Engine Controls - Spark Knock on Acceleration
Article No.02-24-3
12/09/02
^ DRIVEABILITY - SPARK KNOCK ON
ACCELERATION - 3.0L 2V/FFV ENGINE ONLY
^ TRANSAXLE - AX4N/AX4S - HARSH TRANSMISSION
ENGAGEMENT - 3.0L 2V/FFV ENGINE ONLY
FORD:
2000-2001 TAURUS
1999-2000 WINDSTAR
MERCURY:
2000-2001 SABLE
Article 00-25-5 is being republished in its entirety to update the Service Procedure.
ISSUE
Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L 2V or 3.0L FFV engine may exhibit spark knock during light accelerator tip in or heavy acceleration. 2001 2V and FFV Taurus/Sable vehicles may also exhibit a harsh Park to Drive engagement. This may be caused by the calibration of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
ACTION
Verify condition. Check for potential lean contributors, reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and/or perform Octane Adjust. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Windstar vehicles: DO NOT perform PCM reprogram. Check for potential lean contributors and/or perform Octane Adjust only. Refer to the following Octane Adjust Procedure for details. If the spark knock condition, (2000/2001 Taurus/Sable), or transmission harsh engagement, (2001 Taurus/Sable) is still present after performing normal diagnostics, check for potential lean contributors and reprogram the PCM.
On a very small percentage of Taurus/Sable vehicles, it is still possible spark knock may be present after PCM reprogramming. If spark knock can be verified after PCM reprogramming, proceed with the following Octane Adjust Procedure.
Octane Adjust Procedure
Use the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester to perform an Engine Octane Adjustment using the following procedure:
1. Using NGS Service Card (11.0 level or higher) and Flash Cable, select "Service Bay Functions".
2. Select "PCM (Powertrain Control Module)".
3. Select "Module Configuration".
4. Select EEC V or PTEC Vehicle - by TSB.
5. Press trigger to continue on emission compliance authorization screens.
6. Highlight the Octane Adjust column and press trigger, then rotate the dial to change the ignition timing from "No Retard" to "Retard". Press trigger again.
7. Highlight Fuel Octane and press trigger, then rotate the dial to set the octane to 87 Octane and press trigger again.
8. Press the Start button. You should receive a message saying that the change has been successful.
NOTE
FAILURE TO PRESS THE START BUTTON WILL RESULT IN CHANGES IN OCTANE ADJUSTMENT NOT BEING ACCEPTED.
9. Exit out of Service Bay Functions.
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.
PCM Calibration Information
SUPERSEDES: 00-25-5
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
022403A Check For Lean 0.7 Hr.
Contributors And
Reprogram Powertrain
Control Module 2000
-2001 Taurus/Sable
022403B Check For Lean 0.8 Hr.
Contributors And
Reprogram Powertrain
Control Module Then
Perform Octane Adjust
Procedure 2000-2001
Taurus/Sable
022403C Perform Octane 0.6 Hr.
Adjust Procedure Only
1999-2000 Windstar
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
12A650 42
OASIS CODES: 497000, 503000, 504000, 615000, 615500, 615600
DISCLAIMER