Electronic Throttle Control

[Myers6]

Just had the wrench light on dash of my 2004 come on and transmission act up on drive home. Manual says ETC the problem and car reverted to "limp mode" however later the same day no light and everything normal. Any one had this problem?

[George]

Most often when your in limp mode, I would suspect a coil problem. Do a search on coil on plugs and you may see similarities

[Myers6]

Thanks George. Car is still running fine however I will check coil & plugs.

[George]

Meyers:
I've been doing some research to try to help you. Here's some interesting info that may help from a service guy down in FL:

"04 Bird, I just ran Oasis and only came up with one SSM that covered both the Check Engine Light & ABS Light. With out knowing the DTC KOER/KOEO codes this is only a guess.
SSM 17338 - 2003-2004 Lincoln LS & Thunderbird - DTC P2106
Some 2003-2004 Lincoln LS & Thunderbird vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2106 (Throttle Actuator Control Systems - Forced Limited Power) Stored in the PCM. This condition maybe caused by a concern with the Anti Lock Brake System (ABS) or an SCP communiation fault. To service first check for DTC's related to ABS or SCP communications faults as necessary following the appopriate pinpoint test in the workshop manual. If DTC P2106 is still present, proceed with normal diag using the electronic version of the PC/ED manual
ALSO:
SSM # 17740 22003-2004 Linc LS & Thunderbird - Electronic Throttle Control Warning Message or Lamp On MIL On with DTC - P2106 - Possible Driveabilty Systems.
Some 2003-2004 Linc LS & Thunerbird vehicles may exhibit the "ETC FAILSAFE MODE" Warning displayed in the message center (3.9L) or the amber electronic throttle control warning lamp (3.oL) on and the malfuction indicator lamp (MIL) on with the DTC p2106 in the PCM. Driveability systems may include rough idle,poor acceleration and lack of throttle response. To service reprogram PCM with the latest calibration avilable using WDS release B30.10 or higher. Calibration files are also available at www.motorcraft.com
04/26/2004
Either way your going to have to bring your vehicle in to check the codes in the system."

[George]

Here's more info for you or others:

'02's don't have a wrench light warning.....but '04's do.

"Electronic Throttle Control illuminates when engine has defaulted to a 'limp home' operation." (Doesn't say why)

"Report the fault to a dealer at the earliest opportunity"

This quote is from the '04 manual under the wrench light

[Myers6]

Thanks again George. I appreciate the helpful imformation. When last driven about a week ago (mine is a sunny day only car) she was still running fine however I am going to have checked on the Ford computer.

Thanks
Dave

[George]

Dave:
My '02 is a sunny day driver as well.

Anyway, I'd be interested to hear if that computer check yields anything.

I have heard, from somewhere, that if the car acts up and corrects itself and you have it checked right away, the computer will show what the problem was.
But if you shut it off and turn it on 2 or 3 times the computer resets itself, and won't show the problem. Not sure if this is all true at all, so I'd be interested in your results.

[Frodo]

2003 Bird. coils need to be tested under stress. I finally got ford to replace both valvecover gaskets (leaking oil) and all of my coils. Had previously replaced 5 in two stages before Ford came out with repair order for 2003. See my other posts.

[George]

Frodo:
I hope all that work was done under warranty.

Also, did you get the letter from Ford that extended the warranty on all 2003's for coils up to 100,000 miles?

[Frodo]

yes they did it all but I sent in invoices for previous expenses through the dealership and haven't been reimbursed in about 4 months. Any ideas. call ford?

[George]

Since you gave the invoices to the dearlership, I would keep the pressure on them. Afterall, they would have more leverage on Ford than you would.
Hopefully you kept the originals or at least a copy, in the event the dealership abandons you. Then you could resort to Ford directly with two stories. One about a dealer that said they would help and didn't, and the other about you monies due for that work. Bear in mind that sometimes these things take a long time to resolve. Good Luck