2004 Computer Location

[WhiteGhost]

So last night I checked under my glove box for my computer and saw nothing that resembled what I'm looking for at all. So I took off the kick plate where my fuses are located (still on the passenger side of the Lincoln) and saw nothing that would resemble the car code I'm looking for. Any tips or advice would be nice. let me know.
thanks

 

[Jim Henderson]

The computer on my 2004 LS V8 is under the dash behind the glove box, up high, it is about the size of a large hard bound book and is obvious. It is against the firewall and from what I can tell actually goes thru it. You can remove it from the engine side by going thru the cabin air filter box on the passenger side under the windshield plastic cowling.

BUT, using a mirror, I have not been able to find any numbers that look like the code for the keyless entry key pad. There was a thread about a year ago on this claiming the code is on the computer, problem is there are several computers in this car. The consensus is that the computer in question is actually in the driver door and should have the codes on it. I plan to look but haven't had the time. I hear it is relatively easy to remove the door panel.

I also read that the code can be found on the trunk hinge struts. Not on mine but others claim to have found it.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

[WhiteGhost]

Thank you sounds like I'm gonna need the luck, and this mysterious code is starting to sound like an uban legend. hehehe

 

[2001LS8Sport]

I don't think the code is on the ECM...it's on the keyless entry module.

 

[ToddG]

I don't think the code is on the ECM...it's on the keyless entry module.

Any guess on where this module is located? Is it the one purportedly in the door?

 

[Jim Henderson]

Any guess on where this module is located? Is it the one purportedly in the door?

I have not looked yet, but it makes sense that the computer attached to the keyless entry keypad would be the computer with the codes written on it. If a customer were to replace this keypad computer they would need the code, so it should be on it.

I have read that there are only about 4 or 5 screws holding the door panel in place and that it is relatively easy to get in there.

My wife's Mercury VIllager, was very easy to get into the door, but I was not looking for the code.

Good Luck, let us know if it is confirmed that the code is in there. I would really hate it if Ford put it in different places all the time. So far I have NOT found it on the ECM under the dash, nor the trunk hinges.

Jim Henderson

 

[SoonerLS]

I have not looked yet, but it makes sense that the computer attached to the keyless entry keypad would be the computer with the codes written on it. If a customer were to replace this keypad computer they would need the code, so it should be on it.

Technically, in the '03-'06 LSes, all of the modules are connected to the keypad, thanks to the CAN architecture, so the code could be stored anywhere, including the PCM. I do remember reading not long ago that a person who had his DDM (Driver's Door Module) replaced also got a new factory keyless entry code, so I'm reasonably certain that the DDM is where it's stored.

I have read that there are only about 4 or 5 screws holding the door panel in place and that it is relatively easy to get in there.

You don't need to take the whole door panel off. There are only one or two screws that hold the driver's window control pad in place. Once you get that off, you can see the DDM, plain as day. I saw a tag that looked like it had numbers on it; it looked like a strap, attached to the DDM at both ends, but it was missing the middle part. I couldn't tell if this was where the code was printed, but given the fact that it's incomplete, it really didn't matter. I didn't see anything else that looked like the keyless entry code...

 

[SoonerLS]

BTW, the stories about the keyless entry codes being on a sticker on the trunk hinge do not apply to the LS.

 

[2001LS8Sport]

BTW, the stories about the keyless entry codes being on a sticker on the trunk hinge do not apply to the LS.

For some reason, Ford quit doing that on everything. Maybe anyone with access to the trunk had access to the car???

I haven't looked, but is the Keyless system tied to the GEM module now?

 

[GrayGhost1]

If you have the coveted NGS scanner/tester then you pull the code off with it. I'm surprised that not more and more non-dealer repair shops don't have this for Ford vehicles. If I were a big wheel with AutoZone, Advanced Auto or other chains I'd invest in purchasing NGS tools for each store and train the employees to use it. That would be a HUGE service to customers wanting to re-program items like keys, key fobs, keyless entry pads or you name it! Maybe charge a nominal fee if you don't purchase anything or free with a certain purchase. The dealer will charge you an hourly fee to do this programming.

