Back to 2001 Lincoln Continental

2001 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

4.6L V8 DOHCFWDAUTOMATICgas
2 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs0Labor479Torque3848Fluid6DTC724Battery0Maintenance0Recalls2
P1639high severityPowertrain

Vehicle ID Block Corrupted or Not Programmed

on 2001 Lincoln Continental 4.6L V8 DOHC · FWD

What this code means

The Vehicle Identification (VID) block in the PCM is corrupted or has not been programmed. The VID block contains critical vehicle configuration data.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Vehicle may not start
  • Various systems may not function correctly
  • Emissions monitors may not run

Common causes

  • New PCM installed without VID programming
  • PCM memory corruption
  • Failed PCM programming procedure
  • Battery disconnected during programming

Diagnostic steps

  1. Attempt to reprogram VID block with Ford diagnostic tool
  2. Verify VIN matches between vehicle and PCM
  3. Check for PCM software updates

Repair notes

Reprogram VID block using Ford IDS/FDRS diagnostic tool. Dealer-level equipment typically required.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →