Ford Scorpio Forum
        (https://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl)
      

        General >> Problems >> Resetting my onboard computer.
        
(Message started by: The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 18th, 2011, 1:15pm)
Title: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 18th, 2011, 1:15pm
Hi to you all out there. The Gremlins have attacked again.
I cannot reset the OBC it is refusing to change from kilometre values but the temperature reading is still in *C as I always have it set to.
Just before it reverted to kilometres etc the dash panel readouts had a fit and dials flew round then settled before firing up.
A few days earlier the battery would not fire up the car but there was still life in it,to many short journey demands and left for several days whilst I topped up my Adrenalin in the 1997 Volvo V70 T5 Auto. It was kicked into life by my Home Start Rescue Man and everything was fine and remained so for several days and then the OBC problem occurred.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Highlander on Mar 18th, 2011, 1:32pm
Sounds like the switches need a clean, they are just copper contacts and can become tarnished

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/tripswitch.htm

the low battery voltage will have caused the reset to metric, is the battery condition ok? just the short trips the problem you reckon?
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 18th, 2011, 1:46pm

on 03/18/11 at 13:32:44, Highlander wrote:
Sounds like the switches need a clean, they are just copper contacts and can become tarnished

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/tripswitch.htm

the low battery voltage will have caused the reset to metric, is the battery condition ok? just the short trips the problem you reckon?


Hi Stuart.Thank you for your quick reply. I will extract the switch later. I will also ring my local Auto Electrical Engineer after his lunch time is over(a friend of many years) and get him to do a Battery Check Over for me. Which should show up any problems including an Alternator Health Check.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 18th, 2011, 5:50pm
Hi again Stuart & to you all. Yes the battery has given up the ghost,enough life to use for the next few days but not good enough to leave the car not started for any more than overnight. There is a new one on the way,it should be available on Monday/Tuesday.
An On-board Computer switch removal & clean is next. Model railway Electro Clean and a well worn toothbrush.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 25th, 2011, 9:37am
Hello again to the "Help Crew". I have had a new Varta D59 battery fitted (round posts converted to flat with a Ford conversion kit).
The On-board Computer will not change display values from kilometres to miles but the temperature is in *C and remains in that mode !!!!!!!!!??.
I have had the switch out of the car and cleaned it as best as I can,taking it to bits does not look an option.
Is there something deeper into the electrics than the little switch block that is duff?.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Tenfut on Mar 25th, 2011, 10:09am
Try pressing the S & R buttons together

Tony
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 25th, 2011, 12:51pm
Hi Tony. That does not correct the problem either.
Incidentally,this car has a number of other inexplicable Electrical Gremlins.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Highlander on Mar 25th, 2011, 1:45pm
Must be the switch itself, maybe try sourcing another one?

What sort of gremlins do you have? we know most of them ;D
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Tenfut on Mar 25th, 2011, 7:43pm
Rooster

If I am correct you reside in Upholland, I will be in Skelmersdale tomorrow morning. If you like, meet me on The Concourse car park (the one by the swimming pool not the multi storey) between 08-15 and 08-30 and I will see if I can help. I am a million miles behind Highlander in expertise but I have successfully reset my computer several times. I may or may not have "the knack". Look out for a white Cosworth.

However if you dont reside in Upholland then forget this post :)

Tony
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 25th, 2011, 7:53pm
Hi Tony.Pensioners are entitled to a late rise on a Saturday morning but how could I turn down your generous offer. I assume that you mean a Scorpio Cossie!!, or is it a Sierra Cossie?. In any event I will be there.

                           Regards, John.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 25th, 2011, 8:07pm

on 03/25/11 at 13:45:08, Highlander wrote:
Must be the switch itself, maybe try sourcing another one?

What sort of gremlins do you have? we know most of them ;D


Hi Stuart. I looked and pondered over a switch on E'bay about 3weeks ago,SODS LAW. There is a guy in Southport that is a Scorpio Breaker,I will give him a ring. I picked up a pair of headlights from him to stash away only about three weeks ago as well.
The Gremlins are the ones that I have given mention to before. The water temp' gauge is the most annoying,the air bag flicker is at rest at present,shhhhhhhhhh. I have changed the seat memory switch block but that system has a mind of its own,positions 2&3 are fine but 1 is iffy. The block that was on the car was intermittent on all three positions.
Hey Ho,all for a lovely ride and loads of room in the back load deck;when flattened.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Tenfut on Mar 25th, 2011, 8:26pm
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu264/Tenfut/Scorpio%20with%207%20spoke%20alloys/2q2irmu.jpg
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Mar 25th, 2011, 9:03pm

on 03/25/11 at 20:26:33, Tenfut wrote:
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu264/Tenfut/Scorpio%20with%207%20spoke%20alloys/2q2irmu.jpg


NIIIIIIIIIIIICE one Tony. The roof works as well !!!!!!!!!.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Baz on Mar 26th, 2011, 9:37am
I think those wheels really set it off too Tony!! ;D
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Mike H on Mar 30th, 2011, 11:29am
Is smart I must say, they do look nice in white
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Cosray on Apr 1st, 2011, 7:11am
Hi all.

