I just picked up a 96 350 4x4 with 460/e4OD for cheap. For whatever reason the PO thought the original computer was bad, took it out and lost it. Replacing the ECM would be easy if it weren't for that.


1) so how do I go about making sure I get the correct ECM the first time, I'm seeing a few options for this combo. See if a dealership can tell me based on the VIN???


2) will the ecm be good out of the box, or will I need to get it reprogrammed?


I swapped in a manual trans computer before I bought the truck to make sure it would fire and move...it does in first gear, but nothing in dash worked (I'm assuming because of wrong computer???). Thanks in advance.

 

Reading online, it sounds like there are a couple stickers on the B pillar, door post and the valve cover that should have the calibration code needed, and then I should be able to link that back to the appropriate ECM.

 

Yes, post the calibration code from the b-pillar. Subford and others can look up the correct computer for your truck.

FYI...the only thing the computer controls in the dash is the Check Engine Light.

 

Thanks, I'll get it tonight. And I guess I have one more problem to figure out in the dash then.

 

Its not really a big deal. you can use any auto 460 ecm all long as it is not a cali one

 

And that's where my confusion is coming in to play...why all the different calibration codes (and what do they mean) if they're all the 'same'. One thread someone says the truck will catastrophically fail, another someone says they all swap.

 

These PCMs are not reprogrammable so it'll work right out of the box as long as your hunch is right and this wasn't the problem to begin with.

 

Just minor tweaks and changes along the way But no Hp or tq gains so nothing to worry about.

Think about it this way. SAME injectors, SAME distributor, SAME oil pressure sensor, SAME coolant temp sender. NOTHING is different other than the code on the ecm

 

There is a difference in the programming for 1994 and later trucks. The computer controls the dwell time for the ignition. That's why it's called Computer Controlled Dwell ignition.

Ford also moved the transmission solenoid protection diodes from the transmission to the computer in 1995. Running an earlier computer (PCM) on a 1995 or newer vehicle could result in damage to the computer since there will be no suppression diodes in the circuit.

Best bet for a swap is a 1995 or later PCM. Or to be safe post the calibration code sticker info so someone can decode it for an exact swap.

 

several on ebay

 

Different 460 PCM use use different number of solenoids in the Secondary Air Injection system and also different number of O2 sensors. This will cause the so called Check Engine Light (MIL) light and post codes in CM.
I ran into this problem trying to find a spare PCM for my 1994 460 set up.

 

I'd like to find a spare at the junkyard that I could rebuild, so what am I looking for? Thanks for the help.

 

PCM Computer numbers:
ENGINEERING NO. F5TF 12A650-ALA (the number found on the unit & what part stores and salvage yards go by).

The SERVICE NO. F5TZ 12A650-ALA (the part number that Ford dealers parts departments go by).



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Thank you very much.

 

Sorry...I've been away...thank you guys for the help. I managed to stumble across the calibration sticker. New ECM on order, so I should be good to go now. Thanks again.