1988 351w Keeps Frying Computers?
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1988 351w Keeps Frying Computers?
Had in the shop 3 days or so with them trying to find out why my1988 f250 was running so bad.Had a very terrible miss and was running very poorly,barely ran unless foot was on gas pedal.
Finally the place narrowed it to the computer so it was replaced and instantly it ran good / normal again.
I only put 25 miles or so on it until it just died on me on my street?It didnt crank and I thought it was the battery cables so tightened up cables some then it cranked but was running very bad again like a terrible misfire,etc.
Limped it home and removed cable hoping to reset the computer but sadly it still runs bad,real bad miss.Looks like my computer took a dump again but why?
Whats going on here? Thx for any help!!!
Finally the place narrowed it to the computer so it was replaced and instantly it ran good / normal again.
I only put 25 miles or so on it until it just died on me on my street?It didnt crank and I thought it was the battery cables so tightened up cables some then it cranked but was running very bad again like a terrible misfire,etc.
Limped it home and removed cable hoping to reset the computer but sadly it still runs bad,real bad miss.Looks like my computer took a dump again but why?
Whats going on here? Thx for any help!!!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 660
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From: Northern California
Had in the shop 3 days or so with them trying to find out why my1988 f250 was running so bad.Had a very terrible miss and was running very poorly,barely ran unless foot was on gas pedal.
Finally the place narrowed it to the computer so it was replaced and instantly it ran good / normal again.
I only put 25 miles or so on it until it just died on me on my street?It didnt crank and I thought it was the battery cables so tightened up cables some then it cranked but was running very bad again like a terrible misfire,etc.
Limped it home and removed cable hoping to reset the computer but sadly it still runs bad,real bad miss.Looks like my computer took a dump again but why?
Whats going on here? Thx for any help!!!
Finally the place narrowed it to the computer so it was replaced and instantly it ran good / normal again.
I only put 25 miles or so on it until it just died on me on my street?It didnt crank and I thought it was the battery cables so tightened up cables some then it cranked but was running very bad again like a terrible misfire,etc.
Limped it home and removed cable hoping to reset the computer but sadly it still runs bad,real bad miss.Looks like my computer took a dump again but why?
Whats going on here? Thx for any help!!!
Have you at least opened it up and done a visual inspection to to see if it's toast ???
You may have a voltage regulator within your alternator problem dumping more than 12 volts into the computer.
Resetting a toasted computer will do nothing for you unfortunately.
Here's some reading you can do:
Click this link:A9x ECM's (and same years ECM's) Failures Due to Age
Good Luck
Bob
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Freshman User
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Where did the "replaced computer" come from ???
Have you at least opened it up and done a visual inspection to to see if it's toast ???
You may have a voltage regulator within your alternator problem dumping more than 12 volts into the computer.
Resetting a toasted computer will do nothing for you unfortunately.
Here's some reading you can do:
Click this link:A9x ECM's (and same years ECM's) Failures Due to Age
Good Luck
Bob
Have you at least opened it up and done a visual inspection to to see if it's toast ???
You may have a voltage regulator within your alternator problem dumping more than 12 volts into the computer.
Resetting a toasted computer will do nothing for you unfortunately.
Here's some reading you can do:
Click this link:A9x ECM's (and same years ECM's) Failures Due to Age
Good Luck
Bob
Came from Orileys auto parts (kinda like advance auto).Was $90 brand is Cardone
I am looking at the link,thx!
If Advance tests alternators i will pull mine and have them test it.
Meant to say in the original post that the truck never had any problems until the computer went out on the interstate.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
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From: Kentucky
Cardone "rebuilt" PCMs are notorious for early failures. Typically the rebuild is cleaning up the outside case then slapping a sticker on it. They NEVER open them up to inspect/repair.
X2 on the voltage regulator frying electronic components as well.
X2 on the voltage regulator frying electronic components as well.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 660
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From: Northern California
Sorry, my mistake, I was working under the premise that you have the same alternator I have........94' with a G3 upgrade.
I'm sure someone that knows the 88's electrical system will chime in here and set both of us straight (errr at least me).
Bob
I'm sure someone that knows the 88's electrical system will chime in here and set both of us straight (errr at least me).
Bob
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Alt is already off and waiting for wife to get home from work so i can take iot and have it tested.
Pretty sure i see the voltage reg on the back
Pretty sure i see the voltage reg on the back
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Greenville, NC
Generally computer don't fry themselves, a direct short in one of the sensors takes them out. Did the people who replaced the computer check all the wiring for shorts to ground?
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Fleet Owner
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From: Kentucky
The design is fire prone because of the poor design of the connector leading to the battery and amperage draw across said connector. Anytime you remove the connector Ford recommends to replace it.
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I replaced it.
The shop did the diagnosis ($90) No mention of shorts
You say one of the sensors are bad? Any idea where to start looking? I am still going to have alt/vol reg tested in a couple hours
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Yes Sir....that looks just like mine.I will have it tested in a couple hours,thx!!
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Just had it tested and both alternator and regulator are good.The guy suggested buying a new voltage regulator saying although it tested good here it still may be overloading later?
I am going to yank the computer and look inside for anything burnt,etc.
Update....opened the computer and everything looks ok.
Any other leads would greatly be appreciated!!
I am going to yank the computer and look inside for anything burnt,etc.
Update....opened the computer and everything looks ok.
Any other leads would greatly be appreciated!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
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From: Kentucky
We probably jumped the gun a tad bit here, but you did need to verify what the alternator was putting out. Now that issue is cleared up check for codes: Fuel Injection Technical Library » How To Run a Self-Test
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Cleveland, TN
I wonder if when the battery cables lost connection, if it let the alternator run wild and burned something out in the computer... It wouldn't necessarily be noticeable to the eye if a capacitor/transistor/diode went open or shorted..
I've heard of people pulling the battery cable off to see if the alternator is charging and burning up electronics in the vehicle...
Electronics are tough, but sometimes it's easy to cook them!!!!
I'm just thinking out loud here, but it might give you or someone else an idea...
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 660
Likes: 3
From: Northern California
I wonder if when the battery cables lost connection, if it let the alternator run wild and burned something out in the computer... It wouldn't necessarily be noticeable to the eye if a capacitor/transistor/diode went open or shorted..
I've heard of people pulling the battery cable off to see if the alternator is charging and burning up electronics in the vehicle...
Electronics are tough, but sometimes it's easy to cook them!!!!
I'm just thinking out loud here, but it might give you or someone else an idea...
I've heard of people pulling the battery cable off to see if the alternator is charging and burning up electronics in the vehicle...
Electronics are tough, but sometimes it's easy to cook them!!!!
I'm just thinking out loud here, but it might give you or someone else an idea...
Good thinking on your part !!
Bob