Various module communication issues and J2534 adapter suggestion

[whtbronco]

BLUF: looking for a J2534 pass through adapter verified to work with the Gen 2 Expeditions for Forscan troubleshooting

Long version/story:
My wife called to say that Message Center showed Tire Pressure Monitor Fault on our 2004 EB. BTW, I think EB stands for too much crap. She was 400 miles from home and I did not send her with a scanner, oops. I figured it was likely just a TPMS sensor battery so I told her not to worry about it, she'd already checked all tire pressures. After refueling and thus restarting the fault did not return. When she got home I used my OBDII scanner and found the following DTC's.

DSM (Driver's Seat Module)
B2324 - Driver's mirror vertical position sensor circuit fault
B2320 - Driver's mirror horizontal position sensor circuit fault
B2316 - Passenger's mirror vertical position sensor circuit fault
B2312 - Passenger's mirror horizontal position sensor circuit fault

HEC (Hybrid Electronic Cluster)
U1262 - SCP data link fault

PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
B1600 - No PATS(Passive anti-theft system) ignition key transponder signal received
-Possible Reasons-
-Ignition key damaged
-PATS antenna/wiring damaged
-PCM (Powertrain Control Module) damaged

TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor)
U1041 Missing or incorrect vehicle speed signal

I cleared the DTC's and scanned it again. I repeated this process numerous times. Consistently getting the expected P1000(didn't finish test), occassionally getting B2320 and B2324 again. However, the scanner showed various systems with communication issues. Most common were EATC, 4x4, VMS and DSM, but they varied. So with that being all I could get from my scanner I grabbed the laptop with Forscan. I then learned Forscan couldn't see the modules on the MS bus unless I get a J2534 pass through adapter. I'm sure the problem on the MS bus will likely get worse so before that happens I need to get setup to identify and resolve it. I have looked all over and the only adapter that seems to consistently work on the early 200x Fords is the CarDAQ-Plus at $1780, ouch. Any suggestions on a more reasonably priced unit? Anyone have successful experience with the Mongoose-Plus that's only, cough, cough, $540?

Another day, ~100 miles and 3 drive cycles so I checked it again despite no noticable symptoms or CEL.

DSM (Driver's Seat Module)
B2324 - Driver's mirror vertical position sensor circuit fault
B2320 - Driver's mirror horizontal position sensor circuit fault

PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
P1000 - OBD Systems Test Incomplete

VDM (Vehicle Dynamics Module)
C1991 - Module Calibration Fault

I then cleared the DTC's and hit refresh. I hit refresh multiple times and got different modules showing No Fault Code|! . So I decided to read the data stream for these modules and each of would randomnly change from the correct value to N/A. This was the case for everything I would prefer not to have, 4x4 CM, EATC, DCSM, DSM, VDM, VSM, TPM, PCSM. PCM, ABS and RCM all remained rock steady reporting the correct data stream info, but I believe these are on a different bus.

Only one recent vehicle change and that was to move my stereo amp wire from under the carpet against the driver seat to the center row. I simply moved it out to the wire path along the doors. Maybe I fubar'd something as it is a rather snug fit next to the driver seat.

 

[whtbronco]

So while continuing to look for evidence of an adapter that will work I had the bright idea to try and update the driver for my OBDLink EX. I mean it is supposed to be able to read both the HS and MS bus, I'm calling BS on that, haha. The driver update didn't help, but being an IT admin I should have tried that the other day, duh.

I'm now reviewing wiring diagrams since for now I have given up on using a computer to help me troubleshoot the computer issues. My wife has started looking for a 78 Bronco to replace the Expedition. No computer needed, simple, reliable and tough as nails. These trucks have gotten so frickin expensive now days though, I guess they all have. I would love to have another 78 Bronco, but I doubt I'll be willing to pay for it despite wanting to get this computer controlled vehicle out of my life.

 

[whtbronco]

According to AllData the buses are called SCP and UBP.

