Diagnostic Connector - 1988 E350 Ambulance

[fizixguy]

I'm a newbie that just got a 1988 E350 7.3L IDI and I want to read the codes, but can't find the diagnostic connector. It's actually an old SWAT Van - but it's got a Ford Ambulance Prep Package (the conversion was done by Leader Emergency Vehicles). Did they move/remove the connector for the conversion? I checked all the places it's supposed to be - under the dash to the right of the steering column, under the hood on the driver-side fender well, and lots of other places - but no luck.

Any help would be great.

[Super_Dave]

I might be wrong, but I believe the 7.3 IDI is pretty much all mechanical other than a starter and an alternator. OBD would have started in '95, but someone probably knows more than me.

[Mark Kovalsky]

If you have an E4OD trans there is a connector somewhere under the hood. If it is a C6 trans, which is more likely in '88, there is no diagnostic connector because there is no computer anywhere on the truck.

[fizixguy]

It is a C6, and it must not have a computer at all. The code reader's manual threw me off - claims to work on a 1988 E-Series Diesels with no mention of the tranny... but if I had read it more carefully the * footnote says only for GVWR < 8500 (which must be the E4OD's)

No wonder I couldn't find it

Thanks guys

[Mr_Roboto]

The E4OD was not introduced until 1989.

Your van has no ECM at all, so even if there is a connector it won't do anything.