Continuous Monitor (Wiggle) Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1987 Mercury Lynx, 1987 Ford Escort EXP, and 1987 Ford Escort. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Self-Test Output (STO) will be activated each time a fault is detected. If the STO is activated long enough during the wiggle tests a service code will be stored. A fault is indicated by a deflection on VOM. The STAR tester LED will flash and/or sound an alert signal when fault is recreated. The CONTINUOUS MONITOR (WIGGLE) TEST is used to attempt to recreate an intermittent fault.

KEY ON/ENGINE OFF (KOEO) Test: With SELF-TEST deactivated, turn ignition on to enter into wiggle test mode. Tap, move, and wiggle the suspected sensor and/or harness (in short sections). If a fault is detected, a service code will be stored in memory and will be indicated by VOM or diagnostic tester. Retrieve code and perform test indicated in CONTINUOUS SELF-TEST table.
KEY ON/ENGINE RUNNING (KOER) Test: Start engine. Activate SELF-TEST, wait 10 seconds, deactivate, and then reactivate SELF-TEST. DO NOT turn engine off. You are now in KOER wiggle test mode. Tap, move, and wiggle the suspected sensor and/or harness (in short sections). If a fault is detected, a service code will be stored in memory and will be indicated by VOM or diagnostic tester. Retrieve code and perform test indicated in CONTINUOUS SELF-TEST table.

NOTE: An alternate method of entering CONTINUOUS MONITOR (WIGGLE) TEST with engine running is to start KEY ON/ENGINE RUNNING (KOER) SELF-TEST, exit, and re-enter KOER SELF-TEST without turning off engine. If alternate method is being used, perform the following steps.

Observe VOM while moving, wiggling, and tapping system harness (in short sections), connectors, and sensors. If an intermittent condition is created, the monitor will indicate this by storing a service code. Carefully inspect harness and associated connectors of affected circuits.
If an intermittent condition is not created, carefully disconnect sensor from harness. Remove terminals from connector and visually inspect terminals at both ends for corrosion, bad crimps, improperly seated terminals, etc.
Reconnect harness after inspection. Disconnect ECA from harness as carefully as possible. Remove and inspect terminals associated with sensor being checked.
If an intermittent condition cannot be created, plug-in connector and erase the CONTINUOUS SELF-TEST service codes. To erase service codes, activate KEY ON/ENGINE OFF (KOEO) SELF-TEST .
Remove jumper wire from Self-Test Input (STI) terminal as soon as first code appears. Repeat SELF-TEST with jumper to verify that service codes have been erased. QUICK TEST is complete.