Ford Fusion 'EAC fail' - PCM fail codes now identified P2119/P0460

[egg]

I know it's almost a modern, but it is rubbish. And older than some of these Goona things!

Anyway, my 1.6 pez went into limp mode yesterday. It fixed itself by switching off and​ on again but this is a bloody annoying fault, because no idea if it was a one off or if will happen next time in the overtaking lane at 56 leptons. No fault code, but I expect it will be in the memory if I take it for a diagnostic?

EAC, electronic accelerator cable fault, can be anything from a faulty tp sensor, £70, corroded terminals at the ECU, throttle body issues etc.

Before I drive it in to the Bay in frustration, has anyone experienced and solved this?

Thanks awfully chaps.

All modernz etc etc...

[SiC]

Download Forscan and buy a Forscan compatiable lead - if you don't have a ELM327 adapter already. Plug it in, run the software and read the codes. Will be far cheaper and quicker than taking it to a garage.

 

Without knowing what codes is triggering it could be anything. Generic scan tools are unlikely to be able to read the code.

[overrun]

Download Forscan and buy a Forscan compatiable lead - if you don't have a ELM327 adapter already. Plug it in, run the software and read the codes. Will be far cheaper and quicker than taking it to a garage.

 

Without knowing what codes is triggering it could be anything. Generic scan tools are unlikely to be able to read the code.

 

Forscan rocks! Just used this fella for my lead, and it came in two days. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181457166623?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[egg]

How about using the forscan android app on my Nexus tablet and running it with a Bluetooth OBD2 connector? More portable. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[SiC]

Yeah should do the job too.

[egg]

I think I'll go with the cable option, only problem is my laptop lid is kinda gaffer taped on, because shiter, so makes it hard to transport and the battery doesn't work so has to run on mains!

[Snipes]

If the EML isn't on anymore I wouldn't even worry about it.

[egg]

Thanks to the advice of SiC and Overrun, I now have my diagnostic codes. No OBD2 faults, but there are powertrain control module faults:

 

P2119 - Electronic Throttle position controller - throttle flap malfunction

 

Throttle plate convergence error. The throttle flap has not moved to the required position. This can be from an obstruction or incorrect signal. Check wiring and connectors.

 

Solution: The EAC FAIL relates to the electronic accelerator control. Vehicles that trigger diagnostic fault codes (DTCs) / fault codes P2138 with P2122, P2123 or P2127 a common problem is the PCM (powertrain control module = ECM = engine control module) electrical connector. Check the electrical connector for the PCM for damage to the terminals and pins. Replace or repair as necessary. On vehicles that trigger P2119, P2135, P2176, P0120, P0122, P0123, P0220, P0222 or P0223 fault codes can suffer from the same PCM terminal damage but also suffer from throttle body electrical connector damage. The throttle body will need to be inspected and tested using an scope or scanner looking at live data. Check the serial number on the throttle body. Replace with a revised throttle body of the serial number is below 400000.

 

Also

 

P0460 - Invalid fuel tank level message from instrument cluster (not sure why I have this - fuel gauge is a bit inaccurate, but works well enough)

 

So what next?

[egg]

Here's what it looks like...

 

[egg]

Ho, Ho, Ho

 

so it is dated 17/06/02, serial number 80,024, it is actually a known fault covered by Ford Technical Service Bulletin 76/2003, any serial numbers under 400,000 were faulty...And it's been 15 years like that!

[SiC]

I wouldn't worry about the fuel tank code, probably something from ages ago. Give it a scan in another couple hundred miles and see if it comes back. Could just be a dirty connector on the fuel sender.

 

Sounds like the lead has paid itself already. Could have spent ages trying to find the fault by purely changing parts without reading codes.

[egg]

Yes, thanks for the advice, far superior to a generic OBD reader, I see that now.

 

There are still several different ways forward, including drilling out and checking the connection on the PCM, replacing the throttle body for a later serial number (from around £25 on eBay) - but that will probably also mean a new TB gasket - another £25!

 

Or do nothing and wait for it to fail again - not normally my favoured approach with a family holiday not far away.

 

Or drive it down the boat ramp into Herne Bay harbour.