Engine - Detonation/Stalling/Exhaust Sulfur Odor: Overview

Article No.
97-24-12

11/24/97

^ DETONATION - AT LIGHT TIP-IN AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS
AND HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES - 2.5L ENGINE WITH CD4E
TRANSAXLE - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 12/1/97

^ EXHAUST - SULFUR ODOR - FOLLOWING HEAVY
ACCELERATION - 2.5L ENGINE WITH CD4E
TRANSAXLE - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 12/1/97

^ STALL - ON TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT WITH
COLD ENGINE - 2.5L ENGINE WITH CD4E
TRANSAXLE - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 12/1/97

FORD:
1998 CONTOUR

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1998 MYSTIQUE

CALIBRATION:
8-12B-R07, 8-12T-R07

WARNING:
THIS MODIFICATION IS AUTHORIZED ONLY FOR THE LISTED ENGINE. PERFORMING THIS MODIFICATION ON OTHER ENGINE CALIBRATIONS IS UNAUTHORIZED AND COULD CREATE LIABILITY UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR LOCAL LAWS.

ISSUE:
Some vehicles may stall when the vehicle is shifted out of Park and into Drive and/or Reverse. This will usually occur during the first 2 minutes of engine operation. The concern will occur if the engine is started and allowed to idle for 45 seconds before it is put into gear. The vehicle may also exhibit a detonation at light tip-in at low engine speeds and high ambient temperatures and/or may have an objectionable exhaust, sulfur, or rotten egg odor following a heavy acceleration. This may be caused by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration not allowing enough fuel flow for the load of the transaxle.

ACTION:
Reprogram the PCM. The new calibration should reduce the possibility of stalling during transaxle engagement and reduce the amount of sulfur emitted under certain drive conditions. Refer to the following Service Procedure for diagnostic procedures.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

972412A Reprogram Powertrain 0.2 Hr.
Control Module (PCM)

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
RECAL 42

OASIS CODES: 403000, 607000, 607400, 607700, 615000, 615500