Does a used PCM have to be programmed?
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Does a used PCM have to be programmed?
I have a 2003 excursion with a 6.0. One of the pins burned up and broke off on the PCM. Planning to get a used PCM, found one of same year and configuration, and has the same code on the side. My question is does it need to be programmed by ford? Or is it plug and play?
Also, I have a SCT tuner with custom tunes. A tune is in the old PCM now, will my tuner be locked when I change the PCM? Should I try to make connection with the old PCM long enough to return it to stock?
Thank you for any help!!
Also, I have a SCT tuner with custom tunes. A tune is in the old PCM now, will my tuner be locked when I change the PCM? Should I try to make connection with the old PCM long enough to return it to stock?
Thank you for any help!!
Lead Driver
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From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
There are incompatible software versions and a code that will set a CEL if you match them up in the same truck, but I suspect the truck will crank and run with most any version match up. I don't know which module stores the VIN or how the tuner might react.
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My custom tuner said the PCM does not store the vin on these. So I'm hoping that means the sct will be fine, and not know any difference. As far as I know the sct is tuned to the vin, which isn't in the PCM. Just hope the software matches up, since it has the same codes on it? Seems to be only 2 pcm codes available from what I've found ( for an excursion 6.0). Thanks for the info
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Never mind, just got another email from my tuner. Guess there was a misunderstanding, I think maybe he thought I had a 7.3. He says the vin DOES have to be programmed in it. Who can do this? Besides the dealer? Thanks
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PCM Reflash???
Did you get this resolved? I have an 03 too and I've replaced just about everything I can think of but still no start. I have and AutoEnginuity tool and an Edge Insight but neither can automatically recognize the VIN so I have to manually put it in. I've tried both on a friends and they automatically recognize VIN, so thinking maybe that's it. Ford "supposedly" reflashed PCM, FICM, and TCM or at least I paid for that. Let me know if you fixed yours though and if it needs the VIN present.
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Unfortunately I'm still working on it. It amazing how no one seems to know, everyone tells me something different. I tried sending it to swamps diesel, they thought they could repair it, and avoid the whole vin/ reflash issue. But $45 in shipping later, they realized it is epoxied together and would take 4-6 hours just to take it apart, with no gaurentee of fixing it. So they sent it back, and I ordered a used one, same model, year, options, and same number on the side. It's sitting at home now, but I won't be home from work till Monday to try it. I read somewhere that it should plug in and run, but throw a vin match code. But I've also read MANY other scenarios, can't get a definitive answer. So I guess I'll figure it out, I'll post whatever I find. And I appreciate any info you find!! Thanks
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Cargo Master
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From: AB/BC
I cooked a pcm (sparks and all) got a used one and it was plug and play. That was on the 350 and about 5 years ago.
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New here, hopefully the pics work! It is pin 40, and is a power pin. When I bought the ex a few months ago, it had an Edge juice w/attitude installed. I ordered an sct and gearhead tunes and was using the edge for gauges only till I could afford a better setup. When I went to remove the edge to sell it so I could get a CS, the pin broke and both ends of the edge inline connector were burnt. I'm hoping this was a problem with the edge, and it is gone now. What do y'all think? Any easy ways to check for resistance issues? I've heard bad grounds can cause this? Thanks for the help guys
Lead Driver
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The pics worked. 
That was the rearward most PCM connector, right? That circuit originates at your CJB (fusebox under the column). It feeds +12V from fuse 36, through the harness, to the PCM. It should be hot all the time. You should check the connector to make sure you're getting good voltage readings there with a DVM. You should also test with a test light to make sure it stays bright. The light puts more of a load on the wiring than the digital meter. If all that checks out, you can only assume the wiring is okay. Disconnect the batteries and spray the connector with contact cleaner, and let it dry.
It's possible the PCM pin got bent when the Edge was installed. If the pin was weakened, resistance could have increased, and caused the burning.
You're tunes will only need to be rewritten if your PCM strategy changes when they program your new PCM.
That was the rearward most PCM connector, right? That circuit originates at your CJB (fusebox under the column). It feeds +12V from fuse 36, through the harness, to the PCM. It should be hot all the time. You should check the connector to make sure you're getting good voltage readings there with a DVM. You should also test with a test light to make sure it stays bright. The light puts more of a load on the wiring than the digital meter. If all that checks out, you can only assume the wiring is okay. Disconnect the batteries and spray the connector with contact cleaner, and let it dry.
It's possible the PCM pin got bent when the Edge was installed. If the pin was weakened, resistance could have increased, and caused the burning.
You're tunes will only need to be rewritten if your PCM strategy changes when they program your new PCM.
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