ECM Reinstall Help
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ECM Reinstall Help
I have a 1991 F150, 5.0. For the life of me, I can't get the ECM back into its slot in the firewall.
I know this is the most newbiest problem but I wrestled with it for over an hour.
I tried:
1. Install the ECM grommet in the firewall. then the ECM, I can't seem to maneuver the ECM to start it through the grommet
2. Put the grommet on the ECM and then install. The grommet hangs on the sides of the hole in the firewall
3. Lubricated the ECM and grommet and tried 1 & 2 again. No dice.
I believe I have the grommet oriented correctly. I installed it from the cab side and the notches in the grommet face the outside towards the fender.
I'm tearing my hair out. Anyone have any tips?
I know this is the most newbiest problem but I wrestled with it for over an hour.
I tried:
1. Install the ECM grommet in the firewall. then the ECM, I can't seem to maneuver the ECM to start it through the grommet
2. Put the grommet on the ECM and then install. The grommet hangs on the sides of the hole in the firewall
3. Lubricated the ECM and grommet and tried 1 & 2 again. No dice.
I believe I have the grommet oriented correctly. I installed it from the cab side and the notches in the grommet face the outside towards the fender.
I'm tearing my hair out. Anyone have any tips?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Somewhere n North America
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Houston/Sugar Land
To the OP,,,,,, is the PCM crooked from the fender well when it stops going in?
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2014
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If you haven't partially removed the plastic inner fender well, then that is the issue. You don't really have to take the whole inner fender well out but you do have to take a whole lot of the screws out so you can lower the side toward the firewall in order to get the correct alignment and be able to insert the ecm back in that slot. Surprised you got it out to be honest.
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Yes the PCM is at an slight angle as I’m trying to put it in. DK about it hitting the fender well. I wasn’t paying attention to that issue. But you are certainly correct.
Taking the PCM out was actually very easy. Just wiggle it a bit and slide it out between the (removed) kick panel and the parking brake pedal.
I was was trying to avoid the going through the fender well but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Thanks!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
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From: Houston/Sugar Land
LOL. I figured someone would think of something like that.
Yes the PCM is at an slight angle as I’m trying to put it in. DK about it hitting the fender well. I wasn’t paying attention to that issue. But you are certainly correct.
Taking the PCM out was actually very easy. Just wiggle it a bit and slide it out between the (removed) kick panel and the parking brake pedal.
I was was trying to avoid the going through the fender well but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Thanks!!
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I must be lucky because I can get my ecu in and out fairly simple. Now the gormmet around it doesn't seat correctly but when just trying to diagnose things thats nit really a big issue to me. Dont have to mess with the finder at all. The only thing I have to do is when its started in the slot/grommet, say the bottom part then I go to the engine bay and pull back on the harness to allow a little more room up there. Go back and push it hard from the back and it slides roght in. Take the 10mm socket and tighten it up until it squeaks.
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Fleet Owner
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From: Easton,Ks
You do not mess with the fender or inter fender.
How it looks from the engine side when in.
Attachment 280787
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How it looks from the engine side when in.
Attachment 280787
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 904
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From: Laurel, MS
You need to remove the driver side kick panel. It's held only by a plastic (Christmas tree) push-rivet and possibly a screw.
Then you will be able to see the bracket under the dash that holds the ECM. There is a bolt on one side of the bracket that you can loosen (don't remember if it's on the top or bottom) that will give you some slack to slide the computer in. Then just tighten it down and re-install the kick panel.
Then you will be able to see the bracket under the dash that holds the ECM. There is a bolt on one side of the bracket that you can loosen (don't remember if it's on the top or bottom) that will give you some slack to slide the computer in. Then just tighten it down and re-install the kick panel.
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The angle of the ECM as I try to insert it is as shallow as I can get it. I can get the bottom inside corner of the ECM started, then use a screwdriver to get the entire (long) side into the grommet. But the top and the fender well side won't go in. I've even rounded the outside plastic edges on the ECM to see if that will help it slide in, but it doesn't - Arrgh
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Are you talking about the metal support bracket for the bottom of the ECM that you can see from inside the cabin or...?
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