Computer failed to engage

[Sweet T]

Don't know if this has been discussed before....my search option isn't working.

I got in my car after my last appointment of the day, lit a smoke, (yeah, I know) and tried to put the window down....nothing. I had just filled the tank and the fuel gauge was on empty. I then noticed the speedometer was on zero even though I was driving. Thank goodness, the doors did not lock when I got in....opened the door and threw the smoke out.

The only light on was the yellow guy in a seat belt with a yellow dot. Couldn't remember if that was the airbag light or the seat belt light. Called my indy and he said the computer failed to engage. He told me to pull over, shut the car off and try to start it again. I was in a horrible neighborhood and told him, no way. As I was talking to him, I realized my directionals didn't work. He told me I probably didn't have brake lights or headlights either, and it was possible the battery was not being charged. Luckily, I was able to make it to a better area before trying to restart. As soon as I shut the car OFF......everything came ON....the radio was at full volume....all the idiot lights lit up....the doors locked. Restarted the car and everything was back to normal although my mileage didn't register at all.

I had just returned with her from a road trip to NY and the Poconos the day before and she was perfect. I was planning on taking her to NC in April/May....but I'm thinking I'll fly instead. It's a horrible feeling when you can't trust your car.

I'm thinking I should get a new computer from one of the broken wing vehicles for a back up. Could I get one from any year or does it have to be an '02? Maybe it was just a freak thing and won't happen again? She's been fine since.

Any thoughts?

[yelobird2002]

Re: Computer failed to engage

If your car is a 02 then the back up computer must be also. Different engine set ups. Yours is 252 H.P. while the 03 - 05's are 280 H.P. Plugging in a computer from a 280 H.P. version will not make yours 280 H.P. either. It would just cause problems.

[Bird03]

Re: Computer failed to engage

Wow, very strange.

You know this could only happen to you, right?


You continue to be the only one who ever had a broken parking pawl in the transmission.

[Sweet T]

Re: Computer failed to engage

You know this could only happen to you, right?

Well...she just turned 105,000....so I may be the first.....

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Computer failed to engage

MY GUESS IS THE KEY DID NOT RETURN TO THE RUN POSITION. IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, JUST MOVE THE KEY BACK TOWARD OFF AND EVERYTHING SHOULD COME ON. THIS HAPPENED WITH MY 02 THAT HAD 107,000 MILES. NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, IF YOU KNOW IT.

[Sweet T]

Re: Computer failed to engage

You might be onto something.

I have a new, old problem today.....it thinks the driver's door is ajar when it's not. I'm ready for a drink listening to that ding, ding, ding all day long! It starts the minute I put the key in....then escalates. When I shut the car off, it continues to ding until I remove the key. The driver's door lock stays in the unlock position. When I hit the door lock, it goes down but immediately comes up again. Passenger door locks works fine.

Stopped at Revere beach for lunch in the car today. No ten minute delay on the radio.

[Lonestar]

Re: Computer failed to engage

I do not know if you can do this - maybe you have someone who can for you.... Disconnect the battery (and I assume it is not the original one) for about 30 minutes and then reconnect.

BEFORE diconnecting the battery - put the top up, roll the windows up, turn the radio off, and leave the car unlocked. After you reconnect the battery lock the car with the FOB and then unlock it. Reset your radio stations and window drop (if necessary) and see what that does.

[Kokomo]

Re: Computer failed to engage

Sounds like possibly the ignition switch is worn out, not always making contacts as it should. It is a common denominator in all of the issues you mentioned.

[Lonestar]

Re: Computer failed to engage

Sounds like possibly the ignition switch is worn out, not always making contacts as it should. It is a common denominator in all of the issues you mentioned.

That is an excellent thought and maybe not that expensive to repalce.

[Sweet T]

Re: Computer failed to engage

Disconnect the battery (and I assume it is not the original one) for about 30 minutes and then reconnect.

I've still got the original battery, can you believe it? Had the brake pads changed once...and they still had 50% on them.

[Sweet T]

Re: Computer failed to engage

Thanks guys.

I'll start with the battery and then check the ignition switch. Just hope I don't get stranded until I get someone to look at it.

[SugarDaddy]

Re: Computer failed to engage

Barbara,

You really should get a new battery (available only at Ford dealers because it has to be the vented type). Check out the TBN threads on batteries.

Your original battery is probably over 8 years old. They usually only last 4 to 5 years at most. Low voltage may be the cause of most of these recent problems that you are having.

Good Luck on solving these problems.

[Lonestar]

Re: Computer failed to engage

I've still got the original battery, can you believe it?

Gee, I see new thread coming.. who has the oldest battery? As Sugar Daddy stated, get that replaced and your problems will probablly all go away.

[Sweet T]

Re: Computer failed to engage

That would have been the last thing I expected. She can sit for days in teen degree weather and start right up. Now that you mentioned it, I forgot to charge my cell last night and used the car charger today. Probably pushed the battery over the edge.

[Icebluebird]

Re: Computer failed to engage

That door chime problem might be connected to the driver's door switch sticking.

There is another thread here about the problem.

Seems the fix is a little WD40 sprayed in the right place.

Good luck