Engine Controls - Reduced Heater Output In Cold Temps
TSB 12-4-204/05/12
REDUCED HEATER DUCT DISCHARGE
TEMPERATURE AT IDLE IN COLD AMBIENT
TEMPERATURES BELOW -9 DEGREES CELSIUS (15
FAHRENHEIT)
FORD:
2009-2012 Flex
LINCOLN:
2010-2012 MKT
The article supersedes TSB 10-25-10 to update the vehicle model years and Service Procedure.
ISSUE
Some 2009-2012 Ford Flex and 2010-2012 Lincoln MKT vehicles may exhibit a concern of reduced heater duct discharge temperature in ambient temperatures below -9 Degrees C (15 Degrees F) when the engine speed is reduced to idle.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Check vehicle build date. Is the vehicle build date on or before 12/20/2010?
a. Yes - Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration using IDS release 70.03 and higher. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2010.11 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at the website. Proceed to Step 2.
b. No - Proceed to Step 2.
2. Inspect check valve location in vent hose. On 3.5L GTDI engine, vent hose runs from upper radiator hose to degas bottle. On 3.5L/3.7L TiVCT engine, vent hose runs from thermostat housing to degas bottle. Squeeze hose with fingers to verify location.
a. 3.5L/3.7L TiVCT engine (Figures 1-2):
(1) If the valve is in location A - The check valve is in the wrong location. Proceed to Step 3.
(2) If the valve is in location B - The check valve is in the correct location. Proceed to Step 4.
b. 3.5L GTDI engine (Figures 3-4):
(1) If the valve is in location C - The check valve is in the wrong location. Proceed to Step 3.
(2) If the valve is in location D - The check valve is in the correct location. Proceed to Step 4.
3. Replace vent hose and proceed to Step 4.
4. Idle engine at shop ambient temperature of 15 °C (59 °F) or higher with the hood closed until cooling fan turns on.
NOTE
FAILURE TO ENSURE THERMOSTAT IS FULLY OPEN MAY RESULT IN A REPEAT REPAIR.
5. Set the front climate temperature control to 32 °C (90 °F) and turn off the auxiliary climate control.
6. Set the mode to panel/vent and A/C switched off. Recirculation mode must be shut off.
7. Set the blower to highest speed and open all panel vents.
8. The left center vent discharge air temperature should be a minimum of 58 °C (136 °F) at 16 °C (61 °F) ambient. Does vehicle meet minimum discharge air temperature criteria?
a. Yes - Normal vehicle characteristic.
b. No - Possible trapped air. Go to Step 10.
NOTE
VACUUM TOOL SHOULD ONLY BE USED ON EMPTY COOLING SYSTEM. FAILURE TO PERFORM BLEED PROCEDURE AFTER VACUUM TOOL USAGE MAY RESULT IN REPEAT REPAIR. WSM INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED EXACTLY TO PREVENT REPEAT REPAIR.
CAUTION
ALWAYS ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL BEFORE OPENING THE COOLING SYSTEM. DO NOT UNSCREW THE COOLANT PRESSURE RELIEF CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS OPERATING OR THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT. THE COOLING SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE; STEAM AND HOT LIQUID CAN COME OUT FORCEFULLY WHEN THE CAP IS LOOSENED SLIGHTLY.
9. Fill the degas bottle to 25 mm (1") above the cold fill line.
10. Install the degas bottle cap until at least one (1) audible click is heard.
11. Turn the climate control system off.
12. Start the engine and increase the engine speed to 3,500 RPM and hold for 30 seconds.
13. Turn the engine off and wait for one (1) minute to purge any large air pockets from the cooling system.
14. Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and if necessary fill to 25 mm (1") above the top of the cold fill line on the degas bottle if the engine is warm or to the top of the cold fill line if the engine is cold.
15. Install the degas bottle cap until at least one (1) audible click is heard.
16. Start the engine and let it idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature and the thermostat is fully open. A fully open thermostat is verified by the cooling system fan cycling on at least once.
17. Increase the engine speed to 3,500 RPM and hold for 30 seconds.
18. Allow the engine to idle for 30 seconds.
19. Turn the engine off for one (1) minute.
20. Repeat Steps 17-19 a total of 15 times to remove any remaining air trapped in the system.
21. Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and if necessary fill to 25 mm (1") above the top of the cold fill line on the degas bottle if the engine is warm or to the top of the cold fill line if the engine is cold.
22. Install the degas bottle cap until at least one (1) audible click is heard.
23. Repeat Steps 4-8.
24. Does vehicle meet minimum discharge air temperature criteria?
a. Yes - Normal vehicle characteristics.
b. No - Perform normal diagnostics. Refer to WSM, Section 412-00.
Please advise the customer that this vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy which allows the vehicle's computer to learn the transmission's unique parameters and improve shift quality. When the adaptive strategy is reset, the computer will begin a re-learning process. This re-learning process may result in firmer than normal upshifts and downshifts for several days.
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
120402A 2009-2012 Flex, 0.2 Hr.
2010-2012 MKT: Inspect
Vent Hose, Verify
Discharge Temperature
(Do Not Use With Any
Other Labor Operations)
120402B 2009-2012 Flex, 0.4 Hr.
2010-2012 MKT:
Reprogram The PCM,
Inspect Vent Hose, Verify
Discharge Temperature
(Do Not Use With Any
Other Labor Operations)
120402C 2009-2012 Flex, 1.0 Hr.
2010-2012 MKT: Inspect
Vent Hose, Verify
Discharge Temperature,
Perform Bleed Procedure
(Do Not Use With Any
Other Labor Operations)
120402D 2009-2012 Flex, 1.2 Hrs.
2010-2012 MKT:
Reprogram PCM, Inspect
Vent Hose, Verify
Discharge Temperature,
Perform Bleed Procedure
(Do Not Use With Any
Other Labor Operations)
120402E 2009-2012 Flex, 1.6 Hrs.
2010-2012 MKT: Inspect
And Replace Vent hose,
Verify Discharge
Temperature, Perform
Bleed Procedure (Do Not
Use With Any Other Labor
Operations)
120402F 2009-2012 Flex, 1.8 Hrs
2010-2012 MKT:
Reprogram The PCM,
Inspect And Replace Vent
hose, Verify Discharge
Temperature, Perform
Bleed Procedure (Do Not
Use With Any Other Labor
Operations)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
RECAL 04
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