OBD-I Codes List

Ford 71 Idle tracking switch closed on pre-position or software reinitialization detected

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

How to read it

Code 71 reads as 7 flashes, pause, 1 flash 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 71 mean?

Idle tracking switch closed on pre-position or software reinitialization detected

Common causes of 71

  • Misadjusted throttle linkage
  • Faulty idle tracking switch
  • Power interruption to the PCM
  • Low or unstable system voltage
  • Faulty cluster control circuit on some models

How to fix 71

  1. Confirm the code and check the throttle linkage adjustment
  2. Test the idle tracking switch through the throttle range
  3. Check battery and charging voltage and the PCM power feed
  4. Look for a loose ground or intermittent power connection
  5. Repair wiring or replace the switch only after the tests

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

Last updated 2026-09-25.

Report a correction for 71. Include your vehicle, the issue and a source if you have one.

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