Engine Controls - Tests W/o Codes 4.6L: Other Lincoln Continental IX

Preliminary Checks

Check battery connections. Check starter relay connections. Check all fuse/fuse links. Ensure gearshift lever is in Park position. If vehicle is equipped with anti-theft system, ensure system is deactivated.

Check for vacuum leaks. Check fuel quality (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). Check air intake system and air cleaner for leaks and/or restrictions. Check battery condition and starter current draw.

NO START/NORMAL CRANK

Extended cranking, due to a no-start condition, can load exhaust system with raw fuel, which can ruin catalytic converter after engine is started. On vehicles with Secondary Air Injection (AIR) system, perform the following procedure after the no-start condition has been repaired

1. On vehicles with electric AIR system, disconnect AIR solid state relay. Start and run engine until surplus fuel is used, and then reconnect relay. Disconnecting AIR solid state relay may set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). After repairs are completed, clear DTCs. See «TESTS W/CODES»(ref-131243) - EEC-V article.
2. On vehicles with mechanical Secondary Air Injection (AIR), disconnect secondary air supply. Start and run engine until surplus fuel is used, and then reconnect air supply.

Check Inertia Fuel Shutoff (IFS) switch. Check fuel pressure and quality (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). Check alarm/anti-theft devices. Check wiring harness connectors. Check for disconnected or restricted air intake duct. Check fuses and relays.

Check for vacuum leaks. Check throttle linkage operation. Check throttle body.

Check for vacuum leaks. Check for carbon build-up on throttle plate. Check throttle linkage operation. Check for binding/sticking cruise control linkage. Check for air intake duct leaks. Check for leaking intake manifold gasket.

Check Idle Air Control (IAC) wiring harness connector. Check for vacuum leaks. Ensure vacuum hoses are routed properly. Check air intake duct.

ROUGH IDLE, STALLS, MISSES, HESITATION OR SURGE

Note. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is equipped with an over RPM/speed limiting function that will shut off fuel delivery when predetermined speed is exceeded.

Check for vacuum leaks. Check air intake duct and air filter. Check ignition wiring. Check fuel quality (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). Check wiring harness connector for poor connections.

Check vacuum hose routing. Check spark plug wiring (if equipped) for incorrect firing order.

LOSS OF POWER

Note. The PCM is equipped with an over RPM/speed limit function. If programmed speed is exceeded, fuel delivery will shut off and DTC P1270 will be set in PCM memory.

Verify symptom is reported under normal driving conditions without engine under excessive load conditions. Check vacuum hose routing. Check for restricted air filter. Check wiring harness connectors. Check throttle linkage. Check for obstructed radiator. Check transmission fluid.

Check vacuum hose routing. Check for restricted air intake system. Check fuel quality.

POOR FUEL ECONOMY

Note. Fuel consumption will increases during stop-and-go driving, trailer towing, short-run operation, extended winter warm-up periods, etc. Determine if these factors are the cause of poor fuel mileage before proceeding with diagnostic procedure.

Check for restricted air filter/air intake duct. Check transmission fluid level. Check fuel quality and coolant level.

EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE

Canada and some states or metropolitan areas in the United States require periodic emission, or Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) tests. All Ford products have been designed to pass these tests. If a Ford product fails an I/M test, it is probable that the engine temperature was not warm and stabilized prior to the test or the vehicle had idled excessively long prior to the test. Before starting any services, verify complaints of idle emission test failure.

The following encompasses most of the emissions measurement modes of current state idle test procedures

1. Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature and all accessories are turned off.
2. Check emissions at idle.
3. Operate engine at 2500 RPM.
4. Check emissions within 30 seconds.
5. Return engine speed to idle.
6. Check emissions within 30 seconds.

If any emission component is changed, Keep-Alive Memory (KAM) should be cleared before repeating state emission test procedure. To clear KAM, disconnect negative battery terminal for at least 5 minutes. See TESTS W/CODES - EEC-V article. To relearn adaptive strategy, see COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

Check for vacuum leaks/blockage. Check wiring harness connectors. Ensure proper scheduled maintenance has been performed.

Preliminary Check

Check for wiring harness connectors.

Check transmission fluid level and condition. Check for transmission leaks. Check wiring harness connectors. Check for vehicle modifications. Check for electronic add-on items. Check for misadjusted shift linkage.

Check wiring harness connectors for loose, damaged or corroded terminals.

Check for external engine oil leaks. Check for proper oil dipstick. Check for proper oil viscosity.

Perform the following checks

1. Engine coolant level.
2. Cooling fan wiring harness connections.
3. Coolant leaks.
4. Water/anti-freeze mixture.
5. Radiator condition.
6. Collapsed/restricted radiator hoses.
7. Radiator pressure cap.
8. Overflow system.

Black Smoke (Rich Mixture)

1. Check for restricted air cleaner/air intake duct.
2. Check fuel delivery system. See CIRCUIT TEST HC in «TESTS W/CODES»(ref-131243) - EEC-V article.
3. Check secondary ignition system. See CIRCUIT TEST JB in «TESTS W/CODES»(ref-131243) - EEC-V article.

Blue Smoke (Burning Oil)

1. Check PCV system. See CIRCUIT TEST HG in «TESTS W/CODES»(ref-131243) - EEC-V article.
2. Check engine mechanical condition. Check valve guides, valve stems, valve seals, oil drain passages in cylinder heads (Blue smoke on start-up), piston rings and cylinder bores.

White Smoke (Water In Combustion)

1. Check for cylinder head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks and cracked engine block.

Check fuel system for leaks.

Squeal, Click Or Chirp

1. Check for low oil level.
2. Check valve train components.
3. Check drive belts. On vehicles with mechanical secondary air injection pump, if air pump belt is noisy, go to CIRCUIT TEST HM, step 81) in «TESTS W/CODES»(ref-131243) - EEC-V article.
4. Check EEC-V solenoids.

Hiss

1. Check for cooling system leaks.
2. Check for vacuum leaks.
3. Check for loose spark plugs.
4. Check for air intake leaks.
5. Check for secondary air injection leaks.
6. Check for Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system leaks.

Snap

1. Perform a visual/audible check of secondary ignition system.

Rap Or Roar

1. Check for exhaust leak.
2. Check for secondary air injection leaks.

Knock

1. Check for worn rod/main bearings.
2. Check for loose piston pins.
3. Check piston to cylinder bore clearance.
4. Knock (Detonation) - See «SPARK KNOCK»(ref-131532-S13401987442001122700000) under SYMPTOMS.

Note. For additional A/C system information, see A/C-HEATER SYSTEMS article.

See A/C-HEATER SYSTEMS article for diagnosis and repair.

Go to A/C-HEATER SYSTEMS article for diagnosis and repair.

Check brakelight fuse. Check Brake Pedal Position (BPP) switch installation. Check brakelight bulbs. Check trailer tow wiring harness and relay (if equipped). Check any brake circuit add-on devices.

SULFUR SMELL

Note. On vehicles with a NEW catalytic converter or vehicles with 5000-10,000 miles, sulfur smell may be normal due to the highly active state of the converter. Replacing the catalytic converter on these vehicles may make the Sulfur smell worse.

Check wiring harness connectors for loose, damaged or corroded terminals. Check vacuum hoses. Verify odor is from exhaust and not from under hood odor, such as battery acid.