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The EB Falcon (1991–1993) marks the moment Ford Australia quietly stepped into a new electrical age. While it still looks and behaves like a traditional Falcon on the surface, underneath it introduced one of the most significant changes in the model’s history — the arrival of electronic engine management.
System Overview
The EB Falcon runs a 12-volt negative earth electrical system built around conventional wiring, but with a crucial addition: a computer controlling the engine.
Key components include:
- Conventional alternator with internal voltage regulator
- Maintenance-free lead-acid battery
- EEC-IV engine management system (PCM-based control)
- Traditional fuse and relay architecture
- Mechanical throttle linkage (cable-operated)
- No body control module or multiplex wiring system
- Fully analogue accessory and lighting control
The result is a hybrid system — simple in structure, but more intelligent in how the engine is managed.
Alternator and Charging System
The EB Falcon uses a conventional internally regulated alternator. While the engine became electronic, the charging system remained simple and robust.
Typical specifications:
- Output range: ~80–90A depending on engine variant
- Internal voltage regulation
- Belt-driven mechanical design
- Fixed charging curve with no PCM intervention
Common part numbers:
- Ford OEM EB alternator assemblies (I6 3.9L/4.0L variants)
- Bosch replacement alternators (widely used aftermarket option)
- Mitsubishi and Denso remanufactured units depending on application
Known issues:
- Voltage regulator wear causing over/under charging
- Bearing noise due to age
- Diode pack failure leading to battery drain
- Reduced output at idle under accessory load
While simple, the alternator system is generally durable when maintained properly.
Battery System
The EB Falcon uses a conventional maintenance-free lead-acid battery designed for moderate electrical demand.
Typical specifications:
- 12V maintenance-free lead-acid battery
- Moderate cold-cranking capacity
- Designed for EFI systems and standard accessories
Common part numbers:
- Ford OEM EB battery group sizes (commonly NS70 equivalent depending on engine and trim)
- Century MF lead-acid batteries
- Exide maintenance-free replacements
- Bosch S3/S4 equivalents
Known issues:
- Sulphation from short-trip driving patterns
- Voltage drop affecting idle stability and ECU performance
- Reduced cranking ability as batteries age
- Sensitivity to poor alternator output
Because of the ECU, stable voltage is more important than in earlier carburetted Falcons.
Wiring and Engine Management
The defining feature of the EB Falcon is the EEC-IV engine management system. This was Ford’s first major step into computer-controlled drivability in the Falcon range.
Key components include:
- EEC-IV PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
- Electronic fuel injection system
- Electronic ignition timing control
- Oxygen sensor feedback loop (closed-loop fueling)
- Basic ABS system (where fitted)
- Traditional relay and fuse-based accessory systems
There is no CAN-bus, no BCM, and no multiplex wiring. The engine is electronic, but the body is still mechanical in its electrical logic.
Benefits:
- Significant improvement in fuel economy and drivability
- More precise ignition and fuel control
- Better cold-start behaviour than carburetted XF models
- Early diagnostic capability via ECU fault codes
- Improved emissions compliance
Limitations:
- Sensor dependency increases fault sensitivity
- Wiring degradation can cause misleading ECU symptoms
- Early ECU calibration can feel crude by modern standards
- Still lacks integration between systems
Lighting and Accessories
Despite the electronic engine upgrade, lighting and accessories remain largely traditional.
Features include:
- Manual headlight control
- Electric windows and mirrors (depending on trim level)
- Central locking systems (vacuum or electric depending on variant)
- Basic interior lighting circuits
- No BCM-based automation
Common issues:
- Headlight switch wear and overheating
- Window regulator fatigue
- Earth point corrosion causing intermittent faults
- Relay wear in lighting circuits
Most faults remain mechanical or wiring-related rather than module-based.
Infotainment and Interior Electronics
Interior electronics in the EB remain simple, reflecting its early-90s design philosophy.
Features include:
- AM/FM radio head units
- Optional cassette or CD players in higher trims
- Basic speaker setups with optional premium systems
- No digital instrument cluster integration
Known issues:
- Head unit capacitor aging
- Speaker deterioration
- Wiring fatigue in door looms
- Limited aftermarket integration without adapters
The simplicity of the system makes it ideal for straightforward audio upgrades.
Electrical Weak Points
Even though the EB is mechanically robust, age has exposed a few consistent issues.
1. Alternator Wear
Regulator and bearing failures are common over time.
2. Earth Point Degradation
Corrosion leads to unstable ECU behaviour and electrical gremlins.
3. Wiring Insulation Ageing
Engine bay and loom insulation can become brittle and crack.
4. Sensor Reliability
Because the ECU depends on sensor input, ageing sensors can cause drivability issues.
Upgrade Potential
The EB Falcon is a popular modification platform thanks to its simple electrical architecture and early EFI system.
Common upgrades include:
- High-output alternators for audio or accessories
- AGM battery upgrades for improved stability
- Upgraded grounding kits
- Modern stereo head unit conversions
- LED lighting upgrades (with relay considerations)
Because there is no multiplex network, modifications are generally straightforward and highly reversible.
It’s the first Falcon to rely on electronic engine management, yet it retains the simplicity of earlier models everywhere else.
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