SCP is for the PCM, ABS, LTPM(Low Tire Pressure Monitor) and the IC(Instrument Cluster).

UBP is for EATC(Auto Temp COntrol), 4WD, PAM(Parking Aid), ASM(Air Susp), DSM(Driver Seat), CCSM/Driver(Climate Control Seat), CCSM/Passenger, VSM(Vehicle Security) and IC. UBP is bus that FORScan is not seeing. Shame I can't just eliminate the entire UBP bus and convert 4WD to manual hubs and T-case and the HVAC to manual switches/levers.

This clearly identifies that I have an issue on both buses with common links being the PCM and IC. I'm still trying to track down additional common links, but I suspect that's it. I doubt the issue is due to the IC. Just for grins I inspected the PCM connectors and despite seeing no corrosion or dirt I went ahead and cleaned them with electronics cleaner spray, figured it can't hurt. Course it didn't help.

 

[Yupster Dog]

I'm still trying to track down additional common links

In this whole thread i have not heard you say anything about grounds.
Check your grounds everywhere.
So many diferent things wrong usually points at a lifted or intermitten ground.

 

[whtbronco]

Good point, thank you. Easy enough to check/verify and repair if needed, yet often overlooked as I have done. Sometimes I ain't all that bright .

Next up verify grounds.

 

[BlackCoffee]

I would check the grounds with so many problems. Next, go through the pinpoint tests. Unfortunately, one bad box will take out the buss. I had a bad EATC and the indications were on the transfer cases 4x4 indications.

 

[whtbronco]

Boy this is really taking some time to troubleshoot. I have checked 12 of the 18 grounds I know of. Thus far I have found no issues, but I did pull them all and clean them a bit. 4 of the grounds had some corrosion, the 2 at the headlights, the one on the front frame rail and the starter all had a bit of rust. The 3 by the PCM actually look brand new. I started at the front and I'm working my way towards the back. The rear grounds will take a few hours.

I use a turn signal harness and bulb to test grounds. A couple mechanics I used to associate with said that most test lights aren't good enough and just to use any automotive harness and buld to actually put a bit of load on it and that's good enough. it's also super cheap to make with supplies from the junkyard.

Noteworthy I think are that I have found 2 grounds that I can find no documentation to support in AllDataDIY. Being the original owner I am certain these were installed at the factory. 1 is behind the driver side kick panel, only 1 is documented and I found 2, and the other is a body to frame mesh ground strap under the passenger front foot well.

Next ground to check is G300 on the driver side B pillar. Several of the effected modules use this ground.

Well with all these modules sharing a bus it makes sense that one faulty module can impact the others. I sure hadn't considered that yet though. Thanks for the idea. I'll add the pinpoint tests on the test plan as the next step.

 

[Yupster Dog]

I use a turn signal harness and bulb to test grounds.

Or you can use Voltage Drop Test to check. All you need is a digital volt meter.

 

[Vincent Vega]

@whtbronco here is a list of grounds and locations from the shop manual. 90% chance you already have this, but just making sure. Good luck

 

[whtbronco]

@Vincent Vega , thank you sir. Yeah that's the same list I have from AllDataDIY.

Clearly I'm just blind as there are 2 listed for the driver side kick panel, G202 and G301. I guess listing them separately was enough that I didn't see it in the list. So there's only 1 that I found and don't see on the list.

@Yupster Dog , voltage drop is not something I'm familiar with, I'll look into this. I have a DVM, one of the most useful tools so gotta have it.

 

[Yupster Dog]

@whtbronco
Voltage Drop Test is testing the connections without having to take them apart and you can work your way right to the problem.
So you have a volt meter and you put the red on the positive battery post and the black on the negative post you will get how many volts your battery is putting out. (12.v)
now that you know your volt meter is on and working,



The goal is to read 0 volts.(means all good connections) the more volts you read the worse the connection. (Ex 1.5v it's a little dirty all the way to 11.3v means almost no connection.)

