I live in the Dominican Republic and bought a 2010 Explorer XLT 2WD three years ago. The SUV was originally purchased new in the DR and I don't know to what standards. I know it had been wrecked and the price reflected this. The repairs, primarily frame and body, were done professionally and were straight, with little evidence of any damage.

The truck has run excellent until 6 weeks ago. On a wet gravel slope, the rear wheels spun and the dash lit up with chimes, alarms, with the RSC and ABS lights blinking. When the engine was turned off, then restarted, all was fine until any wheel slip again, then more alarms.

A local electric shop diagnosed the problem as a bad ABS pump module. We agreed to put a used one in which seemed to work, ABS and RSC worked, but then the "brake fluid reservoir low" and parking brake warning light went on, with just vague OBD2 "something is not working" errors. They tried another module, same problems. Finally, the tech said the last module was from a 2014 model, so that must be the problem. So I found a 2010-seems this particular module is 2009-2010 specific- in the states and had it shipped in and installed.

:sigh:

Now the red brake fluid and parking brake lights are out, but yellow RSC and ABS lights are on, neither work, and the RSC alarm goes off every 5 minutes for 67 dings! And the remote door locks don't work.

So, frustrated, I went to another tech who brought in a guy with a supposed advanced Ford-specific scanner. The result? Translated, I think they say the VIN number for the ABS module and PCU are different. I assume by that they mean the ABS module is a 2010, but the PCU is 2006. Seems that when the vehicle was rebuilt, the entire computer system from a 2006 was swapped for the 2010. I'm told there is also a "dash computer" that is also involved, but since I can't find a schematic for the computer system, I have no idea what he is talking about.

The tech says he doesn't want to just swapping parts, and has a call allegedly into Ford to clarify what to do. But in the meantime I have an SUV with no ABS, traction control, and who is driving me crazy with dings every five minutes.

But I want to hear from someone who has better information about solutions. Would a 2016 ABS module solve the problem? 2010 PCU properly flashed? What is this "dash computer" I refer to?

I'd also like to find an electrical schematic so I can educate myself about the system.

Any help is gratefully appreciated. If you're a tech with solid info, I'm willing to pay for your time and advice. PM me and let's chat!

Help!

Robert in Jarabacoa, DR.

 

I'm not a tech, but the last guy is on the right path. When reading above I thought, "Oh, the new module probably did not have the VIN updated" based on the description. The high-end scan tool should be able to read out the VIN as programmed in each of the modules. If it's truly a Ford-specific tool then it should also be able to code the VIN in to the modules to match the VIN of the vehicle, as well as code it for the appropriate options. If the Explorer starts and runs then someone has at least already coded the PCM to the Central Security Module with matching VINs, or replaced them with units from another vehicle. Since the vehicle is a prior salvage, the Restraints Control Module (RCM) was likely replaced as well, unless the airbags never went off in the original accident.

I'd offer to help with the wiring diagrams and service manual detail but I recently updated my PC to Windows 10 and don't have them working yet.

-Rod

 

Rod, you have been very helpful.

I called the local Ford dealer and they have the equipment to flash new VIN #'s on the modules. I hope to go there tomorrow. I'll let you know the result.

 

Yes, definitely need the VINs to match.

I wonder if they told you that in addition to being a salvage car, they also swapped parts into it from an older car.

 

No, they did not. I bought from an individual. We checked the body/frame and they were repaired well. Never occurred that there were shenanigans with electronics, especially since the car ran perfectly for over two years.

 

That's unfortunate. Sorry to hear that. Hopefully after this it will be a good car for a while.

 

I appreciate the help.

I took the vehicle to the Ford dealer in Santiago, and they re-programmed the ABS module and all is 100%, including the keyless entry system. They said it requires proprietary hardware and software to do this. I did some research and the software alone is a US$845 annual subscription, and the device is around US$2500, so small shops, especially here, won't have them...which has been my problem all along. I guess it's a Ford thing.

The invoice says it took 6 hours...at RD$600hr, about US$11.35. Total bill was $US72.00.

 

Great, I'm glad to hear everything appears to be functioning properly for you now! Thank you for following up with your results. That price seems very reasonable consider the dealers typically charge $90 USD just to connect their scan tool to a vehicle to read out diagnostic codes. I can't understand how they would have spent 6 hours on this. I wonder if maybe it was 0.6 hour?

-Rod

 

$90.00 would be a bargain these days

They're probably not used to all of the different pieces plugged together. Either way, for US$72.00 it's a good deal and now Carribean Rider has a good vehicle.