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Home >> Ford >> 2021 >> Explorer Limited Hybrid, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 497 (Abs Guided Routine) >> Pinpoint Tests >> Pinpoint Tests OA: The Hill Descent Control System Is Inoperative Or Cannot Be Disabled >> Possible Causes

Possible Causes

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CAUTION: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may cause damage to the connector.
Fig 1: All Terrain Control Module (ATCM) Connector - C3639
G13402639Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Harness Side

Circuit Pin
Fig 2: Body Control Module-A (BCM-A) Connector - C2280A
G13402640Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Harness Side

Circuit Pin
  1. OA1: CHECK FOR ABS MODULE DTCS 
    • Put the ABS module in sleep mode by performing the following steps:
      • With ALL doors closed, set the ignition from ON to OFF.
      • Disconnect the diagnostic scan tool.
      • Open the door, exit the vehicle and close the door.
      • Wait a minimum of 90 seconds for the ABS module to enter sleep mode.
    • Ignition ON, engine OFF.

      Carry out the ABS self-test.

    • Retrieve and record all ABS module DTCs.
    • Are there any "lost communication" or "invalid data" DTCs other than U0401:86 present in the ABS module? 
      Yes No
      DIAGNOSE all other ABS module "lost communication" and "invalid data" DTCs before continuing with this pinpoint test. REFER to the ABS module DTC Chart. Go to  OA2.
  2. OA2: VERIFY THE ATCM COMMUNICATES ON THE NETWORK 
    • Ignition ON, engine OFF.
    • Using a diagnostic scan tool, carry out the Network Test.
    • Does the ATCM pass the Network Test? 
      Yes No
      Go to  OA3. DIAGNOSE the ATCM does not respond to the scan tool. REFER to the Module Communications Network article.
  3. OA3: CHECK FOR ATCM DTCS 

    Carry out the ATCM self-test.

    • Are any DTCs present? 
      Yes No
      REFER to the appropriate Four-Wheel Drive Systems article. Go to  OA4.
  4. OA4: CHECK FOR ABS MODULE DTCS 
    • Review the recorded DTCs from Step OA1.
    • Is any U0138:xx or U0439:xx DTC present in the ABS module? 
      Yes No
      GO to PINPOINT TEST BM . Go to  OA5.
  5. OA5: VERIFY ALL WIRING CONNECTIONS 
    • Ignition OFF.
    • ATCM connector disconnected. (C3639)
    • BCM_A connector disconnected. (C2280A)
    • Using a good light source, inspect all disconnected electrical connectors for the following:
      • corrosion - install new connector or terminal and clean the module pins
      • damaged or bent pins - install new terminals or pins
      • pushed-out pins - install new pins as necessary
      • spread terminals - install new terminals as necessary
    • Are the connectors free of corrosion, damaged pins, bent pins, pushed-out pins and spread terminals? 
      Yes No
      Go to  OA6. REPAIR the affected connectors or terminals. REFER to Connector Repair Procedures article schematic and connector information.
  6. OA6: CHECK FOR CORRECT ATCM OPERATION 
    • ATCM connector connected. (C3639) Make sure the connector seats and latches correctly.
    • BCM_A connector connected. (C2280A) Make sure the connector seats and latches correctly.
    • Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.
    • Is the concern is still present? 
      Yes No
      INSTALL a new ATCM.
      CHECK OASIS for any service articles: TSB, GSB, SSM or FSA.
      If a service article exists for this concern, DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions.
      If no service articles address this concern, INSTALL a new ATCM. REFER to the appropriate Four-Wheel Drive Systems article.
      The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or pin issues.
  7. OA7: CHECK FOR IPC DTCS 

    Carry out the IPC self-test.

    • Are there any DTCs in the IPC? 
      Yes No
      DIAGNOSE all IPC DTCs before diagnosing ABS module DTCs C1000:86 or U0401:86.
      REFER to the Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes article.
      Go to  OA8.
  8. OA8: CHECK THE HILL DESCENT CONTROL SWITCH 
    • Ignition OFF.
    • Press and hold the Hill Descent Control switch while taking the measurement.
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) CSS Connector, Component Side (-) CSS Connector, Component Side
      HDC GND
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) Hazard Switch Connector, Component Side (-) Hazard Switch Connector, Component Side
      HDC GND
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) (-)
      HDC GND
    • Release the Hill Descent Control switch and take another measurement.
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) CSS Connector, Component Side (-) CSS Connector, Component Side
      HDC GND
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) Hazard Switch Connector, Component Side (-) Hazard Switch Connector, Component Side
      HDC GND
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) (-)
      HDC GND
    • Is the resistance less than 3 ohms with the switch pressed and greater than 10, 000 ohms with the switch released? 
      Yes No
      Go to  OA9. INSTALL a new CCS assembly.
      INSTALL a new CCS (the hill descent control switch is part of the CCS).
  9. OA9: CHECK THE HILL DESCENT CONTROL SWITCH GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN 
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) CSS Connector, Harness Side (-)
      GND Ground
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) Hazard Switch Connector, Harness Side (-)
      GND Ground
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) (-)
      GND Ground
    • Is the resistance less than 3 ohms? 
      Yes No
      Go to  OA10. REPAIR the circuit.
  10. OA10: CHECK THE HILL DESCENT CONTROL SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN 
  11. OA11: CHECK THE HILL DESCENT CONTROL SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND 
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) CSS Connector, Harness Side (-)
      HDC Ground
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) Hazard Switch Connector, Harness Side (-)
      HDC Ground
    • Measure the resistance between:
      (+) (-)
      HDC Ground
    • Is the resistance greater than 10, 000 ohms? 
      Yes No
      Go to  OA12. REPAIR the circuit.
  12. OA12: VERIFY ALL WIRING CONNECTIONS 
    • Ignition OFF.
    • Using a good light source, inspect all disconnected electrical connectors for the following:
      • corrosion - install new connector or terminal and clean the module pins
      • damaged or bent pins - install new terminals or pins
      • pushed-out pins - install new pins as necessary
      • spread terminals - install new terminals as necessary
    • Are the connectors free of corrosion, damaged pins, bent pins, pushed-out pins and spread terminals? 
      Yes No
      Go to  OA13. REPAIR the affected connectors or terminals.
      REFER to Connector Repair Procedures article schematic and connector information.
  13. OA13: CHECK FOR CORRECT IPC OPERATION