Engine/Transmission - Driveability Problems/DTC Set

Article No.
01-19-1

10/01/01

^ DRIVEABILITY - PERCEIVED COLD ENGINE LONG
CRANK/HARD START - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODE (DTC) P1443 STORED IN MEMORY -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L 24-VALVE ENGINE
ONLY BUILT PRIOR TO 10/5/2000

^ ELECTRICAL - LAMP - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODE (DTC) P1443 STORED IN MEMORY -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L 24-VALVE ENGINE
ONLY BUILT PRIOR TO 10/5/2000

^ TRANSMISSION - SHUDDER/VIBRATION ON
DECELERATION IN FIRST GEAR - HARSH
COASTING DOWNSHIFTS - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODE (DTC) P1443 STORED IN MEMORY -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L 24-VALVE ENGINE
ONLY BUILT PRIOR TO 10/5/2000

FORD:
2000-2001 TAURUS

MERCURY:
2000-2001 SABLE

ISSUE
Some vehicles built prior to 10/5/2000 equipped with the 3.0L 24-valve Duratec engine, may exhibit:

^ Perceived cold engine long crank/hard start

^ Transmission shudder/vibration during deceleration, in manual first gear

^ Harsh coasting transmission downshifts (2000 Model Year only)

^ Erroneous code P1443 stored in memory (2000 Model Year only)

This may be caused by the calibration of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

ACTION





If condition is verified, reprogram the PCM. If after PCM reprogramming the condition still exists, continue with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Refer to Service Information and PCM Calibration chart for details.

SERVICE INFORMATION

NOTE
THIS UPDATE MAY IMPROVE COLD ENGINE LONG CRANK TIMES, HOWEVER CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO HAVE A LONGER CRANK TIME COLD VERSUS A HOT ENGINE RESTART. ADDITIONALLY, THE IGNITION SWITCH SHOULD BE HELD FIRMLY IN THE CRANK POSITION UNTIL THE VEHICLE STARTS. IF THE SWITCH IS RELEASED PREMATURELY, BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTS, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CYCLE THE SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION BEFORE THE NEXT CRANKING ATTEMPT. FOR OPTIMUM COLD STARTS 87 OCTANE FUEL SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED.

NOTE
IF USING A NEW GENERATION STAR (NGS) TESTER TO REPROGRAM THE PCM, THE NGS MAY ASK "WOULD YOU LIKE TO MODIFY ANY PCM PARAMETERS?" ANSWER "NO" TO THIS QUESTION. THIS WILL PREVENT CHANGES TO THE TIRE SIZE AND AXLE RATIO. IF "YES" WAS INADVERTENTLY SELECTED, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ENTER 797 FOR TIRE SIZE AND 3.47 FOR THE FINAL DRIVE AXLE RATIO.

1. Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. Refer to the following PCM Calibration Information Chart for applications.

2. Advise the customer that it may take several drive cycles (dependent on cycle) before the PCM will completely adapt to the new calibration.





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: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 206000, 404000, 499000, 502000, 504000, 602300, 603300, 607000, 607400, 610000, 610700, 612000, 613700, 690000, 698298