2004 Thunderbird computer not functioning

Tiny
NED WELKER
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD THUNDERBIRD
  • 10,000 MILES
I bought the '04 Thunderbird new and had it "tuned" at the 100,000mile service. New plugs, etc. 70 miles later the car went into limp mode. All COPs replaced but diagnostic showed all COPs non functioning. Computer module sent to Ford and it tested ok, put back in the car, more tinkering and now only cylinder #3 is not firing and they are stuck. All believe it is electrical. Some have suggested replacing the wiring harness but there are none available in the US. Others have suggested an old time mechanic to find the electrical glitch and the Ford dealer has said he will not charge for the work done if the car doesn't run. They have checked, or say they have, for corroded parts and injection ports. They are receptive to any suggestions and not afraid to ask for help. I am prepared to take the car to one of the old time mechanics with whom I have spoken who claims to be anxious to look into the mystery since it is what he loves about repairs the most. What do you think?
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 AT 9:11 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
All the details above were cut off. Could you please explain the details again?
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Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
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I thought I had it all in the original question but here goes again.

I bought the '04 Thunderbird new and had it "tuned" at the 100,000mile service. New plugs, etc. 70 miles later the car went into limp mode. All COPs replaced but diagnostic showed all COPs non functioning. Computer module sent to Ford and it tested ok, put back in the car, more tinkering and now only cylinder #3 is not firing and they are stuck. All believe it is electrical. Some have suggested replacing the wiring harness but there are none available in the US. Others have suggested an old time mechanic to find the electrical glitch and the Ford dealer has said he will not charge for the work done if the car doesn't run. They have checked, or say they have, for corroded parts and injection ports. They are receptive to any suggestions and not afraid to ask for help. I am prepared to take the car to one of the old time mechanics with whom I have spoken who claims to be anxious to look into the mystery since it is what he loves about repairs the most. What do you think?
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Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
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Just spoke with Ford. They sent the wiring harness to Ford at Ford's request and it is being tested and/or repaired and will be back tomorrow. Ford Corporate seems sure the problem is in the harness so we'll see how that works out.
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Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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We have a glitch right now if you put the details in the subject box they get cut off in mid sentence when the question is posted. As far as your question goes though why is it not running on cylinder number 3?Is it loosing spark or injector pluse?So does it not run on the number 3 cylinder at all or does it intermintantly not run on cylinder number 3?Most of the worst nightmares I have run across have been wire harness issues or last but not least a computer issue.I have seen water get into the harness batttery acid etc.
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Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 AT 10:51 PM
Tiny
NED WELKER
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I guess I don't understand the "glitch" and the cut off. The point is that #3 isn't firing and they have looked into everything mechanical(they say) so electronics are all they are left with. And they have replaced all the plugs, COPs, tested the computer module and suspect the wiring harness which they have sent to Ford and hope to have installed tomorrow(maybe that is the ticket, who knows?). In any event, 7 of the 8 cylinders are firing and they can't find why #3 is not. Just wondered if you have ever heard of something like this.
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Friday, March 23rd, 2012 AT 1:09 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Did they say if it wasnt firing because of lack of spark or a lack of injector pluse?I have seen harness issues broken copper wire inside the insulation terminal tightness issues acid damaging the harnesses pinched wires animals chewing wires. You name it I have seen it. The glitch we have on here is if you type too much in the subject box when you post the question. When its displayed on the list of unanswered questions most of what you typed in the subject box gets cut off. Meaning its not displayed cant read it. Even clicking on the question its cut off atleast on the moderators end we cant see or read it.I have talked to fellow moderators and they have the same problem.
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Friday, March 23rd, 2012 AT 2:43 AM
Tiny
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Thanks, I'll pass the info on to those working on the car. I have had a number of people tell me that things like corrosion, specks of contamination, spark problems, injection problems and the like. I'll let you know what the guys on the ground finally come up with.
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Friday, March 23rd, 2012 AT 5:03 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome please keep me posted on what you find.
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Friday, March 23rd, 2012 AT 5:07 AM

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