Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for the 2013 Mustang V6, citing a glitch that fails to keep the “Check Engine” light on after the first driving cycle when set off by a failure with the Electronic Throttle Control as required by On-Board Diagnostic (OBD-II) regulations. The problem, officially classified as an emission recall, affects Mustang V6 models produced between October 12, 2011 and September 26, 2012. Letters are currently scheduled to be sent out to owners by February 28, and dealers have been instructed to repair any affected vehicles that come in for regular service. The fix is relatively easy – a simple reprogram of the PCM – and should only take 15 minutes.

You can read the official recall reason and service action below, or download the full recall by clicking on the link.

Reason for this emission recall:

In all of the affected vehicles, the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Failure Mode and Effects Management (FMEM) strategy, when active, correctly sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and illuminates the “wrench” light for the customer, but prevents illumination of the “Check Engine” light on the next driving cycle as required by On-Board Diagnostic (OBD-II) regulations.

Service action:

Before delivering any of the vehicles in this recall, dealers are to reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to the latest level using IDS release 81.03 or higher. This service must be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

 

Will this cause any damage if not done right away or by driving with this condition or is it just a diagnostic condition?

 

It doesn't sound like a big deal at all. The way I read it is the check engine light may not stay illuminated if needed.

 

Sounds like a quick and easy re-cal to remedy the problem. That's a good thing.