Communication Error

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Excursion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

It is possible to get a test fail error from a scan tool when initiating a test or viewing PIDs. The communication error could be caused by operator error, the vehicle wiring or connectors, or the powertrain control module (PCM) and other control modules connected to the DLC wiring. The PCM will respond to a scan tool whenever the scan tool requests a test. Some are normal responses to valid requests. The others are communication error responses. If the scan tool displays any of the test fail error responses re-initialize the scan tool. If the error is still present, GO to PINPOINT TEST AE: UNABLE TO ACTIVATE SELF TEST COMMUNICATION ERROR/DTC NOT LISTED , after checking scan tool connections, cable/adapters and entry of vehicle information. Verify auxiliary powertrain control (RPM control) is off when trying to perform self-tests.