Pcm is not communicating

Tiny
ZAHOORQURESHI
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 176,000 MILES
Pcm is not giving any information it seems it is not connected car dose missing and shakes
Saturday, February 6th, 2016 AT 8:06 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Have you checked all your fuses with a test light? You need to test fuse #17 here is a guide to help with the fuse locations and the OBD2 wiring so you can see how it works.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please run this test and get back to us.
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Tuesday, June 19th, 2018 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
ZAHOORQURESHI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you very much for helping me. The fuse was bad all fixed thank you.
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Tuesday, June 19th, 2018 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Tuesday, June 19th, 2018 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
MADDAWG1963
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,000 MILES
First I have a 2002 Ford Windstar SE van, with a 3.8 liter motor. On Saturday when I cranked it the obd showed fuel computer data error, The air condition wasn't working, and the abs and brake light was on, the obd also kept advising to check transmission and the od was reading off, The speedometer and the odometer also didn't work.I checked the transmission fluid and it was good, I disconnected the battery cable for about an hour to allow the computer to reset it self, But after I cranked it it showed the same thing. Also when driving the van the overdrive is still working
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TALK2BOB
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Dear Maddawg

I also have the exact same problems with my 2002 Windstar. I called a Ford dealer, and they want $105 per module to diagnose (3 locations $315). They quoted a new pcm at $600 + $200 for labor. I don't have $1200 to blow on this van. However, if you can find a low cost certified mechanic, I found a place to buy pcms for $80 - $200. I have to have Ford diagnose the pcm for sure - I'll pay the $105 for the pcm only.

Does anyone have a solution?
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIM-380
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have the same problem with mine. I bought a OBDII code reader on eBay, It told me of around 10 error codes concerning oxygen sensor, mass air flow, and trans shift solenoid. With this reader I can only delete the error codes not reset them. I am sure there cant be as much wrong as the error codes say
there is.
If I only knew how to reset the computer in the van.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
46DAVIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had that problem with another ford, but similar pcm. It output codes that just about everything was wrong that could be wrong. No way every sensor in the whole car could be out. Buried deeply in all those codes was 'computer'. Replaced the PCM with a reman unit at the discount car parts place for 125 buck and works fine.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LANEYM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • FORD WINDSTAR
My 2002 ford windstar 71,000 mile has the check engine light on The diagnostic port does not connect to a scanner I went to serveral places. Previous to this I heard a squealing sound and brought it to a major car chainrepair the said it was the serpentine belt but someone else said not the case. Has anyone run into this problem. I am thinking to check the fuses. Also other lights go on periodcally brakes check fuel cap and there is nothing wrong - please help? Thank you
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
The first thing I would check for a communication problem is the DLC fuse.

The fords seems to have a belt squeal problem that may be the belt or a pulley. To eliminate or confirm the belt, you can spray some belt dressing, or thin lubricant QUICKLY on the belt while it runs. Too much lube and it will throw the belt off. If the noise stops, get a belt. A weak tensioner can aid to the noise as well. That gives you a start towards finding out the problem.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MRTAZ81678
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi laneym, I am currently going through the same problem with my 1999 windstar 3.0. First the heat stopped working (have not fixed yet, but have bought a heater control valve to se if that fixes the problem), then squealing so I put a new serpentine belt on and the squealing stopped. Now I am going through a check engine light on with vibrations and my diagnostic port does not work (AutoZone says I have a short or something somewhere in my dash). Plus my ABS light comes on every now and then, but not very often.

Did you find out what was the problem with your Windstar? Mine may be similiar to yours.

Any help would be much appreciated
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DKESEL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
I have a 99 Winstar v6 3.8 with ABS TC.

Daughter was driving and the engine lost power ( no noises just no power ) comupter display said Charge System Data Error, Fuel Computer Data Error.

Fuel on the rail, No spark, Replaced Crank Postion Sensor and Cam Position Sensor, still no spark, engine just rotates.

Code Scanner cannot communicate, all fuses, diodes and relays under the hood test good.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
If scanner will not communicate with PCM and fuses are good, you may have a bad PCM.

Ford will have to disconnect and scan PCM to verify bad PCM.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DKESEL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Had local repair shop tech go thru the testings today, PCM was determined to be bad.

Dealership wants over $600. For new PCM.

Local parts shops list reman'd for $150 to $250,
but no available stock.

In the Rochester NY area, any suggestions for used parts or reman parts houses for hard to get parts ( any where )?

Thanks.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
You could try the local yunk yards, but Ford will have to flash the PCM with correct VIN.

Also ask local parts stores if they can send it to their remanufacturer for repair.
They are not available because there are none in the pipeline for repair.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 2003 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 110,000 MILES
Plugged in an OBD II scanner to check error -- can't read error code (already checked all fuses -- all are ok -- included cigerette lighter)
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It may be your reader that is bad.

try it on another car

If good read this guide, it may provide some insight as to why your car wont communicate

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/scan-test-is-incomplete-p1000

Roy
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUCKROGERS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD WINDSTAR
Has anyone ever had this problem? My engine light is on, but the dealer cannot read the codes. Same thing at Autozone. No error or any communication with the reader. Currently at 83K.

Any suggestions where to start looking?
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUCKROGERS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I'm all set - someone on another forum answered pretty quick. It was fuse #17.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 1:52 PM (Merged)

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