Ford IMMOBILIZED After Code Scan?? ('12 Fusion)

[@LethalBacon479]

I had a similar situation recently. Delivered a brand new Freightliner 114SD to a customer that had already been driven 3500 miles across the country. 3 weeks later they call me and said all the lights on the front end stopped working. To save them a trip to the dealership (and HUGE thanks to watching guys like you and Eric O), I realized there had to be a bad ground somewhere on the front frame. Sure enough, after a quick test and an hour of looking, I found a bundle of ground wires on a stud that had never been tightened from the factory! It had a self locking nut that had never been tightened which is how we knew it was just never done. Tightened it up, all the lights came back. How everything worked for 4,000 miles in that state I'll never know.

[@ccmoos]

It shows the pain of mass production. Every step during production needs some sort of verification. You cannot assume everything is fine because the lights turns on during end-of-line testing the vehicle.

[@LethalBacon479]

@@ccmoos 100%. I'm just really surprised how the lights worked for 4,000 miles, through our PDI at the shop, delivery to the customer and a few weeks after. Blows my mind lol. Nothing is perfect in manufacturing, it's how you're taken care of afterwards that matters! ;)

[@chiluco2000]

It was assembled on a Friday before the long weekend!

[@LethalBacon479]

@@chiluco2000 Friday, 5:01 PM truck. ;)

[@fredautos]

​@@chiluco2000haha

[@williamkelley7654]

As the owner of a 2010 Fusion I can state that they are built poorly and this does not surprise me. Nice catch!

[@colin4850]

That kick panel seemed to pull off very easily, almost as if someone had been there before, but we will never know.

[@williamwhite9767]

Deny, Deny, Deny, Must be a biden working at that shop!😂

[@atticstattic]

@@williamwhite9767 more like a tRump

[@MikeB-Android-Teacher]

​@@atticstattic- *At least under Trump, everything wasn't so expensive! But I guess you have no problem paying 500 dollars for groceries when you have kids and a family to take care of. Nope, it doesn't matter to your type, does it? So long as it's not Trump or any Republican your type doesn't give a shit. Gas where I live under Trump went down under 1.50, and as soon as pedophile Biden got in there, it went right back up to over 4 dollars a gallon, but I'm sure you don't care right? As long as you got your kid touching hair sniffing pedophile Biden who can't even find his way off of a stage in office, right?*

[@KAMNC]

@@williamwhite9767 Maybe it was hunter looking for something he lost. 🤔

[@loubakker5000]

Sabotage ?

[@deepthiwijekoon7283]

Have noticed when a problem gets more complex you tend to laugh at it. Shows your level of confidence! Nothing seems to faze you. What a great Engineer!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

This one was truly bizarre 🙄

[@deweyrussell8376]

Great job Ivan, I am an HVAC guy, when I see something weird like that I start looking around for cameras.

[@dinoprather1254]

Could you please explain why you said cameras,where ,in the shop, on the car ?

[@10100rsn]

Restless feet kicking the wires maybe? Or _non-driving activities_ happening in the drivers seat? Could be kids crawling around in the front seat kicking things by accident... I'd stick a zip tie around that one just to be sure it doesn't come unplugged again.

[@tunepatrol]

We're expected to believe that the connector was working itself loose and the exact moment it finally disconnected itself was in the few minutes between the customer arriving at the shop and the shop scanning the vehicle and noticing it was now a crank no start. The chances of this happening are so very very small. The fact that the vehicle owner contacted Ivan gives us a clue that he doesn't trust the shop and this all looks like the shop disconnected the connector so they could run up a few hours of diag $ and then magically fix the car by plugging it back in.

[@vg3430]

My thoughts exactly. In a previous comment, Ivan replied that the connector had a functioning locking tab when he reconnected. That kick panel almost fell off when he touched it. No way a connector that size just “backed off” at that exact moment after 11 years and 99k+ miles.

[@arska6383]

They might have been trying more than just the money for the diagnostics at the shop, having a bunch of fully working control modules replaced and get all the revenue from that too.

[@dinosshed]

I'd highly doubt that. There's enough going on every day of the week without creating more fake work for yourself.

[@rickchowsr2532]

Seems almost intentional. Great repair 👊🏼

[@ryanravencaller]

No doubt kinda seems like someone at that shop or one prior to that shop unplugged it just enough to be a future headache

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I cannot explain it... But it was definitely unplugged and it definitely fixed the no crank complaint 🤔

[@rogerstlaurent8704]

Agreed someone unplugged that connector plus that Kick Panel came off too easy

[@pookatim]

The connector might have been loose and you knocked it out when you opened the kick panel.

