Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Engine Off Timer Monitor
2012 Ford Taurus AWD V6-3.5LSECTION Engine Off Timer Monitor
ENGINE OFF TIMER MONITOR
The engine off time is obtained from the powertrain control module (PCM) or the body control module (BCM). If the engine off time is obtained from the BCM, the PCM expects to receive a message with the engine off time from BCM shortly after engine start up. If the message is not available on the CAN or a battery disconnect has occurred, a communication DTC sets.
There are two parts to this test.
The first part determines if the timer is incrementing during engine OFF. The PCM determines the timer is incrementing during engine OFF by comparing the engine coolant temperature value prior to shut down, to the engine coolant temperature value at ignition ON to determine if an engine OFF soak has occurred. For an engine OFF soak to occur, the engine coolant temperature value must be greater than 71°C (160 °F) while the engine is running. The timer starts at ignition OFF and the engine coolant temperature value must decrease by greater than 17°C (30 °F) before the next ignition ON signal. If the engine off timer indicates a value less than 30 seconds, a DTC sets.
The second part checks the accuracy of the engine off timer. The PCM determines the accuracy of the engine off timer by comparing time in the BCM with the time in the PCM. The timer in the BCM is allowed to count up for 5 minutes and compared to a different clock in the PCM. If the two timers differ by more than 15 seconds, a DTC sets.
The engine off time is obtained from the powertrain control module (PCM) or the body control module (BCM). If the engine off time is obtained from the BCM, the PCM expects to receive a message with the engine off time from BCM shortly after engine start up. If the message is not available on the CAN or a battery disconnect has occurred, a communication DTC sets.
There are two parts to this test.
The first part determines if the timer is incrementing during engine OFF. The PCM determines the timer is incrementing during engine OFF by comparing the engine coolant temperature value prior to shut down, to the engine coolant temperature value at ignition ON to determine if an engine OFF soak has occurred. For an engine OFF soak to occur, the engine coolant temperature value must be greater than 71°C (160 °F) while the engine is running. The timer starts at ignition OFF and the engine coolant temperature value must decrease by greater than 17°C (30 °F) before the next ignition ON signal. If the engine off timer indicates a value less than 30 seconds, a DTC sets.
The second part checks the accuracy of the engine off timer. The PCM determines the accuracy of the engine off timer by comparing time in the BCM with the time in the PCM. The timer in the BCM is allowed to count up for 5 minutes and compared to a different clock in the PCM. If the two timers differ by more than 15 seconds, a DTC sets.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.