Engine - High Idle Speed When Cold/Harsh Shifting

Article No.
01-8-1

4/30/01

^ DRIVEABILITY - HIGH IDLE COLD IN GEAR OR
WHEN COLD SHIFTING FROM PARK/NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE/REVERSE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L
2 VALVE VULCAN ENGINE - BUILT BEFORE
3/1/2001 ONLY

^ TRANSAXLE - AX4S - AX4N - ROUGH
ENGAGEMENT INTO GEAR WHEN COLD - ROUGH
COLD SHIFTS - RPM SURGE DURING 2-3
COASTING UPSHIFT - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH
3.0L 2 VALVE VULCAN ENGINE - BUILT BEFORE
3/1/2001 ONLY

FORD:
2001 TAURUS

MERCURY:
2001 SABLE

ISSUE

Some vehicles equipped with a 3.0L Vulcan engine built prior to 3/1/2001 may exhibit a perceived:

^ high idle when shifting from Park/Neutral to Drive/Reverse on a cold start

^ High creep speed in Drive or Reverse when cold

^ Rough and harsh shifts while driving

^ Cold engine harsh Park/Neutral to Drive/Reverse engagements

^ Engine rpm surge during a 2-3 coasting upshift at approximately 40 km/h (25 mph)

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

ACTION

Verify condition. If normal diagnostics cannot pinpoint condition, reprogram the PCM. Refer to following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE





1. Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. Refer to the PCM Calibration Information Chart in this article for applications.

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.

2. Advise the customer that it may take several drive cycles (dependant 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: 501000, 502000, 503000, 504000, 610000, 610700, 612000, 612500, 612600, 617400, 619400