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

The electrical detective wins again. Boy when ya got it ya just got it, Nice work Ivan

[@mikechiodetti4482]

I had a light duty utility do that one time. When I reconnected it, it didn't feel right but the two connector parts weren't damaged. I used cable ties or tie wraps to hold it together. No more problem. Have also seen a pick up truck with 11 codes. Using the wiring diagram book, that time it turned out to be a missing fuse that powered several modules. Don't know how that happened, but all was well with the new fuse. Good one Ivan!

[@vpimike2646]

I was surprised that you didn't go immediately to the fuses and verify the power to the affected modules like you usually do. Nevertheless, you nailed it again with your comprehensive diagnostic technique. Evidently somebody is not telling you the truth about the history of this problem. Hahaha.

[@LesReeves]

The electrical gremlin paid a visit.(malicious interference ?).

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

I had a 2008 Toyota Camry with a intermittent stall pointing to the fuel pump and it wound up being the harness connector in the under hood fuse box was not plugged in all the way similar to this one. Those intermittent ones are tough. Thanks Ivan!

[@playlist233]

I love the irony that you so thoroughly diagnosed such complicated diagrams and in-depth analysis why such errors may occur - and the problem was simply a disconnected connector. Absolutely hilarious video!

[@cullenmiller8170]

Nice video and diagnosis. Sometimes you have to wonder if there are hidden cameras in the car. It looks like a setup. 😂😂 You sure get a lot interesting ones. I’m thankful and glad you take the time to film and share.

[@BillyJ57]

Ivan you great with diagnostics.

[@johnt.848]

Maybe someone was testing the shop to see if they would scam the customer.

[@stephenjones9153]

It was the Ghost of Henry Ford not happy with all the modern technology installed in his car's. 😱😱

[@thomaswarner3060]

In the early days of GM Ford and Chrysler cars having a brain and fuel injection on board,(1980's-'90's) smacking the ECM was a standard diagnostic tool... Bad solder joints, swap with a factory repaired/reman unit, and usually all problems are solved, Back then, the dealers kept lots of swapped and repaired ECM's in stock. GREAT video... I wonder if someone was testing you out to see if you would rip them off before plugging in that connector.

[@shaneperkins1657]

I think Ivan should be the go-to as the regional engineer for all dealerships 🤣

[@letstalkaboutit8254]

And no doubt Ivan could name the figure for his salary- Just use his YT videos as his resume.

[@privateer0561]

They couldn't pay him enough. Besides, they're in it to maximize repair time/fire the parts cannon because that's where the majority of profits reside.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Now that would be a fun job 😄

[@vpimike2646]

I think he is already the de-facto regional engineer for the independent shops, but the dealerships would never submit themselves to an independent expert. Too much ego to do that!

[@walterbordett2023]

Nice video, Ivan. This is a classic case of using diagnostic tools and vehicle build data to get to the root of the problem.

[@LesReeves]

Unless you have my problem where scanners (yes more than one of mine & the shop that fixed my problem) do communicate with the vehicle & the shop that fixed mine is an Ivan.

[@hectormartinez8230]

Ivan may be they are testing your knowledge,great diagnose always like your videos

[@Markb8608]

good to have such details on high and low spd connections. That is incredible find.

[@drrm123]

Sounds like a 20/20 undercover car repair investigation? I would have like to see Ivan on national TV would have helped the KZbin channel blow up, LOL. Another great video keep up the great work. I still need some help in California with a S550 Mercedes let me know when you want to take a road trip here.

[@AP9311]

Well that was weird diagnosis!! Unplugged on the network! Wow, never seen that before! Good fix!! Great job Ivan. Let's see if part 2 comes hahaha

[@elrobo3568]

I have had similar problems with connectors coming unplugged either partially of completely. The first was a Hummer H-3 off road buttons on the top of the center panel. I did all the scanning and finally pulled the panel and found the connector had disconnected. Another was a Ford F-150. The owners both lived on a semi improved dirt road and drove at least 5 miles a day on these roads. Some of the connectors can come loose with bumpy vibrations, I put them back together and put a small zip lock on to make sure they stay connected. Good job finding that problem.

[@BABA-ws5eo]

I assume you made sure the connector locked in place? Just to make sure the locking feature is still working? Great video as always!! Keep them coming! thanks.

