Power Take-Off (PTO) Switch and Circuits: Notes

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 32 other vehicles, including the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2011 Lincoln Town Car, and 2011 Lincoln Navigator L. 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 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 (I/M) test, operate the vehicle with the PTO disengaged long enough to successfully complete the OBD monitors.