Engine Controls - Cold Engine Flooding/Hard Start: Overview
Article No.03-7-3
04/14/03
DRIVEABILITY - ENGINE FLOODING, EXTENDED
CRANK TIME OR HARD STARTING - COLD ENGINE
WITH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES 30-40 F (-1-5 C)
WITH GREATER THAN 75% HUMIDITY ONLY
FORD:
2002 THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN:
2000-2002 LS
Article 02-16-1 is being republished in its entirety 10 clarify concern conditions and to update the procedures to identify replacement PCM's.
NOTE
THIS ARTICLE IS ONLY APPLICABLE FOR COLD ENGINE STARTING CONCERNS WHICH OCCUR SPECIFICALLY BETWEEN 30-40° F (-1-5° C), COMBINED WITH A HUMIDITY LEVEL GREATER THAN 75%. IF THE STARTING CONCERN DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THIS PROCEDURE. IF THE STARTING CONCERN OCCURS WHEN THE AMBIENT CONDITIONS ARE OUTSIDE THE RANGE DESCRIBED IN THIE3 ARTICLE, DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THIS PROCEDURE. REFER TO THE PC/ED (POWERTRAIN CONTROL/EMISSION DIAGNOSIS) MANUAL FOR DIAGNOSIS.
ISSUE
Some vehicles may intermittently exhibit the following conditions: engine flooding during cold start, extended cranking time required to start when cold, or hard to start engine when cold. These conditions would only occur when the ambient temperatures are between 30-40° F (-1-5° C), combined with a humidity level greater than 75%. This may be caused by the PCM, PCM Calibration or the IAC (Idle Air Control) Valve.
ACTION
Verify the engine starting concern and that the weather conditions are the same as stated above. Repair the vehicle using one of the following service procedures depending on engine displacement and the PCM installed in the vehicle.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
2002 Model Year Vehicles - All Engines
2002 model year vehicles (all engines) require only a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration update. If working on a 2002 model year vehicle, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration level. Refer to the PCM Calibration Chart for details. No further service is required.
2001 Model Year Vehicles - V6 Engines
V6 2001 model year vehicles may require only a PCM reprogram or a new PCM, Idle Air Control (IAC) Jumper Harness, AC, AC Gasket and IAC Bolts depending on the PCM installed in the vehicle. Refer to "Obtaining the PCM Module Identification" section of this article for further details.
2001 Model Year Vehicles - V8 Engines
V8 2001 model year vehicles may require oily a PCM reprogram or a new PCM and AC Jumper Harness depending on the PCM installed in the vehicle. Refer to "Obtaining the PCM Module Identification" section of this article for further details.
2000 Model Year Vehicles - V6 Engines
V6 2000 model year vehicles require a new PCM, AC Jumper Harness, AC, IAC Gasket and AC Bolts be installed in the vehicle. Refer to "Obtaining the PCM Module Identification" and "V6 Vehicles Requiring a New PCM" sections of this article for further details.
2000 Model Year Vehicles - V8 Engines
V8 2000 model year vehicles require a new PCM and AC Jumper Harness be installed in the vehicle. Refer to "Obtaining the PCM Module Identification" and "V8 Vehicles Requiring a New PCM" section of this article for further details.
Obtaining the PCM Module Identification
1. With the New Generation Star (NGS) tester and the latest level Diagnostic Card (Red), use the following steps to obtain the PCM part number:
a. Enter the Model Year and Engine Displacement of the vehicle.
b. Select Diagnostic Data Link.
c. Select Powertrain Control Module.
d. Write down the PCM part number
2. Check if the PCM part number is listed in the chart found in Figure 1.
3. All 2000 and some 2001 model year vehicles will have a PCM included in the list. If the PCM part IS included in the list, refer to either "V6 Vehicles Requiring a New PCM" or "V8 Vehicles Requiring a New PCM" for the repair procedure.
4. Some 2001 model year vehicles will not be in the list. These vehicles only require that the PCM be reprogrammed to the latest level.
Refer to the PCM Calibration Chart for details.
No further service is required.
Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal (FPS 8262 - obtainable through DOES II, 25/pkg) and list the date, dealer number, and summary of modifications performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.
Parts Block
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
SUPERSEDES: 02-16-1
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
030703A Reprogram Powertrain 0.4 Hr.
Control Module 2002MY
030703B Obtain Powertrain Control 0.4 Hr.
Module Identification Then Reprogram PCM
030703C Obtain Powertrain Control 1.6 Hrs.
Module Identification Then
Replace Powertrain Control
Module, And Idle Air
Control Valve And Install
IAC Jumper Harness
2001 MY 3.0L
030703D Obtain Powertrain Control 1.7 Hrs.
Module Identification Then
Replace Powertrain Control
Module, And Install IAC
Jumper Harness 2001 MY
3.9L
030703E Replace Powertrain Control 1.6 Hrs
Module, And Idle Air
Control Valve Then Install
IAC Jumper Harness 2000
MY 3.0L
030703F Replace Powertrain Control 1.6 Hrs.
Module And Install IAC
Jumper Harness 2000 MY
3.9L
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
12A650 42
OASIS CODES: 602300, 603300
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