[@altonolson829]

Had my ford f150 did the same thing going down a bumpy road had it towed under warranty took all day for they to find it 🎉

[@lvsqcsl]

If it were me, I would give it back to the customer and let them drive it and communicate my concerns with the intermittent electrical gremlins you identified. Yes, I think we will be seeing this car again in a future video. (You hit the dashboard and things started to work; not good for diagnostics, as we know.) Speaking of hitting the dashboard, the only other person that could do that besides you, is Henry Winkler when he played Arthur Phonzarelli in the "Happy Days" sitcom from the early '70's. In this show, if anything wouldn't work he would just slap it and it started to work. So, it looks like you have that ability now, Ivan. It just seems like that plug was intentionally disconnected; however you would need intimate knowledge of the car and the system. (It has apparently been working since 2012.) GREAT VIDEO!

[@CMDRSweeper]

To be fair, even Harrison Ford in Star Wars did the smack to the instrument panel to fix stuff. And then at the end of the movie Armageddon, the smack repair, although a bit more excessive was utlized there as well :D Never under estimate a little percussive maintenance.

[@forthrightnight]

Aayyyyy!!

[@xboxbml]

Interesting..watching now!

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Yes Ivan unbelievable!! Great job in finding this, but the panel was loose!!

[@Hybriddiag]

Great work sir..hope customer take note of your honesty 👏 👍🏿...cheers

[@JohnDoesGarage]

I agree you will see that car again for the IC. You tapping on it restored communication and in no way could have done anything concerning the connector behind the kick panel.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nice find Ivan!!

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Ivan.

[@Rubbinbhudda]

A very clever way to get Ivan to post a video on their car

[@robbflynn4325]

Weird.....in a previous life, I was a CSI, I'm thinking if I dusted that connector, I'd develop a big fat fingerprint on it 😅😅😅. But then again, I suppose it could have worked loose, but as you know, Ivan, I like a good conspiracy!

[@kyletuttle9064]

Great video and thought process Ivan.thanks for sharing.

[@alrifainidal]

I’m thankful and glad you take the time to film and share.

[@fredautos]

Ivan, that was a fairy connector mystery😅.. Just like The Range Rover Discovery Missing fuse fairy. . However i haven't had an encountered with any connector Fairy like this before!... NPR fix🎉

[@maxnoe3079]

Yeah, that kick panel came off awfully easy. Either the customer sabotaged their own car in shop parking lot or someone at the shop was messing with it.

[@charlesadams41]

Your gut feeling at the end 😂

[@stevencox75]

make you wonder if its some sort of sting operation, its a pretty big connector to just fall apart when they got there

[@Sandmansa]

Wow! I haven't seen something like that in a long time. But last time I did, someone did own up to messing with a connector. I guess it just didn't fully lock in. So, in this case, it has to be the magical electrical fairy that unplugged that connector behind the kick panel. I have no other explanation. Nice find though Ivan. Another NPR job, back on the road.

[@Land2020-w6w]

Ivan, words fail me on your approach and diagnostic knowledge. A true Master. Dave in Guernsey (Channel Islands. P.S. Another fantastic video.

[@hendersonjp]

Had this a few times in the UK , dry joint in fuse box or dash connection Focus model normally .

[@TH-1207]

If there's really any chance of that connector backing out I think I'd put a ty-wrap around it to make sure it cannot come apart again. Did that connector have a locking tab to prevent it from disconnecting?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Definitely had a locking tab... Blows my mind 🤪

[@osuuma6935]

Just because the connector has a locking tab, doesn't mean it was secured at the factory. It might have been connected, but the tab not latched. Over time, vibration, and thermal cycling, the connector worked its way out. When the kick panel was removed, there was enough space now for the connector to fully disconnect. A similar problem was with old computers. The "chips" were socketed to the motherboards, and after a few years of use, had backed their way out of the sockets.@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics

[@carloserazo1286]

Thanks!

[@johnerdis5094]

This is better than any murder mystery whodunnit i have ever seen!

[@CCerwin]

That sure looked and reminded me of a technology challenge our instructors use to give us or the spouse or kids have been in that kick panel

[@99domini99]

I've had a weird situation with a 2011 Ford Focus before. Wanted to read the coolant temperature because the needle wasn't always staying in the center, suspected bad thermostat. As soon as I connected my scanner, identified the vehicle and hit "live data" the car completely freaked out. Engine stalled, wouldn't start again, the instrument cluster was stuck in a reboot loop and eventually froze completely. The thing had turned into a brick and it wasn't even possible to turn off the ignition. Every single piece of electronics had frozen. Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery fixed it, but I was just not able to use this scanner on that car. Weird.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

What scanner was that?

[@99domini99]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics This was a ThinkScan S7, not the most fancy scanner but it usually works very well on non-German cars.