(notice i dont say black and red colors here, that is because it doesnt matter what colors where)

Put one wire on negative post then put the other wire on the clamp that is on the negative post. If you read any volts at all those volts are being lost in the connection from the post to the clamp. (Ex if you read 1.5v you need to clean the battery terminal). put back together and move on to the next connection on the wire and one still on the battery post.
This can be done on both positive and negative sides the exact same way.

Look up (Voltage Drop Test) You tube vids get a little techy but my explanation should help a little.

 

[whtbronco]

Never heard of that before. I gotta try it though

 

[whtbronco]

I finally found a ground that wasn't good last night. It didn't help this scenario, but it was certainly not making good contact. G400 driver side frame rail next to spare tire

 

[whtbronco]

The voltage drop explanation makes perfect sense. I've never heard of that before, but man it does seem like a good way to test a circuit. I'll be trying that this weekend.

 

[whtbronco]

Well after numerous days and countless hours of troubleshooting this I have decided to put it on the back burner for a bit. There is no current evidence aside from the scanner anyway. I'll get back to it as it will continue to bother me until I figure it out.

In the meantime I'm gonna be replacing a rusted through rocker panel and finally building the fiberglass sub enclosure since the current box is constantly in the way and ticked me off for that last time.

This weekend is time to start learning to weld.

 

[whtbronco]

I posted an update to the wrong thread, but this one will get some attention from me again very soon as it's associated with my transfer case issues.

 

[whtbronco]

I plan to start working on this again as time permits. After replacing the transfer case and shift motor I have fewer and more importantly so far consistent DTC's and thought I'd put them here so they are handy.

B2320 - Driver's mirror horizontal position sensor circuit fault. Driver Seat Module(DSM).
U1262 - SCP data link fault. Hybrid Electronic Cluster(HEC).
C1991 - Module Calibration Fault. Vehicle Dynamics Module(VDM), basically air suspension.

We don't use the presets for mirror, seat and pedals so I'm not sure the position sensor is actually needed. The air suspension has been replaced with traditional springs and adjustable struts. By choice I would just eliminate these features, but that's no easy task to my knowledge.

I haven't found any info on the mirror sensor just yet.

Cluster I dunno, I haven't researched this.

It appears that the VDM issue may simply be related to having removed the air suspension and the height sensors/switches might not be in the right place. I can try running calibration process. I really need to get one of so call "lights out modules" that just tells the system everything with the air suspension is good.

For more than a year now I had gotten P1000 every time I checked codes, so I was surprised when it wasn't set this time. Also noteworthy is that I checked, cleared and checked again and did not get varying results like I did in the past.

P1000 - OBD Systems Test Incomplete. PCM

 

[SafariGoneWrong]

What adapter/scanner/software are you using or would use for calibration?

 

[whtbronco]

Most likely I will use my Zurich ZR Pro scanner. I have ForScan, but I've had better luck using my Zurich scanner on my Expedition. ForScan works pretty well on my sons Ranger though.

 

[whtbronco]

So it looks like a big portion of the issue I had previously was the transfer case shift motor, the clutch coil or both. No more troubleshooting tonight other to check for DTC's.

Just 3.
B2320 - Driver's mirror horizontal position sensor circuit fault. Driver Seat Module(DSM).
B2312 - Passenger's mirror horizontal position sensor circuit fault. Driver Seat Module(DSM).
C1991 - Module Calibration Fault. Vehicle Dynamics Module(VDM), basically air suspension.

When I have time I'll mess with the air suspension calibration some. The calibration test requires a successful pneumatic test first and I'll have to turn the air suspension back on for that. I'm not sure I can get the calibration to work though as the switches are pretty much frozen in place. Maybe I can find the resistance the module is looking for and throw a resistor in, I dunno.

The mirror sensors, well I'm not sure.

Honestly I really don't care if the mirror sensors or the air suspension work.