Hey scotty, I have a 2013 ford transit connect. Last month I had the wrench light come on with no codes. Van went into limp mode but light and limp mode would go away when I turn the van off and on. Then after about 5 minutes of driving light would come back on and limp mode would start again. I tried everything from getting a new throttle body to changing a bunch of sensors and i came to the conclusion that the transmission was bad due to the hard shifting when limp mode comes on. Since engine had a ton of miles as well I replaced both engine and transmission at the same time. Now with the new transmission put in, light still came on and van went right back into limp mode within 5 minutes of driving. I had the same trusted mechanic use his Autotel scan tool and nothing comes up. He has reset the van multiple times and gone through the proper procedure to relearn idle but nothing has worked. I don't know what to do but I have spent so much money trying to fix this that I can't turn back now. Please help me. I would really appreciate some advice. Thank you.
Well, there are different levels of Autel OBD II scan tools. Some are basic, the better ones are bidirectional.
You don't mention anything about Enhanced Diagnostic scans (Mode Six data) or collecting any Live Data on the Autel when the vehicle goes into Limp Mode. The Live Data, if properly understood and interpreted, might well provide the most telling cues.
With all of this money spent, what you and your mechanic did was to "fire the parts cannon" without a proper diagnosis. As Louis Althazan used to say on his "Automotive Hour," you'll run out of money before you'll run out of guesses."
My suggestion: Intentionally or unintentionally, this mechanic took you for thousands and thousands of dollars without performing a proper diagnosis. This is not someone you should trust with your vehicle or your dollars. Ditch him, and find someone who will GUARANTEE a fix, rather than change expensive parts. This fellow was a parts changer, not a technician (given your description).
Have a diagnostic technician collect Live Data and properly diagnosis Live Data at the points of malfunction. And, also consider the last ditch possibility that the ECU could be defective.
Again, you need a diagnostician, not a parts changer. And, if you can, match the need for a diagnostician with someone who services these Fords, on a regular basis.
