Engine - Spark Knock on Cruise/Acceleration

Article No.
01-1-4

01/22/01

^ ENGINE - SPARK KNOCK - SPARK KNOCK ON
STEADY CRUISE OR LIGHT ACCELERATION -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINE

^ NOISE - SPARK KNOCK - SPARK KNOCK ON
STEADY CRUISE OR LIGHT ACCELERATION -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINE

FORD:
1998-2000 CONTOUR

MERCURY:
1998-2000 MYSTIQUE
1999-2000 COUGAR

This article applies to 1998-2000 Contour/Mystique vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine built from 2/2/1998 only and all 1999-2000 Cougars equipped with 2.5L engine.

ISSUE
A spark knock or pre-ignition condition may exist on some vehicles with an automatic or manual transmission during steady cruise driving or under light acceleration.

ACTION
Reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The revised calibration will reduce the potential for spark knock. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

NOTE:
SOME LIGHT DETONATION ON TIP-IN IS NORMAL AND CONSIDERED CHARACTERISTIC.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Verify spark knock condition.

2. Perform the diagnostic self-test to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Resolve all codes that are present using the appropriate Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Service Manual before proceeding.

3. Using a New Generation Star (NGS) Tester or the Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) only (this function is not available on Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS), access the PCM identification function to obtain the part number of the PCM.








4. Use the PCM part number to identify the vehicle's existing calibration by referring to the PCM Calibration Information Chart as shown.

NOTE:
IF THE PCM PART NUMBER OBTAINED HAS SEVEN (7) DIGITS, DISREGARD THE LAST (7th) DIGIT AND USE ONLY THE FIRST SIX (6) DIGITS WHEN REFERRING TO THE CHART. IF THE PCM PART NUMBER OBTAINED HAS SIX (6) DIGITS, DISREGARD THE LAST (6th) DIGIT AND USE ONLY THE FIRST FIVE (5) DIGITS WHEN REFERRING TO THE CHART.

5. Once the existing calibration has been identified, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration revision level.





Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal (FPS 8262 - obtainable through DOES II, 25/pkg) and list the date, dealer number, and summary of modifications performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage





Operation/Description/Time





DEALER CODING

OASIS CODES: 497000, 615000, 615500, 615600, 702100