OBD-I Codes List

Ford 15 Readout memory or keep alive memory test failed

Make
Ford (1981-1995)
Category
Powertrain - Computer and Auxiliary Controls
Severity
Check Engine Light

How to read it

Code 15 reads as 1 flash, pause, 5 flashes on the check-engine light. Jumper the self-test input to signal return at the test connector, then run the key on engine off self test and the running self test, counting the check-engine flashes each time.

New to flash codes? The How to Read Ford EEC-IV Self-Test Codes walks through the test and what the numbers mean. The general OBD-I guide covers the rest.

What does Ford code 15 mean?

Readout memory or keep alive memory test failed

Common causes of 15

  • The battery was disconnected or the power feed to the module was interrupted.
  • The wiring to the keep alive memory circuit is damaged, chafed or spliced poorly.
  • The fuse that feeds the keep alive memory circuit is blown.
  • The ECM keep alive memory circuit itself failed.

How to fix 15

  1. Check the battery and charging voltage, and the power feed to the module.
  2. Check the circuit wiring and harness for damage, chafing or a poor splice.
  3. Check the fuse that feeds the memory circuit and replace it only if it is blown.
  4. Test the ECM last, only after every circuit test has passed.
  5. Clear the code, then retest to confirm the memory test passes.

Source

Source review recorded

Sources and review

Review: checked against the recorded source material.

  • EEC-IV Ford trouble code table (MIL, description, type)

    archived reference page (troublecodes.net via Wayback Machine)

    Supports: code identity and meaning

    Fetched directly. Code row matches the description used in the data file.

    https://web.archive.org/web/20030720231430id_/http://www.troublecodes.net:80/Ford/eec-iv.shtml

  • Ford EEC-IV trouble codes, Crown Victoria, Mustang, Taurus, Thunderbird 1992-1995 (code, fault location, probable cause)

    archived reference page (troublecodes.net via Wayback Machine)

    Supports: code identity and probable causes

    Independent table on the same archive site with matching code identity and additional probable causes.

    https://web.archive.org/web/20160502051413id_/http://www.troublecodes.net:80/ford/crown-victoria-mustang-cobralxgt-taurus-thunderbird-1992-1995/

  • Ford EEC-IV trouble code table: code, fault location, probable cause (Crown Victoria, Mustang, Taurus, Thunderbird 1992-1995)

    reference page (troublecodes.net)

    Supports: per-code probable causes used for the page cause list and test order

    Fetched 2026-09-30. The probable cause column is what the page lists, in source order, with the test order built from it.

    https://www.troublecodes.net/ford/crown-victoria-mustang-cobralxgt-taurus-thunderbird-1992-1995/

Last updated 2026-10-10.

Report a correction for 15. Include your vehicle, the issue and a source if you have one.

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