[@michaeljohnson1006]

I like all the diagrams and description of all the modules

[@TheJoeGarza]

It is a kick panel. Maybe they kick it a lot.

[@Swenser]

Friend playing funny buggers. Or something more evil. I do electronics repairs and would be interested to get more deacription on scope readings. I normally would have looked at those waveforms and thought ok. You seem to know that little bit more than your average joe. Good stuff.

[@chiluco2000]

Interesting that before even checking if the fuse was blown you went straight to the power distribution diagrams, that lead you to narrow down the failure to a common connector. You stuck to your diagnostic process!

[@vicferrarisgarage]

Great video

[@jefferyedwards5003]

Customer DROVE (not towed) to shop, car would not start afterwards. If unplugged connector was the problem, how was customer able to drive to shop? Connector had to become unplugged after arriving at shop! Missing info: why was car taken to the shop to begin with? Would original problem have warranted someone going near the connector?

[@superminer66]

Ghosts.....Ghosts lurking everywhere.....

[@petepeabody8905]

I believe the shop is telling a fib. Charge them hard for that.

[@mtebaldi1]

Great Job Ivan.

[@joncooke479]

nice one, the customers will always lie about what has or has not been done. If they told you the truth it would save them from large bills. the ford focus does suffer from dry joints on the cluster plug to pcb

[@billsimpson604]

I had a connector inside a 2000 Expedition steering column wait 15 years to come apart. Only 1 side of it was snapped all the way in. That was an easy no parts required fix.

[@GregoryGlessnerViolin]

Can't watch right now, but I'm looking forward to this one! I'll be taking the 02 Avalon on a trip today 😊

[@ianjeffery3762]

shame - its a doozie of an episode!

[@biondanishgenomeinstitute8193]

That is a well made and comfortable car, rented a 2006 once. I want a computer-free well made car, guess its back to the Mercedes W124 waggon ..

[@stuartc6811]

Had similar thing on 05 focus.cluster pins needed soldering After cluster lights would all light up then go out

[@johndesaavedra1040]

This looks like a case where an assembly worker half-assed plugged in the connector and all the vibration and thermal cycling eventually backed it out.

[@GraditelMacedonia]

7:55 Did you see that small packet between? Maybe that is other modules or broken one.

[@OtisPlunk]

...was also thinking maybe the customer has occasion to drive over a rough surface like a rumble-strip that causes a high frequency oscillation. That may cause a connector that's not properly locked to back out.

[@fredautos]

That's a possibility!

[@nickmalone3143]

Bad suspension brings vibration

[@dukwdriver2909]

I believe in America it is known as "cousin Pookie". Had the same on my old car. Suspiciously cheap. Intermittent no crank but jump start worked. Unclipped 4 pin connector on the steering column. Rear wiper motor had been unplugged and left but works faultlessly. Similar with driver's window motor. Never clipped back in fully. Worked loose and stopped working after 2 years. Someone has been in there before and only did half the job.

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

barring skullduggery, connector was loose, and when they hooked up the scanner nudged the panel enough to move it a little.

[@skysurferuk]

Dealers don't appear to be training their lads. So why the scary prices? DEALERS! Train your people! Another great vid, Ivan.

[@ws2664]

That was a good call, I would wait to see if it has more problems since the car hasn't run in awhile.

[@wackey3455]

well done ivan great job

[@ehsnils]

All it takes is that the connector wasn't plugged in properly when the car was assembled and then over time it could have slowly crawled apart due to vibrations and movement of the wiring harness like when opening/closing the door. I'll definitely make sure the car is used for a while to see if there are other problems popping up or if everything is OK now.

[@stevec5657]

Hmmm, I'd say if it's a come back, check as many bulk connectors as you can. Could of been an off day for someone on the assembly line who didn't secure every connector. Interesting diagnosis btw 👍

[@ricfair9919]

Nice work! Good diagnostic thinking to track this problem down.

[@anthonygeiss3708]

That kick panel door sill came off way to easily to never have been removed.

[@elvispressedtalot9899]

The fact ! That vehicle! Sat in that mechanics parking lot for 14 days!! you coming in and doing your method to solving situation! .please keep them coming ! I'm a KZbin student ! Learning from folks like you! . 10/10, "teacher/obi"

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Plenty more case studies to come! 😁

[@eddiereichel9354]

I cant remember it was some time back but these vintage Fusion have pin retention issues in teh connectors they clip together but 1 pin backs out. Also they have issue with connectors just coming apart. Interested were this one is goin.

[@tracydiller9378]

Great video Ivan. Stranger things has happened.

