CASE Study (FORD PTO Mode)

I received a text from a student/tech working in a fleet shop. A 2011 Ford E350 5.4L with a total of 6500 miles. Yes, only six thousand miles. It’s a fleet vehicle. The smog inspection failed because none of the monitors were completed. So, they drove around and put in a few hundred miles, but not even one monitor was completed. Then they replaced the PCM program “as built” and put in another few hundred miles, and the same thing happened: none of the monitors were completed. 

So, they sent it to me and asked for help. I scanned the computer, and no-fault codes were set. I checked Mode $06, and all monitors were enabled to “yes,” so I drove it a couple hundred miles. None of the monitors were completed. I checked Mode $09, and all monitors had never been run, not even one condition or completion.

My Response to the student/tech. Have you checked the Power Take-Off Mode?  While PTO mode is engaged, the I/M readiness bits are set to a “not-ready” condition. When PTO mode disengages, the I/M readiness bits are restored to their previous states before PTO engagement. During PTO mode, only CCM circuit checks continue to be performed. Thank you so much for the info, Rick. What is the PTO mode? (Power Take-Off?) 

My Response to the student/tech. Auxiliary equipment called power take-off, or PTO, is often added to the engine or transmission to operate utility equipment. Examples include a wheel lift for tow trucks, cranes, construction or tire service tools, and pumping fluids. PTO applications draw auxiliary horsepower from the powertrain, often while the vehicle is stationary. In this condition, limited cooling airflow through the radiator and around the vehicle generally occurs when a vehicle is moving. The aftermarket PTO system installer, having the most knowledge of the final application, is responsible for determining whether additional chassis heat protection or powertrain cooling is required, and alerting the user to the safe and proper operation. 

Hi Rick, Thank you so much for your help and the information about the PTO. I finally got some time today to do it, and the truck is fixed. I disconnected all the wires from the PTO to the ignition switch and reset the PCM keep-alive memory. I drove the truck for 15 minutes and completed all the monitors except for the EVAP. I think that was because the tank was full.