Need help ASAP

[HatchMan42]

2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD V6 Flex Fuel - battery was dead, changed battery and upon starting the engine went into "Failsafe Mode". I have no power, engine does not rev, and unable to drive.

I have read about possible Electronic Throttle Body issues, but seems strange that it was working great until battery dies. I unhooked the battery for 1 hour to clear codes, without success. Also it is difficult to crank since battery installation, like not getting enough fuel??

Currently car is at a parking lot, unable to drive home or to shop for repair. Don't have the money for tow truck - is there anything I can do to undo failsafe mode?

Thanks,

HatchMan42

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome and that sux bout ur x

 

[Tbars4]

...Do you know what codes you have/had???

 

[HatchMan42]

haven't had ability to read codes

I haven't had the ability to scan for codes yet. The orange wrench is illuminated and the service engine soon light is on, so I know codes have fired.

 

[Tbars4]

...I could maybe help with those codes...But for now here is a bump to keep your page on top in hopes of someone answering your question of How to bypass safe mode...

 

[liltommy]

I can't help but the same damn thing just happened to me.
Wife drove the truck home fine.
I take out the old battery, install the new one and it starts in failsafe mode.
Really interested in any opinions.
I tried leaving the battery unhooked over night (hopefully to reset something), but it did the same thing in the morning.

2004 V6. 4x4

I really hate this truck.

 

[HatchMan42]

I do have answers for you all

So as previously reported within the forum somewhere is that the Electronic Throttle Body / Throttle Position Sensor malfunctions post-battery change and fires the OBD codes of 2110, or 2104 with Failsafe mode "sticking" the throttle closed. No driver accelerator pedal response is processed by the computer.


For some "brilliant" reason the TPS on 2004 and up Models is not replacable without a heat gun and some meticulous manipulation, as the screws are installed from the factory with loctite on them. Hence the entire Electronic Throttle Body is recommended to be replaced - about $160.

The good news is that it is an easy replacement;and my old EBT was looking pretty dirty on the inside, so now my Explorer is almost "peppy" from the start! Make sure if you do go to a dealer that the flash the PCM with the updated program upon switch-out. Prevents rough idling, and supposedly helps gas mileage.

 

[liltommy]

So there is another post dealing with this?
I did a search of "failsafe" and only came up with a few hits.
So the sensor malfunctions and stays that way? You can't just clear the code, and have it go away.

Is there anyway to rig it so I can limp it somewhere?
Lastly, did you take it in and have the dealer look at it or did you do the repair on your own. Your situation sounds exactly like mine (no throttle response). I'm almost inclined to just pick up a new ETB and replace it but I havent' had a chance to scan for codes yet.

Thanks man,

 

[liltommy]

Ok it worked.

I took an "educated" leap of faith and "also" replaced the throttle body assembly. I should have waited and borrowed a code reader from a friend and made sure it was throwing out the code for the TPS, but I was in a hurry to get this thing going.

Basically, that was the problem. Truck runs, the wifes happy, all is well in the world.

I'd still like to see the post mentioned by Hatchman42 where a battery change causes this. I've searched and can't find it. I'm real interested in the reasons for this fault.
I was going off of Hatchmans and another members post. I consider myself lucky, well other than shelling out 147.00 for a new throttle body.

For future reference for other members.
2004 ford explorer, 4.0 4wd.
Replace the battery on vehicle that had no problems other than it needed jumping when it got cold outside.
Immediately after battery replacement the truck just barely started, ran at a very low idle and had "failsafe mode" in the electronic message center with the orange wrench lit up elsewhere on the instrument panel.
No throttle (gas pedal) response at all.
Very easy to replace, its taken me longer to change a tire.

Seeyall

 

[joecrna]

Dont know about our exact computers, but many newer vehicles recommend that power be maintained while switching batteries. If not and the computer goes into a limp home mode, the usual cure is several (5-10) cycles of start, drive, shutoff to relearn. Haven't dealt with a drive-by-wire throttle yet though. Maybe a Ford service tech has the answer to reboot our computers. Surely Ford thought of this! That's meant as sarcasm.