Bit-Mapped Diagnostic Trouble Codes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Many of the continuous on-demand Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that can be present in Restraints Control Module (RCM) are bit-mapped DTCs that utilize Parameter Identifications (PIDs), also known as flagged faults. Bit-mapped DTCs are conceptually different from the previous style of DTCs.

Previously, DTCs identified a specific concern for a given component and pointed to a particular diagnostic path. In the diagnostic path, PIDs are sometimes used to determine the root cause. Bit-mapped DTCs DO NOT identify the specific concern. A bit-mapped DTC identifies the component(s) in which the concern exists. The next level (PIDs or flagged faults) identifies the specific concern.

A scan tool must be used to view PIDs (flagged faults) of a bit-mapped DTC. Once a scan tool has retrieved a bit-mapped DTC, the scan tool will provide the option to flag that DTC. When the option to flag the DTC is available, it must be carried out to identify the specific concern that is present. When the flag option has been carried out, the scan tool will then display the PIDs for that DTC, including the status or state that exists (on-demand DTC) or existed (continuous DTC).

To view and flag bit-mapped DTCs, follow the following steps:

Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC), located under instrument panel.
Turn ignition switch to ON position.
Follow manufacturer's instructions for the scan tool being used.
Carry out on-demand self-test or retrieve continuous DTCs.
Select DTC and the FLAG option on scan tool. Scan tool will now display PIDs related to the DTC. Record all flagged faults.