The trip computer is a typical aging & oxydation problem. Take utmost care when removing AND opening the siwtch assy: it contains 3 tiny springs which will pop out & disappear for ever if you are not careful.

When opened, replace LED lamps also.
Here's a very useful MUST read:  http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/tripswitch.htm

***********
Read this TOO, chapter 12.

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/instreset.htm

This test checks the fuel computer button resistance inputs and loom connections. Each number represents a range value for each single button pressed.
255              No button pressed

208 to 241  MODE only pressed

38 to 56      S only pressed

158 to 185  R only pressed.

If the display shows 255 when any button is pressed a wiring fault is indicated, or the button contacts inside the fuel computer may be dirty and require cleaning.

if the display shows a number less than 38 when any button is pressed this indicates a wiring fault.

*************
The "wiring fault in most cases is due to contact resistance at the back of the instrument cluster.
Ïn a LHD you can just about remove the fascia by pulling lowering the wheel; then take the cluster out and clean all backside connectors + multiplugs with Kontakt 60, 61 and WL.

While at it you might also clean its windowscreen.

While at it replace all bulbs, I think there are 3 types needed; FORD does not always stock them anymore.

HTH
Ray
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Apr 1st, 2011, 8:30am
Hi Ray. Thank you for your informative input,some of which I have gleaned since discovering the problem and since Tony came over and we met up. He swapped his switch & confirmed that mine was duff after an initial contact clean with an Electrical Contact Cleaner from Halfords.
I am awaiting another Walnut Dash Trim (a local one off E,bay was damaged). At some point in the past my car has had it removed;damaged and bonded back in.
I intend to do a replacement of all available bulbs etc when I get the Walnut Dash Trim.
What would be a realistic time scale from start to finish in the removal and replacement of the bulbs & clean out etc and refitting the unit ready to fire-up?. I don't want to find that I leave a half done job and have to put it back,only to have to dismantle again.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Cosray on Apr 1st, 2011, 9:06am
Hi John,

I am an electronics engineer... so mechanical actions bother me sometimes... so removing the fascia w/o having to take off the wheel was a hassle at first... not aftre the second time though, then it's a trick but I would say in a LHD the dismount/mountjob would be 2x half an hour.

The electronics bit, serrvicing the cluster i.e. cleaning all backside connectors  + spraying, cleaning and preserving the now dangling multiplugs + replacing & testing (!) bulbs cost me one hour.

Getting the proper bulbs from FORD Cologne and an old dealer's warheouse took me a week!

Types can be found here but doublecheck with FORD's MicroCat:

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/fasciabulbs.htm

HTH
Ray
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Apr 1st, 2011, 10:08am
Hi Ray. Thank you again. I am in the process of trying to obtain bulbs & a few other behind instrument panel items from my local Ford Dealership (Gordons of Wigan).
As a point of interest the heated front screen switch is £27.74p + VAT & the On-board computer swith is £46.58p + VAT. The UK stock is apparently held in Daventry and next day delivery to the dealership.
This exercise is looking more like a "next time I am snowed in and can't us the car project" once I have gained the available bits etc.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Cosray on Apr 1st, 2011, 10:28am
Good!  Once you are behind the fascia do inspect the heating hoses and connecting flanges as they may leak and cause dust etc. to settle on the connectors again.

HTH
Ray
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Tompion on Apr 1st, 2011, 2:51pm
The problem with the on-board computer switch with mine was the resistor needed re-soldering.
It wasn’t obvious that it was faulty.
I think the solid resistors on small circuit boards subject to flexing are a potential problem area.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Cosray on Apr 1st, 2011, 4:26pm
Tompion, they certainly are since they were all - on average 17 years ago - flowsoldered in a 400 C bath and since had to behave properly, under strain, in harsh, unpredictable envirenments, from freezing to smoldering heat, unlike your average office deskcalculator...

Same goes for your 500 or so IC's, connectors, capacitors and resistors each in your Siemens' manufactured very complex ECU/PCM/EEC-V, the ABS-controller, your Radio, its interfaceunit, the CCM, the SATC Climate Control Unit, door electronics controllers, seat adjustment computers, the various - 10 or so - engine Sensors including electronics... it's a small wonder of excellent Production Quality Control that so many of our vehicles are still purring.

Also and quite frightening - it means that many many electrical failures will start showing up today, all in a row, in the same fashion, same properties - mainly because of 1990-ies high standard production reproductive quality.

Mostly they appear as "electrical gremlins" and sadly, most of them are fully predictable...

