Pinpoint Tests 3.5L and 3.7L Ti-VCT: Notes

Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in Service Information for information about these practices.

Carry out OBD procedures KOEO and KOER.
Retrieve and record all DTCs.
Repair all non-transmission DTCs first.
Repair all transmission DTCs second.
Clear all CMDTCs and attempt to repeat them.
Repair all CMDTCs.
If only pass codes are obtained, refer to Component Tests for further information and diagnosis.

Power is routed through the transmission solenoid power control relay (inside the PCM) to all transmission solenoids. If the power circuit to the transmission solenoids or the transmission solenoid power control relay fails open, all solenoids are failed electrically off. Check for open, short to ground or the transmission connector disconnected. The transmission solenoid power control relay disables power to the transmission solenoids when certain transmission DTCs are set.

NOTE: Without a voltage signal return to the PCM, the transmission solenoid power control relay is commanded off. By using a fused jumper wire between a transmission solenoid control circuit and the signal return circuit, the transmission solenoid power control relay circuit supplies power to the transmission solenoids when the ignition is cycled from off to on. Do not use a solenoid control circuit that may be at fault, refer to DTC Charts-PCM for a fault listing.

Follow the diagnostic sequence to diagnose and repair the concern the first time.