[@markket1154]

Throw a zip tie around that plug just to make sure it doesn't come undone again somehow

[@JasonCongdon]

Your BOB may have diodes installed preventing your diagnostic hardware from communicating back to the platform. I've worked with a few BOBs in the past and we only had one that would allow us to plug the diag tool directly to it and communicate. You could look at sourcing other BOBs that would allow this, potentially modify your existing one, or source a OBDII Y cable

[@nevillegoddard4966]

@@JasonCongdon. Good thought! Shunt protection diodes would definitely upset the bus, & allow only -ve 0.6V to pass! You'd think a bob (lol) type device would have at least, say 10k ohm series resistors in place before any protection diodes! Our test equipment like this one with the 'scope isn't supposed to affect the circuit you're testing at all. Yeah, & the the thing is Ivan never looked at the bus on his scope after he plugged the connector back in. Regardless. The car starts & runs now so it's all good, hopefully! Banging the dash & restoring the CAN? That's a bit sus! Intermittent random blinking dash lights prior to the actual breakdown? He had the cluster in his hand, with the component side of the circuit board facing outwards, in full view. I dunno why he didn't even just unplug it & run a magnifier over it outside in the sun? It only would have taken 5 or ten minutes, & he wouldn't have to be worrying about it now. A very rare missed opportunity Ivan! I forgive you lol!

[@nickmalone3143]

BOB bring your own booze ?

[@russellhltn1396]

Just a thought - the plug may have been working it's way out and is what caused everything - but the act of pulling the panel caused the plug to completely separate which is what you found. In fact, watching the video, I can see the plug fall down as soon as you pulled the panel. Until then, it was just making contact by gravity.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Interesting theory 🤔

[@dublindave5795]

I'm curious if the car was running and you pull that connector does the car stay running until the next shut down?

[@kerrylewis2581]

Surprising find but I think I already saw that the expected haunt is back.

[@shaneperkins1657]

I just finished watching the video and realized that my Escape video was referenced 😁.

[@Sypher81]

Set Up to Charge a Diagnostic smh wow!!Good Find !!!

[@TH-1207]

First rule of electrical/electronic troubleshooting, is it plugged in (i.e. does it have power)?

[@nickmalone3143]

Tech support from india

[@betomendez4304]

Unplugged lol now that was awesome thx Ivan great video 📷📸

[@greggc8088]

The horrible thing about the Ford clusters as you probably know, a cracked solder joint starts making connection sometimes for several weeks when just messing with the connector and then shows itself again. Hard to say on this one.

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Great diagnostic, Ivan! Weird case - gremlins running loose in the car? You may be right, it may come back to haunt you - maybe get an exorcist, just in case 🙂

[@josephwash109]

I noticed another symptom in this video. The initial warning chime was delayed before it started dinging. After the connector was reconnected, notice how the chime started immediately after the key was switched to the "on" position.

[@gulliver3644]

When you tapped on the dashboard you woke up the gremlin that comes with every Ford Fusion. He just happened be sleeping in the kick panel. The gremlin in my 2014 Fusion is called Reecull. He shows up frequently.

[@JF-wk5zo]

Having worked in an auto plant for 30 years my guess is the connector wasn't securely clicked but held in place by pressure until the right conditions caused it loosen up just enough to slide appart altogether.

[@greghanlon2235]

Good work Ivan. Blame it on either gremlins or a selective customer memory?

[@John-dp3ln]

Does the connector have latches on it, tension on wires?

[@garysurovec]

I know hindsight is 20/20 but why did you go for the data busses first? If you ever watched eevblog, and I'm sure you have. A car is no different from any other electronic apparatus, "thou shall check rail voltages first" is his preac, and a good one. Nice job though, gremlins? I wonder if that connector was always loose , never clipped in and coincidence... popped out at the garage. A stretch I know, but what else could there Be. 🤔

[@vg3430]

Ivan is a scope fanatic. If a turn signal is not working, he’ll hook up a 4 channel scope before checking the bulb…😂. I jest, but he does seem to bypass simple “check the fuse” operations quite often.

[@seventhladderautosport]

I use FORScan as a secondary reference with fords. Sometimes that works better than my Autel. May not be much help if you see this car again. But maybe for something in the future.

[@Loglakeliving]

The “Haunting of Pine Hollow”, does sound like a Stephen King novel… 👻 😮

[@hankw999]

That connector did not just pop off by itself, LOL. I think you are correct in assuming the car will be back.

[@zx8401ztv]

Hmm i think i would have put two small cable ties around the plug/socket to stop the bugger escaping lol.