2003 Cannot resolve limp mode issue

[Birdy03]

After starting engine went into limp mode. Codes recommended to replace Throttle Body and TPS Sensor. Replaced TB and Sensor. Problem continued.
Replaced Plugs, coils, gas pedal and had PCM rebuilt----limp mode continued. Have taken car to numerous auto repair shops including Ford dealership....none of which could correct the problem!!
If I start the engine 3 or 4 times limp mode stops for the day but returns the next day. The engine light is always on. The interesting thing is if the outside Temp is 75 degrees or higher The engine will not go into limp mode. If outside temp is colder it goes into limp mode. Would welcome any suggestions. Thanks. Marty

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[biddle]

How is anyone going to know what your post is about when you title it "2003 T-Bird 43,000 Miles------"
Please follow the posting prompts moving forward.

Title revised to summarize what your post is about.

 

[doug7740]

When the wrench light or Check Engine light illuminates, codes and freeze frame data are stored. Technicians use this information to diagnose the customer’s concern. Most codes will not put the car into limp mode; however any code that has to do with the throttle body or the throttle position sensor will.

Technicians also use Technical Service Bulletins, because this information is provided by the manufacturer to correct known concerns, in your case Technical Service Bulletin 05-14-04. Technical Service Bulletin 05-14-04 states that some vehicles built 11/29/2004 and prior may exhibit the wrench light on with both P2106 and P2135 diagnostic trouble codes.

ACTION:

Replace the throttle position sensor following the instruction sheet included in the TPS service kit. Reprogram the powertrain control module to the latest calibration using WDS release B36.11 and higher, or B37.2 and higher.

Can you tell me what codes were stored?

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[Birdy03]

When the wrench light or Check Engine light illuminates, codes and freeze frame data are stored. Technicians use this information to diagnose the customer’s concern. Most codes will not put the car into limp mode; however any code that has to do with the throttle body or the throttle position sensor will.

Technicians also use Technical Service Bulletins, because this information is provided by the manufacturer to correct known concerns, in your case Technical Service Bulletin 05-14-04. Technical Service Bulletin 05-14-04 states that some vehicles built 11/29/2004 and prior may exhibit the wrench light on with both P2106 and P2135 diagnostic trouble codes.

ACTION:

Replace the throttle position sensor following the instruction sheet included in the TPS service kit. Reprogram the powertrain control module to the latest calibration using WDS release B36.11 and higher, or B37.2 and higher.

Can you tell me what codes were stored?

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

Replaced the TBS still didn't help....I dont have the codes.

 

[doug7740]

Since you don’t have the codes or the freeze frame data there isn’t much more I can help you with. You said that the throttle body and the throttle position sensor were replaced, but was the PCM reprogrammed to the latest calibration?

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[Birdy03]

was the PCM reprogrammed to the latest calibration?

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

Yes

 

[doug7740]

Can you tell me the powertrain control module calibration numbers? Are they B36.11 and higher or B37.2 and higher?

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[biddle]

The bottom line here is that you need to find another mechanic who knows how to properly troubleshoot the issues. Personally, if I took my car somewhere and they just threw parts at the car and guess, I would be furious and would not pay them a dime! Anyone qualified could have already repaired your car. Without the proper diagnostics codes you are spinning your wheels. Going to a Ford dealership also doesn't really matter either, the mechanics currently there were likely never trained on this motor, in fact, many dealerships won't even work on the Thunderbird.

 

[Brax]

After starting engine went into limp mode. Codes recommended to replace Throttle Body and TPS Sensor. Replaced TB and Sensor. Problem continued.
Replaced Plugs, coils, gas pedal and had PCM rebuilt----limp mode continued. Have taken car to numerous auto repair shops including Ford dealership....none of which could correct the problem!!
If I start the engine 3 or 4 times limp mode stops for the day but returns the next day. The engine light is always on. The interesting thing is if the outside Temp is 75 degrees or higher The engine will not go into limp mode. If outside temp is colder it goes into limp mode. Would welcome any suggestions. Thanks. Marty

Have you tried a hard reset? Disconnect the positive and negative battery cables from the battery , let the car sit 1 hour, then before you reconnect the battery cables touch the the positive and negative battery cable ends together for 1-3 seconds let sit for a few minutes then reconnect to the battery. Start car and drive a short distance returning home shut car off let sit a few minutes start again and short drive. If everything is good drive the 100 miles or so so the adaptive function and all emissions function are activated. Best of luck

 

[cochon]

After starting engine went into limp mode. Codes recommended to replace Throttle Body and TPS Sensor. Replaced TB and Sensor. Problem continued.
Replaced Plugs, coils, gas pedal and had PCM rebuilt----limp mode continued. Have taken car to numerous auto repair shops including Ford dealership....none of which could correct the problem!!
If I start the engine 3 or 4 times limp mode stops for the day but returns the next day. The engine light is always on. The interesting thing is if the outside Temp is 75 degrees or higher The engine will not go into limp mode. If outside temp is colder it goes into limp mode. Would welcome any suggestions. Thanks. Marty

You've not mentioned anything about the mass air sensor. Easy to clean, and not terribly difficult or expensive to replace. Your symptoms suggest a mixture problem that's right on the edge of what the PCM will allow; that is, which only gets bad enough to overcome the PCM's ability to compensate (ie, triggering it to 'limp mode') when the engine is still cold. What happens if you start the car (when cold) but let it warm up a bit before you touch the throttle or try to put it in gear?