I'm aware that there are many handheld programmers out there. It seems they are all able to reprogram the fuel map and shifting strategies through the OBD 2 port. I also realize that the Ford IDS is able to reflash the PCM/TCM through this same port. What would be needed to reprogram or flash the PCM without purchasing an IDS or handheld tuner? Can this be done with an elm327 or some other usb-CAN device?

 

Another question I have is regarding flashing specific strategies. Is it possible to flash specific versions of the PCM/TCM onto a truck using an IDS or are you stuck using whatever the latest flash is?

 

Without IDS, the only other way I know to flash a Ford module is with a J2534 compatible device. You can get a 3 day access to accomplish this at www.motorcraftservice.com for $32.95. As far as I know, you can only flash with the latest version and can't go back and pick an older version (I could be wrong).

 

Thanks erikkloss good to know about the service and the fact you can use a j2534 device. The cost of those cables seem a bit prohibitive seems like it makes sense to go straight to the VCM II clones which I believe also behave as a j2534 pass through and work with IDS. I'd really like to be able to backup my PCM entirely somehow so that if for any reason the truck gets flashed I can put it back to the way it was. Having to repurchase tuning is costly enough never mind having to purchase it again because a shop changed your strategy.

 

I do understand your fear of having your ecu updated without your knowledge or approval. I have read lots of complaints on the net from people who took their truck in for something simple and when they got their truck back, the ecu had an updated flash that did weird things they did not like. It has been awhile since I flashed a GM module, but IIRC GM had a list of the different update versions to choose from, but I don't recall Ford having that option.

Another option that I am not sure I am remembering correctly is Ford can use IDS to copy the module you are replacing without updating the latest flash (assuming your old module is still functioning). Perhaps you can buy a used ECU from a wrecking yard and have it copied as a standby in case your original gets an updated flash.

Yes, you can use a VCM as a pass through device. I used to use VCM and IDS until my VCM (not a clone) died and too expensive to fix. You have to remove IDS from any computer first if you use the J2534 or it won't work. As far as cost, it is more economical to use a J2534 if you rarely do programming (like me). It cost $850 /year just for IDS plus a $1500 VCM. Clones use cloned software that can corrupt your ECU. They can even have viruses. If your ecu gets corrupted by cloned software, or if a cloned VCM crashes during programming, your ECU could become unrecoverable.

 

erikkloss thanks for all the ideas. I really like the idea of having a spare PCM. Do you happen to know what to look for to make sure I purchase a compatible replacement? On the firewall I see part number BC3A-12A650-DSD which according to an ebay auction I'm looking at is listed as an "other part number" for BC3Z-12A650-DSD. What do you think? Should I pull the trigger on the BC3Z? Is there much of a learning curve to making the new PCM match the old?

 

The number that is on the pcm is not actually the part number. Although it is very similar, it is the engineering number. That number will cross to the part #. I looked at that Ebay listing you mentioned. If you look at the picture of the pcm, the number matches your number. The new PCM will have to be flashed to your specs with the trucks vin. This can be done in the vehicle with the methods we mentioned earlier. You could do this now and then kept your old pcm as your spare. I am not sure if the PATS system will have to be reprogrammed if you swap your 2 pcm units later? Normally it would, but since your old PCM was already programmed to your PATS, maybe it won't need to be? This is true with other vehicles I have swapped pcm units in, but I have not done this with a 6.7 yet.

I have never used performance tuners, but this is what I have been told. Most tuners are locked for use specifically to the vin. If somebody tried to take a tuned PCM from another truck and put it into their truck, it would not work because the vin is embedded in the software. In your case, both your PCM will have been programmed with same vin, and you will be using either PCM in just 1 truck. Maybe your tuner will allow both PCM to have the tune? This is something you should probably ask the manufacturer of the tuner.