contour
To use an OBD2 scanner with your 1999 Ford Contour:
- Locate the OBD2 port: Find the port as described earlier, typically under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Plug in the scanner: With the ignition off, plug your OBD2 scanner into the port. Ensure it’s firmly connected.
- Turn ignition to “ON” position: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position (do not start the engine unless instructed by your scanner). This provides power to the vehicle’s computer and the OBD2 port.
- Follow scanner instructions: Turn on your OBD2 scanner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You will typically need to select the correct protocol or let the scanner auto-detect it. Given your Contour is a 1999 model and uses J1850 PWM, manual protocol selection might be necessary on some scanners.
- Read and interpret data: Once connected, you can read diagnostic trouble codes, view live data parameters, and perform other diagnostic functions depending on your scanner’s capabilities.
Remember to consult your OBD2 scanner’s manual for specific operating instructions and features.
Conclusion
Understanding the OBD2 port of your 1999 Ford Contour is a valuable skill for any car owner. Knowing its location, the J1850 PWM protocol it uses, and the basic pinout allows you to effectively use OBD2 scanners for vehicle diagnostics and maintenance. This knowledge empowers you to troubleshoot issues, monitor your vehicle’s health, and ensure your classic Ford Contour continues to run reliably. By investing in a compatible OBD2 scanner and familiarizing yourself with your vehicle’s diagnostic system, you can take a proactive approach to car care.
