Answer to CEL at track
Bullitt Member
Joined: February 12, 2011
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
I would like to see the default ECU reprogrammed to mirror the Track-Key style variance on the crank position sensor, and allow us some programatic way to disable the skip-shifting block that doesn't involve removing a factory solenoid on the tranny. I don't think that's unreasonable.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
First off, the error code on my car was P0300, random misfire, same as Cloud9.
My service adviser got in touch with Ford Engineering today and they are aware of the issue. Bottom Line from engineering: the Trackey will resolve the problem.
Here is the issue, straight from engineering:
When operating the car on the track there are rotational vibrations caused by the tires studdering across the track and running over apexes that get transferred through the drive train to the crankshaft. These minute crankshaft rotational irregularities are picked up by the crankshaft position sensor and the ECU trips the CEL calling it a random misfire.
UPDATE: the cumulative effect of multiple misfires triggers the limp mode. Also, for all of you left foot brakers, if you hit the accelerator and brake at the same time you can trigger the limp mode.
My service adviser got in touch with Ford Engineering today and they are aware of the issue. Bottom Line from engineering: the Trackey will resolve the problem.
Here is the issue, straight from engineering:
When operating the car on the track there are rotational vibrations caused by the tires studdering across the track and running over apexes that get transferred through the drive train to the crankshaft. These minute crankshaft rotational irregularities are picked up by the crankshaft position sensor and the ECU trips the CEL calling it a random misfire.
UPDATE: the cumulative effect of multiple misfires triggers the limp mode. Also, for all of you left foot brakers, if you hit the accelerator and brake at the same time you can trigger the limp mode.
I really wish Ford would release a software update for this....or obviously even better TracKey for "off-road" use.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Does there have to be load on the drivetrain to cause this? Otherwise, won't a heel/toe downshift cause it when blipping the throttle? If it doesn't happen with the clutch engaged it's a non-issue.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 8, 2011
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: CO
My 11 year old ($13k) Focus has been at the track countless times over the years and has never exhibited this problem at it's extreme. Ford need to fix this for all 302's if its a repeatable issue.
An optional upgrade is not an appropriate way to fix something that affects all cars. I appreciate the fact that the Boss is much more of a car than the Focus, but that's exactly why Ford needs to set it right.
An optional upgrade is not an appropriate way to fix something that affects all cars. I appreciate the fact that the Boss is much more of a car than the Focus, but that's exactly why Ford needs to set it right.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
That works or mine has gone out of limp mode after about 30 seconds while still driving as well. I guess now that we know what the problem is I'll see if I can stay on track without exiting...or pit in if I'm in the neighborhood and shut it off and restart.
Thread Starter
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 14, 2011
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Bullitt Member
Joined: February 12, 2011
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
Crap. I'm a chronic apex thrasher. Just doesn't feel like a proper corner if I'm not grabbing a little curbing. No wonder I'm always kicking off the code. Now I'm really wary heading into BIR this weekend with all the Porsches. It's a rough track to begin with and the curbing is more like rumble strips. I can ignore the CEL, but limp mode on a very high speed track, quite frankly, is a little concerning. It's not like I want to raise my hand at the driver's meeting and say "Hey guys, if you see me throw my hazards on it means my Ford is in limp mode so try not to climb up my tail pipe".
I really wish Ford would release a software update for this....or obviously even better TracKey for "off-road" use.
I really wish Ford would release a software update for this....or obviously even better TracKey for "off-road" use.
I didn't order this car to drive it gingerly...get this thing fixed!
Post *****
Joined: December 14, 2007
Posts: 19,953
Likes: 4
From: State of Jefferson Mountains USA
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
For any of you experiencing this issue, the fix is in now. You need to have your dealer perform a 'crank tone ring re-learn procedure' to re-train the crankshaft position sensor. I had mine done yesterday. It does not require a PCM reflash.
Cobra Member
Joined: January 24, 2011
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 1
From: NY
Originally Posted by cloud9
For any of you experiencing this issue, the fix is in now. You need to have your dealer perform a 'crank tone ring re-learn procedure' to re-train the crankshaft position sensor. I had mine done yesterday. It does not require a PCM reflash.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
