Analyzing PCM Data
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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 mass air flow (MAF) and RPM that change 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, or APP2, changes during acceleration, a corresponding change should occur in RPM, fuel volume regulator (F_VCV) and fuel rate (FUELRATE) PIDs.
Scroll through the PID data while analyzing the information. Look for sudden drops or spikes in the values.