 

[SoonerLS]

I haven't looked, but is the Keyless system tied to the GEM module now?

Depends--what a GEM module?

One of the major changes for '03 was the switch from OBD-II to CAN (Controller Area Network) architecture. The various computer modules, including the DDM (which handles the keyless entry), all live in a network, so they're all tied together in the '03-'06 LSes.

 

[Clown2theleft]

I'm pretty sure the keyless entry is tied to the GEM, but I'll allow that I may be mistaken.


Best,

--The Clown to the Left

 

[2001LS8Sport]

I'm pretty sure the keyless entry is tied to the GEM, but I'll allow that I may be mistaken.


Best,

--The Clown to the Left

I think you're correct. I guess I could get the book out and look.

GEM = Generic Electronic Module (I think!!)

 

[n8bachelor]

I have not looked yet, but it makes sense that the computer attached to the keyless entry keypad would be the computer with the codes written on it. If a customer were to replace this keypad computer they would need the code, so it should be on it.

Jim Henderson

Can anyone verify this for me? I will be removing the door panels this weekend to install new speakers but there is another lining between the door panel and the guts of the door. I dont want to remove this extra piece if it is not necessary. I do wish to have that elusive 5-digit code that will let me into the car without the key (or remote). Has anyone actually found the 5-digit code anywhere in the car?

See below pic of a door without the interior panel.

Any help would be great.

n8

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/mrbachelor/cars/image0714xf.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

 

[n8bachelor]

 

[beaups]

mine looked the same way. I think maybe they ripped the codes off at final assembly or something. ripped strap accross mine too....

 

[ToddG]

I've been a student of the Lincoln LS since 1999, have owned two of them, and I have NEVER heard of ANYONE finding this code, despite searching everywhere in the car.

I can only conclude at this point that the label on a computer module is a myth.

 

[n8bachelor]

I've been a student of the Lincoln LS since 1999, have owned two of them, and I have NEVER heard of ANYONE finding this code, despite searching everywhere in the car.

I can only conclude at this point that the label on a computer module is a myth.

The reason I believed it could be found in the car is on page 148 in my owner's manual. Under Locks and Security it reads "The keypad can be operated with the factory set 5-digit entry code; this code is located on the owner's wallet card in the glove box, is marked on the computer module, and is available from your authorized dealer. You can also create your own 5-digit personal entry code."

Strike one on the owner's wallet, Strike two finding the correct computer module, and strike three creating a new code without the factory one. Guess I'll have to go pay the dealer $30 to program a new code for me. I was really hoping someone on here would have seen their code printed somewhere on the car.

help me out if you can anyone.

n8

 

[beaups]

I'd bet money it was on that door module and they ripped it off at the end of assembly. think about the liability (valet's, etc could find out your code in 10 minutes).

 

[ToddG]

The reason I believed it could be found in the car is on page 148 in my owner's manual. Under Locks and Security it reads "The keypad can be operated with the factory set 5-digit entry code; this code is located on the owner's wallet card in the glove box, is marked on the computer module, and is available from your authorized dealer. You can also create your own 5-digit personal entry code."

I feel your pain. Believe me, you're not the only one frustrated because the information in the manual about a code on a computer module cannot be found.

FYI, the system works to open the door and trunk using any one of 3 codes. Two are programmable by the owner to match the seat/steering wheel settings for two drivers. The remaining one code is unalterable and permanently programmed into the car's computer hardware. The dealer will be able to pull the permanent code for you. Once you have that, you can do the reprogramming of the first two codes yourself. Its easy to do, just follow the steps outlined in the manual.

 

[chocolat1701]

todd is right they will give you the original code that came with your car so then you can program a new one with the instructions on the manual -- if your going to pay the 30 bucks aks the dealership where he will get the code from maybe they know where the module is with the code and u can tell us about it.

 

[GWL]

I have talked to several mechanics about this issue and they have all advised me of the same thing. Sometime in the production run of late 03 early 04 this code was eliminated and only the owner's card or a Dealer's computer can give it to you now.