Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2011 Ford Explorer AWD V6-3.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Information Bus: Service and Repair
Establishing An IDS Session
General Procedure
1. Establish a scan tool session.
2. Turn ignition to RUN.
NOTE: For IA (Intelligent Access) vehicles, REFER to RUN Push-Button Start - with Intelligent Access (IA).If the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module has been replaced, it may not be possible to put the ignition in RUN. The RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module can communicate with a scan tool with the ignition in the OFF state.
3. The scan tool first attempts to communicate with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). After establishing communication with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), the scan tool then attempts to communicate with all other modules on the vehicle.
4. If an IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System) session cannot be established with the vehicle, IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System) may state "No communication can be established with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module)."
5. Choose "NO" when the scan tool prompts whether or not to retry communication.
6. Enter either a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) part number, tear tag or calibration number to identify the vehicle and start a session. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) part number and 4-character tear tag number are printed on the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) label. If the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) part number cannot be found, a base part number search on the HVBOM application (under the OASIS (On-Line Automotive Service Information System) tab on the technician service publication website) retrieves the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) part number.
7. REFER to Diagnostic Routine A: The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Does Not Respond To The Scan Tool Diagnostic Routine A.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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