Thunderbird V8-3.9L VIN A (2002)
Technical Service Bulletin # 03-7-3
Date: 030414
Engine Controls - Cold Engine Flooding/Hard Start
Article No.
03-7-3
04/14/03
DRIVEABILITY - ENGINE FLOODING, EXTENDED
CRANK TIME OR HARD STARTING - COLD ENGINE
WITH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES 30-40 F (-1-5 C)
WITH GREATER THAN 75% HUMIDITY ONLY
FORD:
2002 THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN:
2000-2002 LS
Article 02-16-1 is being republished in its entirety 10 clarify concern conditions and to update the procedures to identify replacement PCM's.
NOTE
THIS ARTICLE IS ONLY APPLICABLE FOR COLD ENGINE STARTING CONCERNS WHICH OCCUR SPECIFICALLY BETWEEN 30-40°
F (-1-5° C), COMBINED WITH A HUMIDITY LEVEL GREATER THAN 75%. IF THE STARTING CONCERN DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN
THE ENGINE IS COLD, DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THIS PROCEDURE. IF THE STARTING CONCERN OCCURS WHEN THE AMBIENT
CONDITIONS ARE OUTSIDE THE RANGE DESCRIBED IN THIE3 ARTICLE, DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THIS PROCEDURE. REFER
TO THE PC/ED (POWERTRAIN CONTROL/EMISSION DIAGNOSIS) MANUAL FOR DIAGNOSIS.
ISSUE
Some vehicles may intermittently exhibit the following conditions: engine flooding during cold start, extended cranking time required to start when cold,
or hard to start engine when cold. These conditions would only occur when the ambient temperatures are between 30-40° F (-1-5° C), combined with a
humidity level greater than 75%. This may be caused by the PCM, PCM Calibration or the IAC (Idle Air Control) Valve.
ACTION
Verify the engine starting concern and that the weather conditions are the same as stated above. Repair the vehicle using one of the following service
procedures depending on engine displacement and the PCM installed in the vehicle.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
2002 Model Year Vehicles - All Engines
2002 model year vehicles (all engines) require only a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration update. If working on a 2002 model year vehicle,
reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration level. Refer to the PCM Calibration Chart for details. No further service is required.
2001 Model Year Vehicles - V6 Engines
V6 2001 model year vehicles may require only a PCM reprogram or a new PCM, Idle Air Control (IAC) Jumper Harness, AC, AC Gasket and IAC Bolts
depending on the PCM installed in the vehicle. Refer to "Obtaining the PCM Module Identification" section of this article for further details.
2001 Model Year Vehicles - V8 Engines
V8 2001 model year vehicles may require oily a PCM reprogram or a new PCM and AC Jumper Harness depending on the PCM installed in the vehicle.
Refer to "Obtaining the PCM Module Identification" section of this article for further details.
2000 Model Year Vehicles - V6 Engines
V6 2000 model year vehicles require a new PCM, AC Jumper Harness, AC, IAC Gasket and AC Bolts be installed in the vehicle. Refer to "Obtaining
the PCM Module Identification" and "V6 Vehicles Requiring a New PCM" sections of this article for further details.
2000 Model Year Vehicles - V8 Engines
V8 2000 model year vehicles require a new PCM and AC Jumper Harness be installed in the vehicle. Refer to "Obtaining the PCM Module
Identification" and "V8 Vehicles Requiring a New PCM" section of this article for further details.
Obtaining the PCM Module Identification