Beware all ecoboost owners!!!!!!!!

[Flexthis2011EB]

I dont know quite where to put this thread but ill start here. As some of you know, i have had quite the terrible luck with my 2011 ford flex titanium EB. Blown engine, burnt transmission, and the most recent addition, a fried pcm! Yaaay (sarcasm at its finest ) It fried because of cheaply made low budget store bought obd2 scanner. So EVERYONE, PLEASE!!!!! If you are going to plug something into your obd2 port make ABSOLUTE sure you trust the brand and its reputable!! I dont know if it was a virus in the scanner, a short internally or what byt ive used it before but never on my flex. The one time i do BOOM! Theres goes my pcm. Or at least it was BOOM! in my mind. Lol. So moral of story, no cheap scanners should be plugged into our cars!! Also, never plug a scanner in while driving as i did. That may have also played a part in the homocide of my pcm. Anyways, car will be done Friday. Take care yall!

 

[MightBeASynth]

I went for the well reviewed and pricey OBD MX Bluetooth and while it is good and I can read/see all available data if I have it connected while starting the car cold it will disrupt the gateway module startup 1:3 times. This puts the car into immediate limp home mode and I need to shut down pull the MX and restart before I can put the reader back. These modern networks are sensitive for sure!

 

[Flexthis2011EB]

I went for the well reviewed and pricey OBD MX Bluetooth and while it is good and I can read/see all available data if I have it connected while starting the car cold it will disrupt the gateway module startup 1:3 times. This puts the car into immediate limp home mode and I need to shut down pull the MX and restart before I can put the reader back. These modern networks are sensitive for sure!

Wow! Thats sounds scary. I cany believe how sensitive these systems are. I really wish there were a 100% guaranteed safe scanner. After i get my car back, i will literally be scared to ever plug anything into it again.

 

[FoMoCoSHO]

I went for the well reviewed and pricey OBD MX Bluetooth and while it is good and I can read/see all available data if I have it connected while starting the car cold it will disrupt the gateway module startup 1:3 times. This puts the car into immediate limp home mode and I need to shut down pull the MX and restart before I can put the reader back. These modern networks are sensitive for sure!

That doesn't seem right at all. I can install/remove at any time without issue. Well, those kinds of issues anyway. During a datalogging session I will for from MX-SCT-MX on the fly.

I possibly have a different problem though... either it fails to fall asleep or it wakes up overnight and drain my battery. The problem is it is extremely intermittent though and I haven't had an issue for a while. I think an upgraded battery might help as I don't think the OEM has any overhead if anything goes wrong.

 

[MightBeASynth]

Wish I knew, I am running an XSPower D4700 already and put it on a charger weekely. It seems to only happen after sitting overnight never after sitting while Im at the office. I just pull it off the port as part of shutting down.


The bluetooth sometimes bugs out bad on startup too, everything works much smoother if I let the car start first then apply the module.

 

[SHOdded]

Could be a faulty unit, I would talk to Scantool and see if they can figure it out.

 

[ZSHO]

I cant find my post from TWO years ago but after leaving my obd MX plugged in and then TEN min later upon starting the vehicle the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree followed by traction control,abs,power steering and multiple U codes which are body codes and after clearing them all was good but so many modules throughout the vehicle which need to correlate together to function properly and while the modules need to go to sleep after key off and if one stays ON it certainly will be problematic and can get HOT and can cause a host of issues and glitches throughout the vehicle,will also try to eliminate water intrusion as the cause and my least favorite hacking,bad connection/ground will cause body codes(BCM) and( glitches )all around,age,mileage......just to many variables to consider as being the primary cause,here's an good article for ya with a scantool rep/engineer.  Z          https://www.scantool.net/forum/index.php?topic=6480.0 Rep/engineer response --  [Do not try to read VIN or DTCs while the vehicle is running].  BTW probably would be a good time to inspect and clean the engine (ground cable)from corrosion buildup and all located on the passenger side of the engine right below the strut tower.  Z

 

[Flexthis2011EB]

