96 E350 Van racing conversion?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes ECM and PCM are two slightly different names for the same thing, ECM being Electronic control module and PCM being Powertrain control module.. the latter being a bit more specific since the same box controls the engine and trans.
Ford actually continued to install this OBD1 system in HD trucks(over 8500lb GVWR) until the new SuperDuty was released in 1998 so you will also find all kinds of '96 and '97 F series trucks with it.
Ford actually continued to install this OBD1 system in HD trucks(over 8500lb GVWR) until the new SuperDuty was released in 1998 so you will also find all kinds of '96 and '97 F series trucks with it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,877
Likes: 49
From: Tennessee
I have 3 scan tools at my shop that read these . We have been in business since 1985 . Most of us have grey hair , ... Find a Shop like that .
I was working on Import cars and bikes when these were new , So I am not much help without being there .
I was working on Import cars and bikes when these were new , So I am not much help without being there .
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 8
Yeah that is the old EEC4 system and if you don't already have a code reader the Equus 3145 is the one to get at $25.
Swollen or blown out caps are a common problem with these old PCMs or any electronic component with electroylic capacitors, but they aren't that hard to change if you are at all handy with a soldering iron. Here's a thread on this subject.. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-problem.html
Swollen or blown out caps are a common problem with these old PCMs or any electronic component with electroylic capacitors, but they aren't that hard to change if you are at all handy with a soldering iron. Here's a thread on this subject.. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-problem.html
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
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Yes, ECM = PCM.
Up through the early 90's the Ford computer was called the Powertrain Control Module. (PCM)
In general, the engine computer is called the Engine Control Module. (ECM)
Sorry if this confused you, but when your dealing with non-Ford vehicles, it just is more common to label the computer as the ECM.
Up through the early 90's the Ford computer was called the Powertrain Control Module. (PCM)
In general, the engine computer is called the Engine Control Module. (ECM)
Sorry if this confused you, but when your dealing with non-Ford vehicles, it just is more common to label the computer as the ECM.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 8
I wish I had the logic diagram for the computer so I could see what input parameters the computer uses to determine it needs to "choke" the engine. I think that would be helpful in tracking this down. I imagine temperature would be a big factor, but what else?
In the meantime I'm going to pop open that PCM and see what I can see.
I just pulled the PCM. It's already a re-manufactured one. All the caps on the component side look good but on the underside of the circuit where there are dozens of what look like micro resistors, one is burned completely away. The first problem would be to determine it's value. All the other resistor around it have "KA3" on them. Anyone know what value that represents? The other problem is actually replacing it. I would need to work under a good magnifier with a soldering tip the size of a pin head. Could this one little resistor be causing all my woes?
In the meantime I'm going to pop open that PCM and see what I can see.
I just pulled the PCM. It's already a re-manufactured one. All the caps on the component side look good but on the underside of the circuit where there are dozens of what look like micro resistors, one is burned completely away. The first problem would be to determine it's value. All the other resistor around it have "KA3" on them. Anyone know what value that represents? The other problem is actually replacing it. I would need to work under a good magnifier with a soldering tip the size of a pin head. Could this one little resistor be causing all my woes?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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Don't know about the PCM issue, but back to your swap question. Depending on your trans, it shouldn't be that big of a deal. There are a number of companies that sell stand alone trans controllers. Many over in the IDI forum have used them when they switched from the c6 to the E4OD. Just a thought.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 8
Don't know about the PCM issue, but back to your swap question. Depending on your trans, it shouldn't be that big of a deal. There are a number of companies that sell stand alone trans controllers. Many over in the IDI forum have used them when they switched from the c6 to the E4OD. Just a thought.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
As I found out with my 96 E-350 while looking for the MAF sensor...
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
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I'll check mine, that's interesting. The road to nowhere, so to speak.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 8
Not one mechanic I went to could figure it out. The consensus was my computer needed to be replaced because it lost it's ability to communicate. I decided to trace the wiring harness just to make sure there wasn't a bad connection. That's when I discovered the harness ended at the connector in the firewall with no matching plug or wiring on the other side. Maybe my van was built on April Fools Day or Halloween, Trick or Treat!
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
Funny, but it's probably nowhere near a one-off. Maybe they did use that harness regardless of the OBD platform. I'll know as soon as I go look at mine. Heck, I found several online diagrams insisting where my MAF sensor was, but it is surely not there. Seems the transition delay of the heavy duty chassis to the OBD-II never made it to the official manuals.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 10
From: Thornhill , Ontario
If you need wiring diagrams I have them for the 95 year....PM me your email and I can scan them and send them to you .....Other than that I would just buy a re-man PCM from these guys and just put it in .....then start to buck around with the wiring....AUTO ECM ELECTRONICS | Welcome to Auto ECM!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 8
Thanks for the offer but I have have the full set of factory shop manuals including all the electrical wiring. What I really need is a schematic of the PCM circuitry. Good luck finding that anywhere.
I may need to use that supplier though. UPS delivered the reman PCM from Solo Auto Electronics this afternoon, I put it in and my van would not even start. I am very disappointed. It's on it's way back. If they can't get me one that works by next week I'll see what this other outfit can do for me.
I may need to use that supplier though. UPS delivered the reman PCM from Solo Auto Electronics this afternoon, I put it in and my van would not even start. I am very disappointed. It's on it's way back. If they can't get me one that works by next week I'll see what this other outfit can do for me.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
One potential reason for the existence of the OBD2 connector on these trucks is due to the possibility of them being powered by a diesel engine.. which did go to OBD2 in the early-mid '90's if I'm not mistaken.