Tech Tip: Ford Traction Control Light On/No DTC, or DTC P1889

Tech Tip: Ford Traction Control Light On/No DTC, or DTC P1889

Some 2005-’07 Five Hundred, Freestyle and Montego vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit the traction control warning lamp on.

Affected vehicles: 2005-’07 Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle; 2005-’07 Montego

Issuing a Self Test
Some 2005-’07 Five Hundred, Freestyle and Montego vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit the traction control warning lamp on. If the traction control lamp is on but no DTCs are retrieved, be sure to directly self test the DEM (4X4 module) using the diagnostic scan tool.

Service Procedure
1. Install a diagnostic scan tool and retrieve any available DTCs from the DEM, ABS module and instrument cluster. If there are DTCs in the ABS module or instrument cluster, do not continue with this TSB.

Note: Although the same warning lamp is shared for both systems, the DTCs for the AWD and traction control system are not stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as on some other Ford/ Mercury vehicles. The DEM (4×4 module) must be selected, as it is an optional module only used on AWD vehicles. Traction control DTCs are stored in the ABS module. Vehicle wiring and communication DTCs related to the AWD and traction control system are stored in the instrument cluster.

2. If DTC codes other than P1889 are present in the DEM, follow additional diagnostic routines and do not follow this TSB procedure.

3. If DTC code P1889 is the only code present in the DEM, replace the oil pressure/temperature sensor (4B487) and clear the code.

Note: When replacing the oil pressure/temperature sensor, the O-ring seal on the adjacent solenoid valve must also be replaced.

Note: The solenoid valve normally comes out of the on-demand coupling as the DEM is removed. If it does not, either remove it by hand, or carefully remove it with pliers.

4. Remove the existing O-ring from the coupling body.

5. Install the new O-ring included in the Pressure Sensor Kit, on the solenoid valve.

6. Install the solenoid valve and oil pressure/emperature sensor into the DEM (not into the ­coupling body) prior to assembling the DEM to the coupling body.

Note: Install the oil pressure/temperature sensor washer with the concave (dished) side facing the DEM.

7. Perform a test drive.

a. Start the engine and allow the vehicle to idle for a minimum of 5 minutes with the transmission in park.

b. Perform five 0-25 MPH (0-40 Km/h) wide-open-throttle accelerations.

Courtesy of Ford Motor Co., TSB 08-4-11

You May Also Like

BendPak Founder Don Henthorn Passes Away

Grew company from small machine shop to global leader in car lifts and garage equipment.

Don Henthorn, owner and founder of BendPak Inc., peacefully passed away at home Thursday, March 28, at the age of 85. Under his leadership, BendPak has grown from a small machine shop to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car lifts and automotive service equipment.

Management and operations of the privately owned company are unchanged. 

Brake Lathe Basics

Resurfacing drums and rotors is a machining process with its own specific guidelines.

Refrigerant Oil Has to Be Right

Oil type is just as important as oil capacity.

Three bottles of refrigerant oil
Top 5 Tools: Steve Coffell, Auto World, Hazelwood, MO

Steve Coffell, a technician at Auto World in Hazelwood, MO, says his Top 5 Favorite Tools are: Related Articles – Lisle Low Profile Fuel Line Disconnect – Dent Fix Soft-Shock Mallet DF-SM76 Reduces Damage – New ProMAXX Diesel Fuel Injector Seal Puller/Saver ProKits   OTC Genisys Touch – Quick scan, bidirectional control Snap-on VANTAGE Pro

Wheel Bearing Adjustment Tools & Equipment

A wheel bearing that’s out of adjustment can reduce bearing life and can affect more than just the bearing. It’s important to adjust the wheel bearing endplay to the proper specifications. If the bearing set is adjusted too loose or too tight, it can cause the bearing to fail prematurely. There are a few types of assemblies, so using correct procedures and tools will ensure a comeback-free wheel bearing installation.

Other Posts

TOPDON USA Makes $25,000 Donation to TechForce Foundation

To date, TOPDON has donated over $66,000 to aid organizations and schools that are dedicated to preparing the next generation of auto technicians around the world.  

Registration Open for ETI ToolTech 2024

The event will be held on April 22-24, 2024 in Newport Beach, CA, at the VEA Newport Beach Marriott.

TEXA Releases IDC5 CAR 76.5.0 Update

IDC5 CAR 76.5.0 is characterized by over 2600 new possible selections for the major makes on the market worldwide.

ISN Expands Freedom Program for Mobile Tool Dealers

ISN’s Freedom Program is designed to provide experienced, successful mobile tool dealers with support to become an independent mobile dealer and expand their growth.