I cant find my post from TWO years ago but after leaving my obd MX plugged in and then TEN min later upon starting the vehicle the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree followed by traction control,abs,power steering and multiple U codes which are body codes and after clearing them all was good but so many modules throughout the vehicle which need to correlate together to function properly and while the modules need to go to sleep after key off and if one stays ON it certainly will be problematic and can get HOT and can cause a host of issues and glitches throughout the vehicle,will also try to eliminate water intrusion as the cause and my least favorite hacking,bad connection/ground will cause body codes(BCM) and( glitches )all around,age,mileage......just to many variables to consider as being the root cause,here's an good article for ya with a scantool rep/engineer.  Z          https://www.scantool.net/forum/index.php?topic=6480.0 Rep/engineer response --  do not try to read VIN or DTCs while the vehicle is running.  BTW probably would be a good time to inspect and clean the engine (ground cable)from corrosion buildup and all located on the passenger side of the engine right below the strut tower.  Z

I think u said it right there DO NOT TRY TO READ VIN OR DTCS WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING. I did and look what happened. . Never doing that again.

 

[ZSHO]

I apologize for hijacking this useful thread posted by the OP Flexthis2011EB but thought it might be beneficial mentioning the importance of cleaning the engine (ground cable)which can certainly help and prevent glitches throughout the vehicle and cause body codes and intermittent issues with your modules,cleaned my engine ground cable strap over a year ago and already you can see signs of corrosion buildup forming similar to a battery ground cable forming in the pic's below,personally prefer using some steel wool which leaves NO residue like sandpaper does for cleaning the metal contacts,some preventative maintenance for ya. Z

 

[Capri83RS]

I cant find my post from TWO years ago but after leaving my obd MX plugged in and then TEN min later upon starting the vehicle the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree followed by traction control,abs,power steering and multiple U codes which are body codes and after clearing them all was good but so many modules throughout the vehicle which need to correlate together to function properly and while the modules need to go to sleep after key off and if one stays ON it certainly will be problematic and can get HOT and can cause a host of issues and glitches throughout the vehicle,will also try to eliminate water intrusion as the cause and my least favorite hacking,bad connection/ground will cause body codes(BCM) and( glitches )all around,age,mileage......just to many variables to consider as being the root cause,here's an good article for ya with a scantool rep/engineer.  Z          https://www.scantool.net/forum/index.php?topic=6480.0 Rep/engineer response --  do not try to read VIN or DTCs while the vehicle is running.  BTW probably would be a good time to inspect and clean the engine (ground cable)from corrosion buildup and all located on the passenger side of the engine right below the strut tower.  Z

Mine has lit up with all kinds of faults and disabled systems twice.  Both times, I powered down, removed the ScanTool OBDLink LX device, restarted the vehicle, waited about 30 seconds, then plugged the tool back in.  Typically, I just leave it connected, and I've had the car since Nov. 2015.

Sorry for your luck, OP, sounds like a major headache there replacing all the fried systems.

 

[bamsho]

OH wow, I have my Aeroforce gauges plugged in all the time, they run off the OBDII port.  Them have been on my 2012 SHO and now the 2013 SHO.  Never had any issues, but there is a first for anything, as we find out.

 

[SHOdded]

The problem I think is with wireless connections, but I could very well be wrong.  I have no idea how many wireless connections the car has natively, but start with security system, tire pressure monitoring, probably more.  Not only that, we don't know how well insulated the wiring is in the car, so you now have to add wireless interference to the list of possible issues.

 

[Flexthis2011EB]

I apologize for hijacking this useful thread posted by the OP Flexthis2011EB but thought it might be beneficial mentioning the importance of cleaning the engine (ground cable)which can certainly help and prevent glitches throughout the vehicle and cause body codes and intermittent issues with your modules,cleaned my engine ground cable strap over a year ago and already you can see signs of corrosion buildup forming similar to a battery ground cable forming in the pic's below,personally prefer using some steel wool which leaves NO residue like sandpaper does for cleaning the metal contacts,some preventative maintenance for ya. Z

Your all good my friend and its funny you mention this because through the process of trying to diagnose my symptoms,  i came across a youtube video from that ford tech guy about an escape and fusion (i believe) having the exact same issues as i was and one of the fixes was to clean and reground the ground connections like you said which i did do but to my luck nothing. The other fix was simply cleaning and testing the pcm connections which i did also. cant believe this happened. Problem after problem.

