Engine codes P2106 and P0720 question

[Black T]

My 2003 bird (68K miles) keeps throwing codes P2106 (Throttle Body Actuator / Forced System Limited Power) and P0720 (Output Speed Sensor). The first time this happened a local shop replaced the OSS sensor and the problem went away for about 1,000 miles, then both codes returned. I then took it to the local Ford dealer and had the sensors replaced, the throttle body actuator replaced, changed spark plugs and coils over pistons, and had the main wiring harness checked for shorts or opens. The codes went away for about 500 miles and have now returned! The dealer suspects a faulty or intermittent Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Can anyone tell me if they've had similar issues with these two codes and what the resolution was, and/or tell me if they have had issues with the (hard to find, and expensive to replace and re-program) PCM? Any help or tips on this would be appreciated!

[wcoates]

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...e-manufactuers

[428PI]

Did they use genuine Ford parts?

[steelblue5505]

Before jumping on a failing PCM I would be getting another opinion & service. I be suggesting to that 2nd service entity that there could be a speed output sensor going bad. This sensor is on the outside of the transmission on passenger side.
In my experience with electronics that use sensors to determine action & input data to a control board it is the sensor creating the problem & the board is only responding to this incorrect input.
Just an idea, but a lot easier than dealing with a PCM.

[PITTBIRDS]

I had these two codes appear on my scanner. The initial problem was with the cam sensor (Code P0345). The two codes you list P2106 and P0720 are usually caused by another problem. The PCM is smart enough to put the car in Forced Limited Power when or before a major problem occurs with the engine. See if you can find any other codes that appears before the P2106 and P0720.

You can review my post: http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ssage%22%5D%7D. Titled

P0022 and P0345 Error Code:

After checking the sensors and wiring I came to the conclusion that it was the PCM. I had to check the wiring through the PCM to find the fault. I had to replace the PCM and after installation have it reprogrammed.

[Vintage Merlot]

I recently had throttle body code and speed sensor ABS light and engine light. Car when into limp mode ( no faster that 55-60) Ford said needed a throttle body at $1,100 but when pressed they could not say for sure that was the real problem. I did throttle body search and talked to a couple tbn old timers. I took car to my independent garage and told them to give the throttle body a good cleaning along with the Mass Air system. They did and it runs great at total cost of $195 in labor including a new speed sensor.

[Black T]

I had these two codes appear on my scanner. The initial problem was with the cam sensor (Code P0345). The two codes you list P2106 and P0720 are usually caused by another problem. The PCM is smart enough to put the car in Forced Limited Power when or before a major problem occurs with the engine. See if you can find any other codes that appears before the P2106 and P0720.

You can review my post: http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ssage%22%5D%7D. Titled

P0022 and P0345 Error Code:

After checking the sensors and wiring I came to the conclusion that it was the PCM. I had to check the wiring through the PCM to find the fault. I had to replace the PCM and after installation have it reprogrammed.

And the car is running fine now? Where did you find your replacement PCM? Can a non-dealership reprogram it?

[EllisonCal]

I recently had throttle body code and speed sensor ABS light and engine light. Car when into limp mode ( no faster that 55-60) Ford said needed a throttle body at $1,100 but when pressed they could not say for sure that was the real problem. I did throttle body search and talked to a couple tbn old timers. I took car to my independent garage and told them to give the throttle body a good cleaning along with the Mass Air system. They did and it runs great at total cost of $195 in labor including a new speed sensor.

Good to know, Thanks Roger. I am tired of spending money on wasteful part replacement myself. Sometimes, the old clean and reinstall is the best answer. Remember when we used to clean spark plugs?

[PITTBIRDS]

And the car is running fine now? Where did you find your replacement PCM? Can a non-dealership reprogram it?

Yes the car is running fine now! After sending the PCM to two companies for repairs and no success, I purchased a reconditioned PCM from Flagship One in New York. They stated that the PCM would be set up (Plug and Play) except for programming the keys. I received the PCM two weeks after purchase. Flagship One said they had to program the PCM to my serial number. I had a local repair shop program the keys after the PCM was installed. This shop had experience replacing and programming computers. After a day and a half of trying to get the keys programmed, they determined that the PCM was never programmed to the car. The local shop programmed the PCM and keys and all works well.

[HKS]

Yes the car is running fine now! After sending the PCM to two companies for repairs and no success, I purchased a reconditioned PCM from Flagship One in New York. They stated that the PCM would be set up (Plug and Play) except for programming the keys. I received the PCM two weeks after purchase. Flagship One said they had to program the PCM to my serial number. I had a local repair shop program the keys after the PCM was installed. This shop had experience replacing and programming computers. After a day and a half of trying to get the keys programmed, they determined that the PCM was never programmed to the car. The local shop programmed the PCM and keys and all works well.

I had problems with Flag Ship One. Not my first choice for any modules.

[Sandy J]

I got a replacement PCM from Flagship one " NO ISSUES" with it ...

[engine103]

used flagship twice 1st time went great, went to replace after a couple of years and more pcm issues, they screwed me over. eventually went through about 4 pcm"s and companies, a big nightmare to get one that worked. finally the mech. got one from parts geek for $350 and programed the keys for $150, was amazed I finally got one that works. hope no one has to go down the pcm road to hell. problem was pcm not shifting trans correctly.