I recently got the Dash Commander app and an OBDII plugin for my truck. Everything looks good as far as I can tell, but when I look at the diagnostics tab, it has a stored code. The screen says:

"P18?? This trouble code is only available through the Ford add-on"

Before I look into purchasing the add-on, does anyone know what this code means?

 

Don't know nothing about the app...I'm guessing it only displays generic codes.
P1XXX are manufacturer codes and it sounds like you need to spend more money to see them?


Edit: Removed previous edit comment.

 

I'm assuming you got Dash Command because you have iPhone? Last I checked, Torque wasn't available on Apple.

I tried using Dash Command a few years ago and it was a nightmare. You had to pay for manufacturer specific PID's, couldn't get the gauges how I wanted, etc.

If you have any way of getting Torque, pay $5 for it, and it has everything included in it. It is significantly better than DC.

The software is teasing you right now. It says it knows there is a stored code, but pay me more money to tell you what it is. Ridiculous.

 

Yes, using iPhone/iPad, so Torque was not an option. I also felt that this might be a way for them to get money out of me for essentially nothing. That's why I was hoping someone came across this before. I'm not sure how much the Ford add-on is, so I'll have to check that out.

For those of you that use Torque, does it give you access to all the Ford codes? I didn't really want to get an android device just for this, but I will if it is worth it.

Edit: looks like the Ford add-on is only $10. I will probably get it just to satisfy my curiosity.

 

Ok, bought the add-on and the code is P1867, transfer case contact plate general circuit failure. Any idea what this means?

 

Yes the Android version gives you everything for $5. Apple has been and probably always will be geared toward proprietary and sucking $$ out of the wallet, which is why I will never own anything they make EVER again.
.

 

Ok, after doing some more research, many folks seem to point to the 4x4 transfer case actuator motor when this code comes in. Just for fun I tried putting the truck in 4wd. I got a "check 4x4" and a wrench on the info screen. So, does anybody feel that replacing the actuator motor assembly is not the right thing to do?

At least this part looks easy to get to, and it's not too expensive.

And as far as apple, I agree. But I'm kinda stuck with it for now, with the phone, ipad, watch, etc. Someday I'll move on, but right now there's too much interdependent between my gadgets.

 

Pulled this up from my 2013 shop manual, dunno if it applies to a 2010 but most likely does.



Diagnostics for this code require specialized equipment.
.

 

Don't know what the issue is but you're in the ballpark.

Fault is set when an invalid shift motor position is detected during selection of a new 4WD mode or during a motor movement.


Edit: second place ain't bad, right? lol

 

Since I don't have any specialized diagnostic equipment, do you see a problem with disconnecting the motor from the transfer case mechanically, but leaving it plugged in electrically, and watching it while someone puts it in 4wd? Can that harm anything?