Excursion ECM/body swap

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Jun 6, 2013 | 08:56 AM

worleysc

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Excursion ECM/body swap

So, I performed a body swap a few months ago after my son crashed my V10 4x4 ex. The thing runs and drives great, but I have a issue at every time I start the thing, warm or cold. I was told the ECM is not storing memory. Idk. It runs real rough and "lopes" for a few minutes, then smooths out and runs great, until I turn it off and start it again. I was told the ECM is reset every time I turn the key off and on. The engine and chassis are are from the crashed truck, The body and most electronics are from the donor truck (v10 4x4 as well, all the same options). I never matched the ECM after the swap. Does this ECM know it doesn't belong on this powertrain? To swap the other "original" ECM I have to change the key, tumbler, etc. I have all of the original parts to do the swap, but I'm not sure it will fix the issue after I do all the work. Really don't want to waste any time if it doesn't correct the issue. Any advice.

Jun 6, 2013 | 09:28 AM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

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From: SE Florida

Swapping the ECM won't fix the problem. Most likely you are not getting power to the keep alive circuit to the ECM. If I had a wiring diagram I could show you the wire.

Jun 6, 2013 | 10:03 AM

SteveW.TN

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Interesting that I can't log back in...? Anyways, when I got the donor truck it had a lot of Motorola electronic crap. To connect the "hot leads" they used those stupid leads that clip onto a fuse and shoved in the fuse box. This separates the connectors in the fuse slot. The slot for the "keep alive memory" and cig lighter, of course, was one of the slots they used. Is that my issue maybe. I've tried to tighten the fit of the fuse and added a slight twist to the fuse, but it still doesn't fit tight. Sometimes the lighter works, sometimes it does not...

Jun 6, 2013 | 03:08 PM

SteveW.TN

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Thanks for the help Mark. I also have an issue with the a/c not working correctly. Take it to the shop, it works great. Turn the key off, start the engine again, no a/c. Related issue? Completely charged, no leaks, good connections. Tried the bypass trick and the compressor still won't kick on. I can't get any real help locally, nobody knows. Nearest dealership is 45 miles and not the best reputation. Thanks for any and all advice.

Jun 6, 2013 | 07:25 PM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,722

Likes: 2,648

From: SE Florida

Only related in that the problem is probably wiring. I don't think a dealer would be the best place to take it. See if you can find the best independent shop around you. You need someone that is an ASE Master Tech that can diagnose wiring issues.

Jun 6, 2013 | 08:35 PM

SteveW.TN

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From: West, TN

Again, thanks for the help. All of the wiring appears to be unmolested. Everything we did was just plug and unplug. I just now pulled the fuse panel and inspected all the connections in the back of the panel as well as the the GEM module connections, while I had it out. No noticeable issues there. I don't understand, any of the shops I've taken it to don't know. I'm beginning to think I'll try the ECM, and (security) key swap. I've done everything else. What is the voltage for the keep alive circuit. Is it 12v or does draw a lower voltage. I don't really want to attempt some silly by-pass fix, but I am almost ready to try...