I am thinking my PCM is bad, I sent it to one of the many PCM guys that repair your own PCM and return it to you. Most of my money was refunded and sent back to me as "unrepairable". I would say the truck runs, more or less ok, but the main issue is no ground signal for GP relay.
Actually I think there are three issues, at least,. 1. No ground for GPR, 2. No baro, and 3. unstable reference voltage for ECT. ( this varies from 7- 12v)
So, now I am looking at reman, or something, pcm's that are in the $500-$600 range. So, I hope someone will comment on this, can the baro be repaired?
I really don't know the extent of the issues or even if baro has any ramifications beyond the glow plug that affects the drivablity? I could just put glow plug dash switch but the baro and crazy ECT readings might be a cause for driveablity issues. As I understand it, the baro has probably defaulted to some like the sea level baro where I actually live. The ECT is not supposed affect the GP issue but it may have some input on fuel management. My ECT is usually about 180F with cold engine, the dash temp "gage" appears normal.
Most of these trucks appear to have a baro sensor external to the pcm but not mine, or at least that is what I believe.

 

What is the dpc-xxx code on it? There are very limited ones that cross from E series to F series.

You should have a dpc-202 if auto or 203 if stick.

 

DPC-315 1997 E350 Auto 7.3. code PPB2

 

If you’re trying to run that In a truck it's the wrong pcm, that’s for a van.

edit: that code is listed for an E or F series so I take it back, it’s not the wrong one. You can pick up dpc-315s pretty easy and then have someone flash it to your configuration.

 

It is an E350. I know it works in a van, my van, it is the one that came with the truck (van), which I bought new in 1997. I have not had any trouble finding sources DPC-315's. I was hoping someone could enlighten me on the repairablity on the baro section of the board. I am not completely sure of my diagnosis of the PCM being at fault for GP relay non function. so, spending 500+ for an item I am not 100% sure I need is slowing down that decision. I just assumed that the PCM for and F series would not work due to the van not having an inter-cooler among other things, so I have not thought about using one.

 

What is different on the van coding anyway? I heard they had a different turbocharger but if injectors the same...seems like one could use a truck PCM. Could it not use GPs until a set temperature? Baro issue sounds potentially like a ground issue or power supply.

From a business and manufacturing standpoint, makes little sense to have physically different PCMs for these due to cost. Just different flashes. But I guess is possible due to dimensional differences between a truck and van.

I bet truck automatic and manuals are all built the same, flashed accordingly.

 

I am not an expert on the PCM's but the first thing that jumps out is this van does not have an intercooler. this may not be important as the difference in air density might be accounted for using IAT. There are different PCM configurations for BARO with some models using a remote sensor and some using an internal sensor (like mine). The BARO and EOT are said to be the parameters that control the GPR function ie. come on or not and how long. If the BARO is a ground or power issue that would be hard to determine or fix (apparently) since the BARO is internal to the PCM. Probably you are right, some other PCM would probably work but just with choosing internal BARO or not or if mapping is different because of not intercooler or shape as you pointed out, would make that a crap shoot unless I was some sort of PCM programmer and had all the info.
Like I said, I have found units with the right code and program for the 1997 E350 but they are expensive, 500-600 and a lot more from some places. I would like to have my existing PCM repaired if that is possible.

 

On the trucks, intercoolers were not introduced till 99 so it shouldn't be a consideration on your 97

 

Diesel Technology Chattanooga has tested pcms and idm's for me, reasonable prices. They also repair them. Cant hurt to email them and tell them your situation.

 

Thanks I just sent them a message.

 

OK, an update. The usual the phrase " it's never the PCM" was ringing in my ears when I ordered my new rebuilt pcm from Chattanooga Diesel. Installed it and got the same issues. I had checked my harnesses and convinced myself that they were good, and I still think they are. The issues: 1.no baro, I assumed no baro because I was measuring psi. monitoring hz and voltage showed it had some freq. and 4,57V . ( another mistake!), 2.then on the ECT issue. I measured ect of 200 when cold and shows 400+ after awhile, after studying wiring diagram I realized that the ECT sensor does not have a direct input to the PCM it apparently just uses the sensor as a resistor to regulate the voltage to the dash "gage" which is basically just sort of an idiot light. The reading are not real. 3.My original issue with the GPR is not confirmed fixed but after spraying the pcm connector with cleaner ( it did look dirty) it appeared that it was giving a ground signal but it got too hot to confirm.