I think my ECM is bad. My check engine light goes on and the van runs bad. I have tried to find the culprit but I think the ECM is bad. It is a 1992 E-150 van with a 302 v8 and auto transmission. I have looked at several ecm units on ebay but they do not have the numbers that I need. F2TF-12A650-AFB It seems that only NAPA has the part but they want close to $300 for it. Could I substitute other units with different numbers or does it have to be exact. I live in California so they probably have different pollution controls. If anyone can help, please let me know. Also, is there a place that will rebuild the unit that I have? Charles

 

Hi Charles,

Have you checked the codes causing the CEL? That would be a better first step than to start replacing anything. Some auto parts stores will read the codes for free. It could be something much simpler than an ECM.
jim

 

Thank you Jim for the reply. My Van is a 1992, E150 with a V8 302 engine. I think that my ECM is bad because it will not scan with any scanner. I took it to a shop and they could not get it to scan either. The van is pretty pristine other than not running right so I do not think it is a faulty wire or connection. I am the original owner and I have not done any work or modifications to the engine. It starts up but runs inconsistent and once it warms up it seems to be ok. I am thinking it is the ECM but I could be wrong. I replaced the plugs, rotor, cap, IAC valve, but still runs bad. What else could it be?

 

You don't need a scan tool to pull codes on that ECU.

 

Can you let me know how to read the codes without a scanner? I have heard about it but my car mechanic has not tried it. He has a scanner but nothing seems to work. Could you let me know? Thank you!

 

Don't know if you have done this: Disconnect the battery, remove connectors from ECM. Look at connectors. Are they clean and bright? Plug and replug in the connectors a couple of times. Make sure no wires pop out of the connector as you plug it back in. Is scan tool port connector free of corrosion? Clean as necessary. Check the ground for the ECM. Check the power input (12v) to the ECM. Sometimes this is a separate wire to the positive post of the battery. Examine the entire harness. Look for any signs of damage from rubbing on other parts or from battery acid, etc. Maybe this will get your ECM talking again. It might even fix your problems, and it's free. Ya never know. Good luck, ...jack

 

I surfed this link on reading codes w/o a scanner:

If it runs well after warming up, that sounds like a temp sensor problem? Maybe unplug and replug the sensors to check for bad connections.

 

Good video. Thanks for posting it.

 

Thank you all who posted replies. I think I may have to take it to a Ford dealership/repair department to get the problem fixed. If anyone else out there might have an idea on what is wrong or how to fix, please let me know. Thank you, Charles

 

Did you try pulling the codes like in the video?

 

Don't give up. This ain't rocket surgery..jack

 

Yes it is more than likely a bad Computer.
Pull it out and open it up.
Look at the electrolytic capacitors, you will more than likely see a leaky or a bulged one.
It is not that hard to fix. Just remove them, clean the board, bridge any gaps ate by the acid and solder in new ones.
Repair cost under $5.00.
Or take it to a radio repair shop and have them replace the electrolytic capacitors.

That has work 80% of the time for other posters on this site.

 

Sr, I replaced my damaged ECM F2TF AFB with a
F2TF AHB , do you think I am.going to have problems? I am driving around 6000 miles this coming month

 

Deleted, OP typed this post 3+ years ago. Then the member in post #14 dug it up today.