Analyzing PCM Data

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 32 other vehicles, including the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Mercury Mariner, 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2010 Lincoln Town Car, and 2010 Lincoln Navigator L. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Look for abnormal events or values that are clearly incorrect. Inspect the signals for abrupt or unexpected changes. For example, during a steady cruise most of the sensor values should be relatively stable. Sensors such as throttle position (TP) and mass air flow (MAF), as well as an RPM that changes abruptly when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, are clues to a possible concern area.

Look for an agreement in related signals. For example, if the APP1, APP2, or APP3, changes during acceleration, a corresponding change should occur in RPM and SPARK ADV PID.

Make sure the signals act in proper sequence. An increase in RPM after the TP1 and TP2 increases is expected. However, if the RPM increases without a TP1 and TP2 change, a concern may exist.

Scroll through the PID data while analyzing the information. Look for sudden drops or spikes in the values.