You want to sit in your truck and do a diagnostic test for free? I can send you how to do it. I can only imagine your bill on that service call, especially the PCM =Computer. If you did the diagnostic test, every thing they did, if faulty, would have shown up on the test and you could easily have done them all. I AM NOT belittling you or saying you screwed up, just saying these old trucks are pretty easy to work on and the forum has some great help along the way. There are some things I won't do but when I go to my shop I already know what they need to do period. Sandy

 

Sandy,

I only recently bought a Ford Code Reader, which at the time I didn't even know they existed, and, to be honest, I didn't even know there was such a thing as a PCM.

Regarding the test, I read somewhere that if the Check Engine light is lit STEADY, not blinking, it means that the PCM itself is bad, therefore whatever it indicates might be wrong, but I don't know whether this is accurate.

 

That's great. Have you used it yet? If so what codes did you get? PCM Computer They called it Powertrain Control Module .

 

Sandy,

Yes, I know what PCM means. I explain the whole situation 4 messages above this one.

So, the code reader gives codes even if the Check Engine light is not blinking?

I haven't used the code reader yet, but I would certainly like to. I need to read the manual, at least browse it.

 

So true. I keep hearing this "stealership" term and I think it's pretty harsh. No, I'm not getting butthurt about it, but DLC has a good point here and we should remember that we have techs who work at various shops who probably have reason to get a little miffed should the name of their employer get dragged through the dirt, warranted or not.

Also, consider that if it was not for the dealerships, our beloved Ford trucks would never have made it to market.

CEL light is always lit steady when codes are present. It only blinks when you are reading the codes, either with a reader, or by using the test connector.

I noticed that you mention Firestone. I think you should add chain or franchise repair shops to your list of choices. They are not truly independent, yet also not dealers. Strange that it would be this particular chain as I recall they were under fire around 20 years ago for fraudulent repair work in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Funny how the name Firestone sticks rather than the individuals who were deceptive. I also have some grave concerns about a certain well known Canadian repair chain that regularly tries to hold your vehicle hostage for lengthy repair estimates claiming that it is unfit for the road. Sometimes, it may be true, but often it is simply a ploy to sell parts and services.

I really think that the repair experience comes down to interaction with individuals as opposed to the name on the storefront. For example, I bleed Ford blue, yet I refuse to patronize our local Ford dealership. Reason is one specific technician, who is not necessarily a bad person, but he tried to get away with a sloppy safety inspection, ordering unnecessary work and I caught him red handed. He was unapologetic and remains employed by the local Ford dealership. I live in a small town and if you don't know somebody, it's a pretty safe bet that you know somebody who does know the same person. Recently, I bought a Ford Expedition that needed a safety inspection before registration. I took it to the local GM dealer, (shudder), simply because they have good technicians and the service writer keeps them honest. I know the service writer and I trust him. I also patronize an independent mechanic who prefer's GM products to my Fords, but we can trash talk each other in a good natured manner and he is a very good mechanic. Probably have to be to keep those GM products going!

 

Did you get the INOVA 3145?

 

Yes, I got the INNOVA 3145.

 

Thank you, as basic as that fact is, I didn't know it.