Engine Fail Safe mode?

[kpearce24]

So I disconnected my battery to clean the terminals on my 05 Eddie Bauer and once I reconnected them the truck fell into Engine Fail Safe Mode. Prior to the battery disconnect it was running good with no trouble lights at all. Putting the explorer into drive results in no throttle response at all. Did some digging and many are saying it the throttle body, but do you think it was just a coincidence with the battery disconnect? Either way not looking forward to this repair.. thanks in advance!

 

[imp]

So I disconnected my battery to clean the terminals on my 05 Eddie Bauer and once I reconnected them the truck fell into Engine Fail Safe Mode. Prior to the battery disconnect it was running good with no trouble lights at all. Putting the explorer into drive results in no throttle response at all. Did some digging and many are saying it the throttle body, but do you think it was just a coincidence with the battery disconnect? Either way not looking forward to this repair.. thanks in advance!

Does it start normally, and easily, idle speed up for a short time, then drops down? Is the idle quality normal? Could you have damaged anything connected with the Throttle Position mechanism, possible broken wire or pulled from connector? You have "drive by wire", which means the position of the throttle plate is controlled only by the computer (PCM). I am not certain whether a damaged throttle drive is likely to generate a trouble code. imp

Big Rondo may know.

 

[kpearce24]

Does it start normally, and easily, idle speed up for a short time, then drops down? Is the idle quality normal? Could you have damaged anything connected with the Throttle Position mechanism, possible broken wire or pulled from connector? You have "drive by wire", which means the position of the throttle plate is controlled only by the computer (PCM). I am not certain whether a damaged throttle drive is likely to generate a trouble code. imp

Big Rondo may know.

It does start, but idles like crap and will not move. I literally took the negative terminal off the battery, cleaned it a bit with a wire brush and reconnected. I don't think I could have damaged anything with the throttle position mechanism unless the jolt of me reconnecting the negative terminal did it. Just baffled by this as the truck ran fine prior to battery disconnect.

 

[Number4]

Am I safe in presuming you have the V8?

If so, your best fix is to remove the throttle body and clean it. On the V8's the valve area of the TB gets crudded with oil. The ECU learns to adapt to this. Until you disconnect the battery. Now it thinks the TB is clean and it isn't.
Once you've cleaned it (get a can of TB cleaner, nothing else, not carb cleaner) follow the procedure below.
Makuloco2000 has a video on cleaning the TB and why you want to do it off the car, I just couldn't find it.
Get the TB gasket and the TB spray, and a plastic bristle brush (I used an old tooth brush,) it should take about 1/2 hour.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hZAsoqmqhdM

 

[kpearce24]

Man I wish it was the V8, it's a 6 ..do you think this could still be the culprit?

 

[Number4]

Haven't heard of this issue with the V6, but for the time and small cost if parts, I'd give it a try.

 

[kpearce24]

Ill give it a try today, was thinking of buying a TPS as well and seeing were that leads me. Its throwing the p2104 and p2112 codes. Tried clearing them because i found it weird that all of a sudden there is a throttle problem but it comes right back. :thumbdwn:

 

[Number4]

It really sounds like the driving condition memory's been erased. Before throwing any parts at it, I'd clean the TB (off the car), then follow the steps in the video link above.

 

[kpearce24]

It really sounds like the driving condition memory's been erased. Before throwing any parts at it, I'd clean the TB (off the car), then follow the steps in the video link above.

Pulled TB and cleaned it, some black residue came off the side that has the gasket but fail safe mode remains after clearing PCM. Bought a tps and still same result. Any one got any more ideas? Also thanks for all your suggestions Number4.

 

[Number4]

Sorry to hear. Did you complete the procedure with the video as well?

 

[kpearce24]

Sorry to hear. Did you complete the procedure with the video as well?

Yes I did, was really hoping that it would be that easy...... lol not my luck

 

[kpearce24]

Many of the people I have called have said the truck sounds like the security system thinks it's been stolen, any chance that may have anything to do with it?

 

[kpearce24]

Ended up being the throttle body.

 

[Number4]

Was the valve ever opened manually with the battery still connected?

 

[kpearce24]

No I didn't try that