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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Electrical Pcm

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jaime Tucjer
  • Start date Start date Sep 5, 2017
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 5, 2017
#1
  • Sep 5, 2017
  • #1
My car has a theft light on it flashes 1 then 6. Could this be a key issue or PCM. Is there anyway to check PCM. Thanks in advance.
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Sep 5, 2017
#2
  • Sep 5, 2017
  • #2
Just wondering. What model year Mustang are we dealing with?

But to answer your question. Yes, yes, and Yes. As well as it could be a ton more things in addition to what you have already mentioned.

Do you have access to an ODB2 scanner? If so this might make short work of the problem. Here's some information about an affordable windows based ODB2 scanner:

ForScan ODB2 scanner w ELM327 USB
https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/resources/forscan-odb2-scanner-w-elm327-usb.57/

One sure fire way to check the PCM is to see if an ODB2 scanner will "talk" to it.

If you are looking for other methods to start trouble shooting, Here's some information on how to access the cluster diagnostic mode. This doesn't work on all model years. But the cluster diagnostic method gives a DTC code that can be looked up.

Cluster Diagnostic Mode
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/v6-tech/49159-diagnostic-mode.html
 
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 5, 2017
#3
  • Sep 5, 2017
  • #3
wmburns said:
Just wondering. What model year Mustang are we dealing with?

But to answer your question. Yes, yes, and Yes. As well as it could be a ton more things in addition to what you have already mentioned.

Do you have access to an ODB2 scanner? If so this might make short work of the problem. Here's some information about an affordable windows based ODB2 scanner:

ForScan ODB2 scanner w ELM327 USB
https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/resources/forscan-odb2-scanner-w-elm327-usb.57/

One sure fire way to check the PCM is to see if an ODB2 scanner will "talk" to it.

If you are looking for other methods to start trouble shooting, Here's some information on how to access the cluster diagnostic mode. This doesn't work on all model years. But the cluster diagnostic method gives a DTC code that can be looked up.

Cluster Diagnostic Mode
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/v6-tech/49159-diagnostic-mode.html
Click to expand...
Its a 99 mustang gt. i do have a scanner but it want hook up says cant communicate, The key is $85 just want to be sure.
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Sep 6, 2017
#4
  • Sep 6, 2017
  • #4
Jaime Tucjer said:
Its a 99 mustang gt. i do have a scanner but it want hook up says cant communicate, The key is $85 just want to be sure.
Click to expand...
Perhaps the fact that the ODB2 scanner won't communicate with the PCM might be a sign that the PCM isn't working...........

The PCM and the cluster have to exchange information for PATS to "prove out". It would be EXPECTED to have an "apparent" PATS issue IF the PCM is not powered up.

IMO the odds do not favor this being as simple as a bad key. If it's your intention to spend $$ on only the parts that are needed then more trouble shooting will be necessary. Do you have a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) and are you willing to use it?
 
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 6, 2017
#5
  • Sep 6, 2017
  • #5
wmburns said:
Perhaps the fact that the ODB2 scanner won't communicate with the PCM might be a sign that the PCM isn't working...........

The PCM and the cluster have to exchange information for PATS to "prove out". It would be EXPECTED to have an "apparent" PATS issue IF the PCM is not powered up.

IMO the odds do not favor this being as simple as a bad key. If it's your intention to spend $$ on only the parts that are needed then more trouble shooting will be necessary. Do you have a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) and are you willing to use it?
Click to expand...
Absolutely
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Sep 7, 2017
#6
  • Sep 7, 2017
  • #6
Check all fuses in the battery junction box located in the engine bay.

CONFIRM +12 key on power in and out of fuse F2.34, F2.2, and F2.8. Use a KNOWN good ground.

1999-2004 MY fuse panel schedule:
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/foru...r-swap-wont-fire-please-help.html#post2669271

IF no power in fuse F2.34 suspect an ignition switch problem.

If no power in fuse F2.2 and F2.8 suspect a CCRM problem.

Review the information in the crank with no start check list.

1996+ Crank with no start check list
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/4-6l-tech/336452-1997-mustang-wont-ignite.html#2984838
 
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 10, 2017
#7
  • Sep 10, 2017
  • #7
I checked fuses all good.
 

imp

Mustang Master
Jul 13, 2017
531
105
83
Sep 10, 2017
#8
  • Sep 10, 2017
  • #8
wmburns said:
Perhaps the fact that the ODB2 scanner won't communicate with the PCM might be a sign that the PCM isn't working........... Do you have a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) and are you willing to use it?
Click to expand...
I understand that Ford has used several schemes behind their PATS method. Early on, it disabled only injectors, allowing the engine to crank, but obviously not start....(Nuts, IMO). Later, as on my '04 Explorer, PATS disables all start-up function, that is, no crank, and thus no spark or injection. A fast-winking theft lamp indicates a PATS disable.

imp
 
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 10, 2017
#9
  • Sep 10, 2017
  • #9
I checked red wire at injector they have power. Not sure what to do
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Sep 10, 2017
#10
  • Sep 10, 2017
  • #10
Sooooooo. Did you following the instructions in the link provided on the "cluster diagnostic mode"? If so, it would be a great help to post the DTC codes.
 
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 10, 2017
#11
  • Sep 10, 2017
  • #11
it went from -------- to completely black and did nothing.
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Sep 11, 2017
#12
  • Sep 11, 2017
  • #12
I can't help you without information. What are the results of the fuse voltage tests (mentioned in post #6)?

If unable/unwilling to get this information then perhaps some thought should be given to using the services of a professional.
 
Last edited: Sep 11, 2017
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 11, 2017
#13
  • Sep 11, 2017
  • #13
Sorry I was on vacation just got back last night.
 
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 11, 2017
#14
  • Sep 11, 2017
  • #14
What fuse voltage test you want me to do. I can't bring any links up on my cell (Droid phone). All fuses are good. Fuses 34 is lights up even with key out. Someone said if that happens it could be the ignition switch. Any thoughts on that.
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Sep 11, 2017
#15
  • Sep 11, 2017
  • #15
Jaime Tucjer said:
I can't bring any links up on my cell (Droid phone).
Click to expand...
Which browser are you using? Have you tried using Chrome?

Come here for Mustang and Droid support!

Jaime Tucjer said:
All fuses are good. Fuses 34 is lights up even with key out. Someone said if that happens it could be the ignition switch. Any thoughts on that.
Click to expand...
IF fuse F2.34 has power even with the key out, THEN:
  • bad ignition switch.
  • Wiring fault such that multiple circuits are shorted together.
  • you are testing the wrong fuse. Does the battery run down in this car? Because if fuse F2.34 is being powered all of the time, it would certainly run the battery down.
 
J

Jaime Tucjer

Member
Aug 14, 2017
73
2
8
Sep 12, 2017
#16
  • Sep 12, 2017
  • #16
Yes the battery does run down. Been leaving it unhooked.
 
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