HTH
Ray
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Apr 1st, 2011, 6:39pm
Hi to you all out there. The on-board computer switch is now resolved and fully functional,I also picked up switches for the front & rear screens. They came from a breakers yard in Salford. L.W Gresty on Langley Road South. All off the one car £3.00 for the three. DIY removal. The Walnut Dash Trim is next on Wednesday. It would have been retrieved with the switches but I left myself short on time. I was expecting to just walk in a collect a ready removed Dash Trim,I spotted the switches and took advantage of them still being intact.
They have two Scorpio models a Saloon & an Estate Car,both in various stages of 'Organ Removal'.
I will dissect the iffy one and investigate the contacts etc as suggested. It may well become a standby unit.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by TomP on Apr 2nd, 2011, 9:56pm
Not sure if it's any help to anyone else but I also have problems with the S and R buttons. When this happens I have a simple trick that always makes them work again.....I open the small tray that I store coins in (below and to the right of the S and buttons) and slam it shut! It works every time! Must be a loose connection somewhere, but I usually have to do this a couple of times a month.  ::)
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Apr 2nd, 2011, 10:27pm

on 04/02/11 at 21:56:21, TomP wrote:
Not sure if it's any help to anyone else but I also have problems with the S and R buttons. When this happens I have a simple trick that always makes them work again.....I open the small tray that I store coins in (below and to the right of the S and buttons) and slam it shut! It works every time! Must be a loose connection somewhere, but I usually have to do this a couple of times a month.  ::)


I like this short term fix for the OBC switch. It is the Scorpio equivalent of bashing the old style TV to stop the picture from rolling. The other one was the Vending Machine that did not deliver,Kick It.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Cosray on Apr 3rd, 2011, 7:41am

on 04/02/11 at 21:56:21, TomP wrote:
Not sure if it's any help to anyone else but I also have problems with the S and R buttons. When this happens I have a simple trick that always makes them work again.....I open the small tray that I store coins in (below and to the right of the S and buttons) and slam it shut! It works every time! Must be a loose connection somewhere, but I usually have to do this a couple of times a month.  ::)


... 'tis pointing to its bad/oxydised/instable/connector behind the inStrument cluster above.

If you'd do the resistance range test before and after your "big bang" you'd find a changed value afterward, falling within the "good"  range - which just allows for proper ops again!

Similar "bangs' have cured flickering Airbag lights as well as spooky Door Ajar lights ...

HTH
Ray
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Apr 12th, 2011, 9:07pm
Hi to you all. Thank you all that had an input and to Tony that suggested that we meet up,he diagnosed by substitution that mine was defunct. The replacement very expensive (one of 3 switches for £3.00) is fitted and working as they should. Yipeeeeeee.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by rich1 on Apr 13th, 2011, 2:58pm

on 03/25/11 at 20:26:33, Tenfut wrote:
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu264/Tenfut/Scorpio%20with%207%20spoke%20alloys/2q2irmu.jpg


there is something special with these cars in white , really really nice
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Apr 13th, 2011, 3:06pm

on 04/13/11 at 14:58:38, rich1 wrote:
there is something special with these cars in white , really really nice


Yes, it has the illusion of making the car look smaller than it is.
The other "Special Thing" about them was that if you saw one in your rear view mirror and drove slower than before you saw it,you might be privileged to an escort home whilst the driver, he/she was checking out your details.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Cosray on Apr 13th, 2011, 5:50pm
The devil is in the details - a white car has more dark surfaces than any other coloured car...

...its visual appearence henceforth is defined and dominated by the contrasting surfaces, which makes it look smaller, as the dark surface elements are connected by rathre invisible, non-impressive whites.

The perceived effect is that the wheelbase seems smaller as well as its length.

Still with me ;-)  ?
Ray

PS What I am saying is WHITE is the New Black
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by The Rooster in the Scorpio. on Apr 13th, 2011, 7:31pm

on 04/13/11 at 17:50:10, Cosray wrote:
The devil is in the details - a white car has more dark surfaces than any other coloured car...

...its visual appearence henceforth is defined and dominated by the contrasting surfaces, which makes it look smaller, as the dark surface elements are connected by rathre invisible, non-impressive whites.

The perceived effect is that the wheelbase seems smaller as well as its length.

Still with me ;-)  ?
Ray

PS What I am saying is WHITE is the New Black


Hi Ray. Yes with you all of the way. Unless you knew the car you could easily think it was a customised Mondeo,it makes it look that much smaller. Even standing alongside of it,as I have recently done it is definitely an illusionary thing . As strange as it may seem I was contemplating an Ex Police V70 T5 Auto in white, it had been chipped to 300bhp. My 255bhp V70 T5 Auto in Aqua Marine Turquoise spins the wheels with little encouragement on a dry road what the heck would 300bhp do;strip the tread off!!.
Title: Re: Resetting my onboard computer.
Post by Cosray on Apr 13th, 2011, 7:37pm
... driving in the right direction i.e. East it would probably make Earth rotate backwards when on full throttle...

;D
Ray


Ford Scorpio Forum » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.3.1!
YaBB © 2000-2003. All Rights Reserved.