Update On Sick Marauder

[Ross]

Well, the dealer is clueless. They have had the car now for over a week (letting me use a Lincoln LS as a loaner) with no success. Remember that I have already paid for a new processor to replace the one that they screwed up when they tried to reflash my computer without telling me, so I couldn't remove my chip before the reflash.
The new processor didn't do any good, so after conversations with the factory (so they tell me), they thought that they needed to get another processor (new one number 2) just to make sure that the new one (number 1) wasn't malfunctioning. New one number 2 didn't help the situtation, either.
After more conversations with the factory, they figured that somewhere in the car's electronics there must be some of the old "bad" programming left which is somehow infecting the new processors. So, now they are trying to totally clear the car's electronics of any remnants of old programming, and they are going to install yet another processor (new one number 3).
They even changed the MAF, and that didn't do any good.
As of right now, things don't look good. They claim to have run every diagnostic test they can run, and they sound like they are no closer to fixing my car than they were when they first messed it up.
Any ideas, thoughts, or prayers are certainly welcome.

[metroplex]

What's the problem?

[Ross]

What's the problem?

see this previous thread

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=21736

[metroplex]

Here is what happened:

Your chip is programmed for a specific catchcode (4-digit alphanumeric code) on the PCM. Dealerships typically reflash the PCM whenever there is an updated calibration, and they should stick a new label with the new catchcode on the outside signifying it was changed.

Your chip, without being programmed for the new catchcode, is now useless.

Since you've gone through 3 PCMs already it is safe to assume it is NOT the PCM at fault.

What was the problem with the MAF? It could very well be a MAF issue - a faulty MAF can explain sluggishness.

A wrong catchcode will result in a no-start condition.

[Ross]

They have already replaced the MAF, with no success. The car is starting, but runs crappy. The engine runs smoothly, but it's almost like it's not "talking" to the tranny. Like there's plenty of power in the engine, but it's not getting to the tranny. One possibility I have discussed with them is that they messed up the programming in the tranny, and the car isn't downshifting all the way into 1st.

[metroplex]

The PCM contains the shift schedule and everything. I'm trying to think of all the other processors in the car separate from the PCM:

Lighting Control Module
ABS Module / EBD as well?
Rear Air Suspension Controller

Everything else would be in the PCM...

Are you sure they are using the right MAF and the right programming? A wrong MAF air transfer function WILL affect shifting! The MAF air transfer function is important because a LOT of systems rely on that for proper operation.

[BigCars4Ever]

I rember the 300A's having some wiring harness issues where the harness ran over som sharp sheetmetal and was very taught. It eventualy cut into one or more of the ECM harness wires and caused all sorts of crazy problems. Do a search on wiring harness problems.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20974&highlight=wiring+harness
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54&highlight=wiring+harness
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7230&highlight=wiring+harness

[rayjay]

Ross, have they checked the Passive Anti Theft System? As I said in your other thread, messing with the computer with a chip installed and the PATS key in the vehicle will activate the PATS system. The vehicle will not run. I've not looked at the MM PATS, but the Focus PATS was NOT a part of the ECU, it was a seperate module. More than one person learned the hard way at focaljet.

[metroplex]

A PATS issue will cause a no-start condition. i.e. if you have the wrong catchcode tune file on a chip, you can sit there cranking all day w/o starting the vehicle. The PATS LED will also blink rapidly IIRC.

[Mad4Macs]

Heh, sounds like one of my 3 transmission failures. When my torque converter shuffled off this mortal coil, my car couldn't break 30 MPH.

[metroplex]

Heh, sounds like one of my 3 transmission failures. When my torque converter shuffled off this mortal coil, my car couldn't break 30 MPH.
It gave up the ghost? :eek::help::cry:

[CRUZTAKER]

..... they figured that somewhere in the car's electronics there must be some of the old "bad" programming left which is somehow infecting the new processors.
Ok. Here's what you do. Reboot in SAFE MODE and run Spybot and Spysweeper. Better do a full system virus scan as well.....
....errr uhhh...are we talking about a car....:dunno:

Those folks are higher than I.:pimp:

[Ross]

Thanks for the info on the PATS system, but the car will start (now that the chip has been removed), it just runs like crap when it does.

[metroplex]

Have you cleaned the MAF sensor wires (in the sampling tube)? The reflashed PCM will not be compatible with the chip unless the chip has been reburned with the proper catchcode.

[MENINBLK]

Ross,

Get the Code from the Dealership that identifies the Firmware that was flashed into your PCM.
Then send the Firmware code to whomever you got your chip from.
See if they have an updated program for your chip to match the Firmware.

Your chip HAS TO BE programmed to match the firmware in your PCM otherwise it won't work either.

Once they have a program for your chip, have it reburned and then re-install it in the Marauder.
Your new programming does things like adjust the pressure and shift patterns in your transmission.
Driving it on a stock program is going to make the tranny feel very sluggish.
That's why we all have our Marauders reprogrammed in the first place.

After you've done this, you will feel a difference.
Trust me...

Don't let what's happening now persuade you to think anything different.
Get your chip reburned and re-install it.

Next time you take your Marauder anywhere for service, make sure you pull the chip first.

[metroplex]

Get the Code from the Dealership that identifies the Firmware that was flashed into your PCM.
Then send the Firmware code to whomever you got your chip from.
See if they have an updated program for your chip to match the Firmware.
Have the chip reburned with the proper updated catchcode from the current PCM.