Fail Safe Mode

[ajsam]

I was cruising on the PA Turnpike at 70 mph, about to pass a semi when all of a sudden the T-Bird sputters once and the RPMs drop to about 1800. I push the pedal a bit more and...Nothing! I get over to the travel lane again and see that the car can maintain about 55 mph MAX, with steady RPMs around 1800. I also notice that an amber light shaped like a wrench is illuminated on the dash. I limp a mile farther to a service plaza and pull in. I pull out the owners manual and learn that the amber light is telling me it's an engine speed control malfunction and the car is now in failsafe "limp home" mode. It's OK to drive but will have limited speed and needs to be seen by a dealer ASAP.
Anyway, on the chance that maybe I got some bad gas, I drove over to the Gas Pumps and fill my half full tank with Sunoco Ultra 94. When I restarted the car, the light was out. I cut my trip short and returned 50 miles home. Just to be safe I didn't push it past 55mph (wow that is SLOW!) The light never came on again. The engine felt strong with no strange sounds and steady RPMs. I'll get it into the dealership tomorrow. More to follow.

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[ajsam]

Spoke to the dealer and it looks like a bad engine management computer. To use the mechanic's words...it's shot! I gotta tell you that after going into the service department I'm a little concerned at the lack of knowledge and experience the mechanics seem to have on the new T-Birds. That's not a knock on Ford mechs, they just don't see too many of these things. When it comes to service, It's like our cars are apples sitting in a crate full of oranges. I know they say "Ford" but sometimes I think they might be better off getting serviced at Lincoln Dealerships where the mechs are more familiar with the powertrain and electronics of the LS.