Power Take-Off (PTO) Switch and Circuits

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 31 other vehicles, including the 2008 Mercury Sable, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, 2008 Mercury Milan, 2008 Mercury Mariner, and 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The PTO circuit is used by the PCM to disable some of the on board diagnostics (OBD) monitors during PTO operation. The PTO switch is normally open. When the PTO unit is activated, the PTO switch is closed and battery voltage is supplied to the PTO input circuit. This indicates to the PCM that an additional load is being applied to the engine. The PTO indicator lamp illuminates when the PTO system is functioning correctly and flashes when the PTO system is damaged.

When the PTO unit is activated, the PCM disables some OBD monitors, which may not function reliably during PTO operation. Without the PTO circuit information to the PCM, false DTCs may be set during PTO operation. Prior to an Inspection/Maintenance test, operate the vehicle with the PTO disengaged long enough to successfully complete the OBD Monitors.

PTO Circuits Description - The 3 PTO input circuits are PTO mode, PTO engage, and PTO RPM.

The PTO engage circuit is used when the operator is requesting the PCM to check the needed inputs required to initiate the PTO engagement.

The PTO RPM circuit is used for the operator to request additional engine RPM for PTO operation.