 

[92BlackGT]

I had my OBDLink MX plugged in all the time for about 2 months and one day noticed my headlights would light up for about 5 seconds on their own with the car off and locked up. The next night at work, I was walking to my car and saw the headlights light up again. I took the OBDLink out and I haven't noticed it again.
These cars do weird things when something is plugged into that OBDII port

 

[ZSHO]

I apologize for hijacking this useful thread posted by the OP Flexthis2011EB but thought it might be beneficial mentioning the importance of cleaning the engine (ground cable)which can certainly help and prevent glitches throughout the vehicle and cause body codes and intermittent issues with your modules,cleaned my engine ground cable strap over a year ago and already you can see signs of corrosion buildup forming similar to a battery ground cable forming in the pic's below,personally prefer using some steel wool which leaves NO residue like sandpaper does for cleaning the metal contacts,some preventative maintenance for ya. Z

Your all good my friend and its funny you mention this because through the process of trying to diagnose my symptoms,  i came across a youtube video from that ford tech guy about an escape and fusion (i believe) having the exact same issues as i was and one of the fixes was to clean and reground the ground connections like you said which i did do but to my luck nothing. The other fix was simply cleaning and testing the pcm connections which i did also. cant believe this happened. Problem after problem.

I think i posted about the ground wire long before the video came out,LOL and hopefully your issue is a permanent fix.   Z    http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,3558.msg54756.html#msg54756  BTW luckily it did NOT happen during that long trip you made recently.  Z

 

[Flexthis2011EB]

I apologize for hijacking this useful thread posted by the OP Flexthis2011EB but thought it might be beneficial mentioning the importance of cleaning the engine (ground cable)which can certainly help and prevent glitches throughout the vehicle and cause body codes and intermittent issues with your modules,cleaned my engine ground cable strap over a year ago and already you can see signs of corrosion buildup forming similar to a battery ground cable forming in the pic's below,personally prefer using some steel wool which leaves NO residue like sandpaper does for cleaning the metal contacts,some preventative maintenance for ya. Z

Your all good my friend and its funny you mention this because through the process of trying to diagnose my symptoms,  i came across a youtube video from that ford tech guy about an escape and fusion (i believe) having the exact same issues as i was and one of the fixes was to clean and reground the ground connections like you said which i did do but to my luck nothing. The other fix was simply cleaning and testing the pcm connections which i did also. cant believe this happened. Problem after problem.

I think i posted about the ground wire long before the video came out,LOL and hopefully your issue is a permanent fix.   Z    http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,3558.msg54756.html#msg54756  BTW luckily it did NOT happen during that long trip you made recently.  Z

Oh man u said it. That would have been a NIGHTMARE!  Luckily that trip went extremely smooth. One of the many reasons i put up with this car. In the long run,  i love these cars.

 

[MightBeASynth]

Could be a faulty unit, I would talk to Scantool and see if they can figure it out.

Possibly, except I ordered 2 units at 2 different times. They both behave the same way. On my '12 Fiesta it will fail if the unit is plugged in on ANY cold start. I could order a 3rd unit or see if these maybe have firmware upgrades but I doubt the hardware is bad more than its just the fact that we run 2-3 different network standards in a single car.

 

[bpd1151]

Never have had an issue with the MyCal Touchscreen (which remains plugged in daily, since it's install into the OBD port) and I can run all sorts of tests, monitors, even has it's own tree built in for me to perform my own 1/8mile and 1/4mile drags, and ooh oh no..... dare I say even datalog with it!! All whilst my SHO's engine's purring like a sweet kitty, or roaring like a voracious lion hunting on the Sahara.....

Too bad they no longer offer that specific product though. **sigh**

Good luck to the OP in acquiring complete resolution on their issue.

 

[f8tlSHO]

The lights turn on and do weird **** when the hood is open also..


Sent from my iPhone

 

[sholxgt]

Any word about your car OP?

I have a cheapy OBD adapter that is wi-fi instead of bluetooth.  Didn't even notice when I bought it.  Had trouble getting it set up until I realized what was going on.

Mine would probably still be plugged into the port if it weren't for my tablet trying to connect to it instead of my router.  That was another head scratcher...figuring out why my tablet kept dropping connection in the house.  Turns out it was dropping my router and connecting to the OBD adapter in the car in the garage.  After reading this, I'm glad I was having the issue.  Forced me to unplug the thing when not in use.  Now I also know to not plug it in while the car is running just in case.