97-9, Publication Date: APRIL 28, 1997
FORD: 1994-97 CROWN VICTORIA, MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD 1996-97 CONTOUR, ESCORT, PROBE, TAURUS LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1994-97 COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS 1995-97 CONTINENTAL, TOWN CAR 1996-97 MARK VIII, MYSTIQUE, SABLE, TRACER LIGHT TRUCK: 1994-97 ECONOLINE, F-150-350 SERIES 1995-97 RANGER 1995-98 WINDSTAR 1996 BRONCO 1996-97 AEROSTAR, EXPLORER 1997 EXPEDITION, MOUNTAINEER This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include Windstar. ISSUE: Powertrain Control Modules (PCMs) no longer need to be replaced when servicing driveability concerns. The only time a PCM needs replacing is when it can no longer be reprogrammed and/or is damaged. In all other cases, the PCM must be reprogrammed and NOT REPLACED. ACTION: Use the following Service Procedure to properly reprogram a PCM. SERVICE PROCEDURE PCM REPROGRAMMING USING SBDS 1. 2. 3. 4. At the Main menu, select Powertrain and enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Select "Continue." From the Powertrain menu, select Electronic Engine category. Scroll through the "Tool List" to PCM Reprogramming and select "Continue." Any TSBs or Recalls for the entered vehicle will be displayed. There is up to a 6 week delay for TSB/Recall information updates on SBDS. New TSBs/Recalls may not appear or only the TSB number will be displayed even though the new calibration is on the current calibration CD-ROM. Also, if the vehicle calibration is being updated because of a Special Service Message, Broadcast Message or the PCM was replaced and requires calibration, no screen may appear. This is not a concern and will not prevent programming updates or being paid for programming updates.
Follow all hook-up instructions and continue as prompted to the calibration screen. Typically, a list of calibration numbers will appear. Answer as appropriate for the vehicle and select "Continue." SBDS will then validate the information entered against the information read in the PCM, and any mismatch of software or hardware will be displayed for technician action. Insert the proper calibration or the latest level CD-ROM when prompted and follow the instructions as displayed by SBDS. Do not crank the engine. SBDS will update the engine calibration to the latest level calibration for the selected calibration. After programming is complete, SBDS will display a representation of the Authorized Modification Decal with the Engineering Part Number for the PCM installed. It is important that the label be completed and attached to the vehicle. SBDS will also automatically print a copy of the vehicle log for filing with the Repair Order. Selecting "Continue" will call for a KOEO self test. Any hard faults present after performing self test were not caused by reprogramming. The calibration has now been validated and the PCM is operating properly. Unless directed by other Service Procedures, the vehicle can be released to the customer.
PCM REPROGRAMMING WITH SBTS/NGS 1. 2. Select "NGS," then follow procedure "Touring PLM Recalibration." Be sure to use cable with oversized DCL connector. The oversized connector incorporates an 18-volt transformer supplying the required voltage to reprogram the PCM.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE SUPERSEDES: 96-25-11 WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY OASIS CODES: 206000, 690000, 698298

98-9, Publication Date: MAY 11, 1998
FORD: 1996-97 CROWN VICTORIA, THUNDERBIRD LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1996-97 COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR ISSUE: The door latch may stick in the open or closed position and the outside door handle may remain stuck in the up position on some vehicles. This may be caused by the inside door lock and outside door handle being operated simultaneously, causing the link lever to move to an incorrect position. ACTION: Install a new door latch with an illuminated entry switch. The new latch restricts link lever movement to reduce the possibility of the lever moving out of position. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details. SERVICE PROCEDURE DOOR STUCK OPEN 1. 2. Remove the door latch following the procedure outlined in the appropriate Service Manual. Install a new door latch and illuminated entry switch following the procedure outlined in the Service Manual.
DOOR STUCK CLOSED - THUNDERBIRD/COUGAR 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Spray the gap between the door trim panel and the instrument panel with silicone. Lower the door glass. Remove the door trim panel following the procedure outlined in the appropriate Service Manual. Raise the door glass to the full up position. Remove the glass run latch side retainer and the regulator equalizer bracket following the procedure outlined in the Service Manual. Remove the inside handle and rod following the procedure outlined in the Service Manual. Insert a screwdriver into the top of the latch and pry open the latch cover approximately 12mm (0.5") as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 - Article 98-9-2
Feel along the back side of the latch (faces the door outer panel) for the tab on the link lever. Pull the link toward the front of the vehicle as shown in Figure 2 until the spring pulls the link lever back into the correct position.
Figure 2 - Article 98-9-2

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Open the door. Complete the repair as outlined in the Door Stuck Open Service Procedure. Reinstall all components removed as outlined in the Service Manual.
DOOR STUCK CLOSED - GRAND MARQUIS, CROWN VICTORIA, TOWN CAR 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Remove the screw from the bottom of the trim panel (requires short phillips screwdriver). Remove switch plates from door trim panel. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual. Remove screw located behind switch plate. Remove screws from grab handle. Remove door inside handle cup. Lift panel up and pull panel inboard to gain access to latch area. Remove the inside bottom glass moulding. Access latch through sheet metal opening at top of door. Insert a screwdriver into top of latch and pry open latch cover approximately 12mm (0.5") as shown in Figure 1. Feel along the back side of the latch (faces the door outer panel) for the tab on the link lever. Pull the link lever toward the front of the vehicle as shown in Figure 2 until the spring pulls the link lever back into the correct position. Open the door. Complete the repair as outlined in the Door Stuck Open Procedure. Reinstall all components as outlined in the Service Manual.

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PART NUMBER PART NAME F4SZ-6321812-A F4SZ-6321813-A F5AZ-5421812-B F5AZ-5421813-B E7DZ-13752-A Door Latch - RH (Thunderbird/Cougar, Town Car) Door Latch - LH (Thunderbird/Cougar, Town Car) Door Latch - RH (Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis) Door Latch - LH (Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis) Illuminated Entry Switch
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE SUPERSEDES: 97-14-1 WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage LABOR ALLOWANCE