Ford IDS Access

CruisnCobra

CruisnCobra

Forum Member
Anybody got access to a Ford IDS? I have a Fusion that is intermittent hard start (more so when air temp is cold) and there is a TSB for a PCM update. Don't wanna go to the dealer though...
 
The only TSB I can find is about Flex Fuel and recommending not switching back and forth from E85 and Regular unleaded. There are some TSBs for throttle bodies as well but they aren't listed for hard starting.


When the car is hard starting, how long does it crank? Next time she thinks its going to be a hard start, tell her to turn the key to the On/Run position and wait until the fuel pump has fully primed the system (about 3-5 seconds) then crank the engine. Poor fuel delivery could be the culprit. Not sure if you have the ability to check fuel pressure or volume. Maybe check the fuel filter.

Also, check the condition of the battery. If it is weak, it will spin the starter slower and take a bit longer to fire. You would notice this more so when its very cold out.
 
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Here's the TSB from alldata. Combined with a couple other issues.

TSB 07-2-3

02/05/07

VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY/TRANSMISSION
SYMPTOMS - PCM/TCM CALIBRATION UPDATES -
3.0L - AISIN F21 AUTO TRANS
FORD:
2006-2007 Fusion
LINCOLN:
2006 Zephyr
MERCURY:
2006-2007 Milan
This article supersedes TSB 06-21-11 to update the TSB Action step.

ISSUE
Some 2006-2007 Fusion, Milan and 2006 Zephyr vehicles built before 9/4/2006 equipped with a 3.0L engine and Aisin F21 automatic transmission may exhibit one or more of the driveability and/or transmission symptoms listed below.
Engine Driveability

^ Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0606
^ Powertrain lacks response
^ High idles after starting engine and lasting about 2 minutes
^ Intermittent hard to start
Transmission

^ Transmission shifts too early / too late / too often
^ Gear changes take too long to complete
^ Shifts rough or jerky from park
^ Slow downshifts
^ Takes too long to engage and/or hesitates while shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse
ACTION
Reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission control module (TCM) to the latest calibration using IDS release IDS 46.10 and higher or IDS 47.1 and higher. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2007.1 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at the website.
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

070203A 2006-2007 Fusion/Milan, 0.6 Hr.
2006 Zephyr 3.0L: Check
DTCs And Reprogram The
PCM And The TCM (Do
Not Use With 12650D)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
RECALEM 04
Click to expand...

I've been driving it lately because of the issue. Background is I've had the issue pretty much since the first winter I've had the car 3 years ago. Put a new battery in it then and it was still a long crank/ two times cranking to get started. So problem was still there but band-aided with a new battery, I think. Just bought a new battery tonight to hopefully at least temporarily fix the problem. And also the cranking speed seemed to be fast enough (according to my ear) on the first try until the battery starts to drain from extended cranking.

Tried the fuel pump thing, with a couple key cycles to make sure. Checking fuel pressure has been on my list, but don't have the right adapters.
 
To me it sounds like somewhere within the ignition components there's excessive dielectric grease, crud build up, or a cable (wire) not seated/torqued down causing the EC.

Try putting firm tension on to the starter harness and have someone start the vehicle while that tension is being held. Do the same to the ignition wiring harnesses.

How often is "intermittent" hard starting occurring?
 
It's actually become pretty consistent when the car has sat overnight or all day long at work and its fairly cold outside (35ish or colder). Its hard for me to work on because the problem is only in the morning when I have to do something with my 10 month old and its time crunched before work.

Maybe I'll start voltage drop testing the starting circuit since I don't really have somebody to add tension to the connections.
 
Does it have the bump start? meaning you just turn the key fully and then let it go, it should crank and then start?
But yours just continues to crank and not start?
 
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