Xcal2 and how to read codes?

[ctrlraven]

It's kind of Marauder related but not really at this time. On my 06 F-350 diesel the ABS light has been on for a week and the speedo and odo (digital) seem to have a mind of their own. Sometimes when I turn the truck on their fine and then they will shut right off. I have to pull over leave it off for 10-30 mins then turn it back on and is fine for awhile and does it again. How can I use my Xcal2 to see if their is any codes and how do I figure out what the codes are? Knowing this now will help me if I ever have to use it on the MM in the future. I'm going to take the truck to the dealership in the morning but I wanted to see if I could get an idea of what's going on. Any help would be great!

Thanks,
Chris

[JMan]

Yo Chris,
Your Xcal won't read codes on your diesel (I don't think) because it has a different interface than your Marauder. The '05 and up Fords and all 6.0l diesels use a Controller Area Network (CAN) for scan-tool communications. I don't think your Xcal will interface with it. If it will, it will only read Powertrain codes. There is a possibility it is a related code (e.g. Vehicle Speed Sensor) that may show up there though. I hope that helps!

Best luck,

J

[OneBADLsE]

Check Amperage...Sounds like an alternator concern when it comes to Digital dashes blanking out..

My $.02

[ckadiddle]

Hmmm..don't know about diesel engines, but if your truck has the ODBII port it might tell you something. With engine off, keys in off position, plug in xcal2 to OBDII port. Look for option to read DTCs (Diag Trouble Codes). If it finds some error codes, write them down. Then you can research them via google and here on mm.net.

Here's one listing of codes:
http://www.obdiicsu.com/Docs/DTC/DTCData.html

I spose you could call Dennis or Lidio and ask if it will read codes on a Ford diesel truck before you try just to err on the side of caution.

The xcal2 can also clear the DTCs if you wish. Saved me money and hassle with the wife's stang a while back.

[ctrlraven]

Thanks guys, I figured it out late last night. Didn't find any codes on it and my uncle stopped by this morning with one of his scan tools and only code he found was a mis fire code but nothing that would explain why the ABS light stays on. Drove the truck to work this morning, the speedo and odo worked fine then when I went to leave and go back home it didn't. Its just one of those weird things I guess and the dealership can't look at it until next Wednesday so it's just going to get parked. Luckly enough its still under warranty and in the mean time I'll just check all the fuses and pull the dash apart and check all the wires from the dash to PCM.

[Marauder386]

After changing the oil and cleaning the Throttle Body on my Wifes '03 F150 Heritage series, the truck will start but dies when it idles down. I suspect fuel pressure regulator...ANYHOO...I am going to plug in my XCal2 and see what I get...This thread just happened at the right time. Gratius Maximum !

:cool:

[mtenderenda]

The ODBC codes listed are for the Marauder too? Or is it for the truck....

[Marauder386]

The ODBC codes listed are for the Marauder too? Or is it for the truck....

Good question...I printed all ten pages of codes out...just in case. I will see what happens after work tonight...

:cool:

[mtenderenda]

Let me know what the outcome is....

[ckadiddle]

The ODBC codes listed are for the Marauder too? Or is it for the truck....
Not sure, but I think they are generic for all models of modern Fords that use ODBII. Can't remember what year Ford started OBDII.

[JACook]

Had the same symptom twice on my (ugh) '00 Windstar (since departed, thank God...)

The problem both times was an ABS sensor ring had cracked and was moving around on the CV joint.
ABS light would come on, ABS would sometimes kick in when it wasn't supposed to, speedo would
jump around like it had a mind of it's own. Sometimes would be OK for awhile, if the sensor ring found
a good place to sit. Your symptoms sound familiar...

[JMan]

Q:


The ODBC codes listed are for the Marauder too? Or is it for the truck....

