Ford ThunderBirdFord thought they'd take their own stab at the nostalgia business. There are quite a few last-century icons that wear the blue oval. For a revival subject, why not use a car famous enough to have been the subject of Beach Boys songs, starred in George Lucas movies, and has been gone long enough to be missed? Why not indeed. In 2002, the Thunderbird was reborn.
The T-bird runs ok. But I get an occasional dashboard symbol, a wrench, and the engine begins running rough. When I shut it off and start up, it runs ok again. Once upon starting up, another symbol appeared, an engine outline. This one stayed on every time. So, I went to a garage where they told me that the oxygen sensors on the right side needed to be replaced. I had that done. However, I continue to get the same symptoms. When the engine outline appeared again, I took it back. The new code is PO- 2104 . Now, I think there was nothing wrong with the oxygen sensors. Now, I am putting additives in the gas tank at each fill up. Will this clear up the problem?
What is the solution to these anoyances built into ford's cars?
No additives wont cure a p2104. the definiton of p2104 is "throttle actuator control system forced idle". This is probably caused by the throttle position sensor. following the diag sheet in all data it says to replace pcm, I strongly recomend you have this one looked at by a pro. I love do it yourself types i am 1 myself but neither of these parts are cheap. I also read the diag sheet with only the p2104 code present as you stated there were no other codes present., it also says this is a code that is set with other codes and other codes should be diagnosed first. The engine symbol is the "check engine light" the wrench light is "limp home mode"
Thank you Cougar,
I did see a "professional". He only knows to replace what ever part is indicated. I am waiting for the same code to come up consistently. If it is the pcm - throttle position sensor, what is the down side of not replacing it? The car runs well unless it slips into "limp home mode" and thats clears with restarting the engine.
"Limp home mode" is very annoying. How can I have that feature disabled?
Robert
You cant disable "limp home mode". The downside i see is if your in a situation that you need instant throttle response is that you might not have it. For what its worth i have replaced quite a few throttle position sensors and have yet to replace a pcm for this condition. Not on a t-bird tho. Im not sure if your particular vehicle will allow replacing of just the throttle position sensor or the complete throttle body. Good luck
""Limp home mode" is very annoying. How can I have that feature disabled"
LOL, you cant disable it, it's just what the PCM does when it detects a problem where a sensor is out of range or not responding. So basically if you were to disable the limp mode you'd be stuck on the side of the road.
Check the TPS.
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