How to Use the Diagnostic Procedures

• Use the information about the vehicle driveability or emission concerns to attempt to verify/recreate the symptom. Look for any vehicle modifications or aftermarket items that may contribute to the symptom. A check of any applicable TSBs or OASIS messages may be useful if this information is available.
• Go to QT POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) QUICK TEST . Carry out the PCM quick test steps. Follow any notes as directed.
• If the PCM quick test is completed, no DTCs were retrieved, and no special notes applied, go to the NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) PRESENT SYMPTOM CHART INDEX .
• Select the symptom that best describes the vehicle symptom (for multiple symptoms select the one that is most evident). Go to the NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) PRESENT SYMPTOM CHARTS as indicated. If no PCM DTCs are present and the vehicle symptom is not listed in the No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Present Symptom Chart Index, go to the appropriate Diagnostic Information article to continue diagnosis.
• The No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Present Symptom Charts contain areas to be tested for diagnosis of the vehicle symptom. The chart is arranged to place the higher probability or easiest to test items toward the top of the chart. However, the technician is not required to follow this order due to reasons such as variations in vehicle type, vehicle repair history, or technician experience.
  • The System/Component column indicates the areas that are tested. This column may also contain a quick system/component test.
  • The Reference column indicates where to go for the System/Component testing. All references are to the beginning of a pinpoint test in Section 5  unless noted otherwise. If referred to a pinpoint test or a Diagnostic Information article, go to the procedures. Follow the directions given in those procedures, including directions to other tests or parts. If a damaged part is found, repair as directed. If no concern is found, and diagnosis in that area is complete, return to the NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) PRESENT SYMPTOM CHARTS to continue to the next item.
  • If a quick system/component test is in the System/Component column, the Reference column indicates where to go if the test failed.
• During diagnosis, if directed to test a system/component that is not contained on that vehicle, go to he next step.
• If the No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Present Symptom Chart for the vehicle symptom is completed and no concern is found, return to the NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) PRESENT SYMPTOM CHART INDEX to address the next most prominent symptom. If all diagnosis is complete and no concern is found, it may be helpful to GO to Pinpoint Test Z to continue diagnosis.
• The installation of any new component that affects the PCM adaptive learning strategies (adaptive airflow, idle speed, refueling event, or fuel trim) requires the reset of keep alive memory (KAM). Refer to RESETTING THE KEEP ALIVE MEMORY (KAM) to reset the KAM.
• After any repair, reconnect any components and remove any test equipment. Verify that the vehicle is operating correctly and the original complaint is no longer present. If a DTC was present, clear the DTCs and repeat the self-test to verify the repair.
• If a symptom is determined to be intermittent, a careful visual and physical under hood inspection of connectors, wiring harnesses, vacuum lines, and components is required. The Customer Information Worksheet may contain more detailed symptom information. Before an in-depth diagnosis begins, start the engine and wiggle wires, tap on components while listening for an indication of a concern (such as an RPM change or a relay clicking).

Information about engine conditions is stored when a DTC that illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is set. This information is called freeze frame data and may be helpful in diagnosing intermittent concerns. Refer to FREEZE FRAME DATA for additional information.

What's New 

The following is a list of changes to this article for 2009:

New Vehicles: 

• Flex with new 3.5L 4V engine
• MKS with new 3.7L 4V engine

Deleted Vehicles: 

• Mark LT

Other Changes: 

• Escape and Mariner with option of new 2.5L or 3.0L engine.
• Escape and Mariner equipped with electronic throttle control (ETC).
• E-Series (4.6L/5.4L), Escape, F-150 and Mariner equipped with new 190 pin powertrain control module (PCM).
• E-Series, Escape, Expedition, F-150, Flex, Mariner, MKS and Navigator equipped with new dual speed mechanical returnless fuel system.
• F-150 4.2L engine option discontinued.
• F-150 with option of new 4.6L 3V engine.
• New catalyst monitor heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) response test.
• New deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO) strategy.
• New misfire monitor for applicable vehicles.
• New permanent P-code DTCs and clearing conditions.
• Ranger 3.0L engine option discontinued.