So failing coils can cause an ecu fail safe mode in gen2 LS'...

[Mechanicboy]

Will in cause other problems like code p0606 ECU processor fault codes? Reason I'm asking is I looked at an 04' taurus with a few Ignition coil circuit faults and it also has a P0606 code that I think is caused by the ignition coils. Does this sound about right.

 

[joegr]

I wouldn't think so, but my Taurus experience is very low.

 

[Mechanicboy]

When the ls goes into limp or fail safe mode how exactly does it act?

 

[1LoudLS]

the car has no power no matter how much gas you give it and it just coast down to a miserably slow speed, and the message center says failsafe mode. and the car will then limp to where ever you want to park it (or just restart it and drive away)

 

[joegr]

When the ls goes into limp or fail safe mode how exactly does it act?

It goes into ETC failsafe mode. The engine runs, but the gas pedal input is mostly ignored and all you get is idle speed.

Be aware that the LS uses a different PCM than most of the other Fords, including the Taurus - so behavior may or may not be similar.

 

[Asialee]

yea, ETC fail mode.. once you pull over to a safe place, just turn your car off wait a minute and restart it up, you should be able to make it home at a normal speed, not saying it won't happen again on your way home. With the ECT it can happen again two miles down the road or 200 miles down the road, all really depends .. Good luck err I was talking about the LS , not to sure about the Taurus

 

[Mechanicboy]

Thanks guys. I called my local dealership and they said the coils could cause the p0606 also low voltage will cause it. If the coil is causing it it can send it into a limp mode. He said fix the coil issue and varify voltage. He said that code will set if ecu voltage drops below 10.5v. I'll let you guys know how It turns out.

 

[mrshl13]

On the LS I believe it is caused when the #4 coil is failing and arcing. It's very close to the ETC wiring. I had it happen, swapped the coil with #1 and haven't had it happen again. Now I'm patiently awaiting storage of a correct misfire code so I can have the failing coil replaced under the TSB.

I didn't want them to start down the path toward an $800 throttle body replacement just because of a confused ECU.

 

[1LoudLS]

they dont need a code, they just have to have a coil fail a stress test!

 

[ShortCircutLS]

Well at least us gen II owners will know when a coil is bad!
I think when the engine is in limp mode it only runs on 4 cylinders and uses the other 4 to cool the block. But that might just be for overheating.

 

[joegr]

Well at least us gen II owners will know when a coil is bad!
I think when the engine is in limp mode it only runs on 4 cylinders and uses the other 4 to cool the block. But that might just be for overheating.

That's only for overheating.

ETC failsafe mode just keeps the throttle at idle setting if it can. If it can't, I think it cuts fuel.

 

[ShortCircutLS]

Ok, cool. Thanks for clearing that up. I've learned something today !
(does that mean i can take the rest of the day off work?!)

 

[1LoudLS]

(does that mean i can take the rest of the day off work?!)

i know i sure am!

 

[01continental]

I had a few fail safes a while back and it would restart after turning the car off. NO CODES, car started running a little rough, after the fail safes, and quickly went to a barely running within a few days. I replaced ALL the COPs and plugs and now it is running like a new car. Also checked the valve covers and didn't see any oil leaks. I NEVER had any CELs. That is why I had to change them all. I bought the COPs on Ebay, a budget buy at $200. The seller has VERY GOOD feedback and so far so good. I really can not afford to do ALL the COPs at $50 each. All this and my car only has 49k miles. I still love it though.