Is the a dealer only job? Or am I able to simply unplug the transceiver and plug in a new one without effecting the programming or anything else?

Cheers

 

Welcome to FTE! What model/yr vehicle is this on?

 

Thanks for the welcome, my bad, its an 97 expedition EB. So im sure I will be using these forums a lot in the future

The theft light is blinking out a code 16 every morning and the car wont start until it finised its blinking pattern, then it starts fine.
It only does this cold, starts with no problem when its warm, I v replaced the key ( I now have 3) the steering column is apart so i figure the cheapest and easiest thing to do is replace the transceiver for $90 but im un sure if that will screw up the system

Any idea?

Cheers

 

Unfortunately, my PATS DTC chart doesn't list the number of theft light flashes.

The codes start with alpha characters. (ex: B1320, P1600...) I assume you've done the research to figure out the meaning of the code? I'd hate for you to have to replace this xc'ver without needing to...

 

I found out that the transciever can be easily replaced with no programming problems. So I did. Fairly easy job.

My theft light only comes on when the car is cold and the outside temp is below 13 degrees C, I had already replaced the key, I figured taking a $90 chance was worth the risk and a lot easier then leaving at the dealership overnight then paying them $100 diagnose the problem .....if it actually occured in the morning.

Well.... i took the chance and the gamble did not pay off, next morning the light came on again... I guess its time for the pros.

 

I hope the following info helps someone.

'97 expedition

The transciever can be easily replace without effecting the programming of pats. This is located around the ignition switch and recieves the code from the key, its a $90 part.

I took a chance and replaced the part and it did not fix the problem for me.

As the problem was temperature related, i put a space heater in my car at various points and found out most likly was the PCM. Also determined by reading tonnes of chat on the issuse.

PCM powertrain control modual.
Although its located inside the passenger cab (where you think it maybe safe) it passes through the firewall so all the connections are made in the engine compartment. (WTF were they thinking?) I read somewhere that 50 % of PCM returned to Ford are in perfect condition. SO as a last ditch effort I unpluged the PCM, fiddled with all the wires, gave the PCM a few good knocks (it works with TV's LOL) sprayed all the connections with electronic cleaner spray and tightened it back on tight.......

Well its a week later and the problem has not come back, no stealership, no fancy computers, just logic and a little bit of luck.

My advice is that if you are having any problem with the PCM, and your vehicle is a few years old, it might be worth 30 mins of your time to clean and check your PCM connection, and give it a few good knocks.

Cheers!!
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...now, what fixed it, the cleaning of the plugs or the tap with a 6 lb slege?

 

It's the old "take it apart and put it back together" trick. You would be surprised how many times this works with machinery and computers that have a lot of plug-in sockets, and circuit cards that plug in. This works well for bulb sockets all over the vehicle. The low voltage used in a vehicle and computers has a hard time burning through corrosion.