A: All codes that start with P0 or U0 (e.g. P0105 or U0046) are general in nature and apply to all true OBDII vehicles. Codes beginning with P1 or U1 are specific to the individual manufacturers. Though they may be similar to the generic codes above, they can be assigned differently and more specifically than the generic ones. The ABS codes will not be retrieved by a generic tool. Only an enhanced tool can pull codes for Chassis (ABS, RAS etc.) or Body systems. The dealer will have no problems [JMan makes the sign of the cross] pulling codes on your truck!

Best luck,

J

[Marauder386]

Let me know what the outcome is....

Well, an update...only had one code come up... P1000 ... Bear in mind this is a '03 F150 Heritage series with the Triton 5.4 V8...now I am going to have to wait for after again tonight to find that code...

:cool:

[ctrlraven]

Dropped the truck off at the dealership this morning. ABS light is still on and since yesterday morning the speedo has stopped working completely. I have a good feeling that it has something to do with the PCM since everything else works and still can't find any error codes.

[MENINBLK]

Well, an update...only had one code come up... P1000 ... Bear in mind this is a '03 F150 Heritage series with the Triton 5.4 V8...now I am going to have to wait for after again tonight to find that code...

:cool:

IIRC, P1000 sets if you clear the memory on the PCM
or if you disconnect the battery long enough to clear the memory.

You could also have a problem with the power lead to the PCM
that keeps the memory alive, or in the PCM itself...

It basically means that the PCM was recently reset
and it needs to go through all of the monitor tests.

"Q: What is the code P1000?
A: P1000 is not actually a trouble code.
It just means that the Readiness code has not been set yet or in other words,
the engine computer hasn't completed testing certain emission control components.
If there is no other problems with the car emission system, the code P1000 will disappear
after driving for some time (the drive circle must include idling, stop and go traffic, acceleration and steady cruising)."

[Marauder386]

Thanks MENINBLACK...gives me some idea...but I didnt do any sortof reset...( sigh) ... If I could keep the durn thang running long enough I might get some codes...Weee, the joy, the fun !

:cool:

[Power Surge]

You've definitely got a speed sensor issue, whether it's mechanical (the exciter ring, or a sensor), or electrical (like a broken/shorted wire). The VSS feeds the speed signal to the PCM, which sends it out to other modules that need it, like the HEC (your dash cluster) and the ABS module. That's why you are getting an ABS light, because the speed signal is whacky.

[JMan]

If you'd like to see all codes for your '03 or '04 MM or any other OBDII Ford product, go here -

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/retail/default.asp?pageid=diag_theory _retail&gutsid=diagsheet&menuIndex1=17

This is at the Motorcraft website straight from the factory. Select the MY you want to view and it will throw the book, literally, at you. They are all there, you just have to page through to view them.

Here, for instance, is the 95 page '03 MY book -

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/diagnostics/pdf/obdsm305.pdf

It is in Adobe .pdf. All codes will be there pertaining to powertrain (engine and transmission) both generic and manufacturer specific. There's tons of theory in them as well. I'll add, I've never found an error there unlike some other information systems! Those of you that have used aftermarket info systems know what I mean.

Enjoy, and I hope it helps.

J

Mods, that first link would be good to add to a critical link page, eh?

[ckadiddle]

Thanks Jake. Now we can get info from the best source.

[ctrlraven]

You've definitely got a speed sensor issue, whether it's mechanical (the exciter ring, or a sensor), or electrical (like a broken/shorted wire). The VSS feeds the speed signal to the PCM, which sends it out to other modules that need it, like the HEC (your dash cluster) and the ABS module. That's why you are getting an ABS light, because the speed signal is whacky.
That makes complete sense now when you say it that way since the ABS feeds off the VSS to know how to pump pulse the brakes when the ABS kicks in.

[ctrlraven]

Service manager called me yesterday evening and told me it was all fixed. The problem was the ABS module, they didn't say what exactly failed with it because the ABS still worked but it was replaced and so far everything is back to know....for now lol.