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PCM Failure..WTF?

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Old Aug 28, 2012 | 08:18 PM
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PCM Failure..WTF?

SO, after a very detailed diag it has boiled down to the PCM being bad, after a crank no start situation. All other systems verified and all systems go. (long story).
Now I’m on the hunt for a PCM to buy, but in the back of my mind I’m wondering what caused the problem? I know the answer is, “well....many things, who knows” but it’s still bugs me.
I think it boils down to a few things..And I’m looking for expert advice since this isn’t my area of expertise.
1. Aftermarket chip? (Did have one, what is the likelihood of it being what caused the problem?)
2. Fault in the wire harness (short)? (How do I verify the pins on the harness?)
3. Offending sensors or peripherals? Is this Possible? And where do you start looking?
If I put a new PCM in should I expect this thing to fail again?
I’m thinking of going with a DP tuner once this issue is all resolved.
Any help is appreciated.
Dazed and confused.
 

Last edited by 1Fastboy; Aug 28, 2012 at 08:21 PM. Reason: incorrect spacing
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Old Aug 28, 2012 | 08:41 PM
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the pcm is a mechanical part,too. it does not spin, or move, but it is made up of components which can deteriorate or wear just like tires or brakes.It is afteral made from metal and subject to heat and vibration.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 01:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Phil Woolfson
the pcm is a mechanical part,too. it does not spin, or move, but it is made up of components which can deteriorate or wear just like tires or brakes.It is afteral made from metal and subject to heat and vibration.
Your right about that. Even still there would be a commonality among chip sets failure I would think. Physical damage fore sure but What about software? I'm not familiar at all on how it's set up in that sence. Perhaps Bios corruption or otherwise?
I know there are multiple control modules. Do they report to the PCM, kinda like in a hierarchy? If so maybe this communication path is faulty causing the PCM to wig out...

Has anyone bench tested a PCM or looked at the software interface? Where is a ford engineer when you need one?
 
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Old Jan 11, 2013 | 12:16 AM
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Update,
PCM was replaced and for the last few moths no issues.

End.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2013 | 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 1Fastboy
Your right about that. Even still there would be a commonality among chip sets failure I would think. Physical damage fore sure but What about software? I'm not familiar at all on how it's set up in that sence. Perhaps Bios corruption or otherwise?
I know there are multiple control modules. Do they report to the PCM, kinda like in a hierarchy? If so maybe this communication path is faulty causing the PCM to wig out...

Has anyone bench tested a PCM or looked at the software interface? Where is a ford engineer when you need one?
These computers can be re-manufactured and routinely are due to old capacitors that can leak. I have an extra one for my truck that was re-manufactured and bench tested.

An aftermarket chip can cause this if it comes lose from the J3 service port while power is connected to the PCM.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2013 | 10:50 PM
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RIKIL,
Thanks for the heads up. I did have a chip in there from the previous owner. Now it's just sitting on the shelf. I plan on going with a DP tuner in the near future so ill have to make sure it's secure...
 
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Old Jan 13, 2013 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by 1Fastboy
RIKIL,
Thanks for the heads up. I did have a chip in there from the previous owner. Now it's just sitting on the shelf. I plan on going with a DP tuner in the near future so ill have to make sure it's secure...
Let me know when you're ready to order. I'll be glad to help you out.
 
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Old Dec 14, 2020 | 01:21 AM
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Originally Posted by 1Fastboy
Update,
PCM was replaced and for the last few moths no issues.

End.
Did you have to reprogram the PCM when you installed it? If I buy one with same part number, will I need to reprogram it? Thx
 
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Old Dec 21, 2020 | 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Denis Rabiyevskiy
Did you have to reprogram the PCM when you installed it? If I buy one with same part number, will I need to reprogram it? Thx
That post was from 2013. But you should be able to just plug things in and have them work. No reprogramming necessary
 
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