Not a mod for everybody... but if you keep your truck & you make changes a lot, even for troubleshooting, this can make computer swapping easier.

A simple access slot cut into the fender liner can give you room to back out the computer after removing the connector & pull it out from the top without the aggravation of messing about with the inner fender.

But you need to close up the slot. I used a couple pieces of 3/16-1/8 inch aluminum scrap. one about 2 inches & the other after bending a finger tab, half the width of the slot flap.

I slid my ECM back till it touched the inner fender, marked it, the dropped down another inch & a half to begin the cut. I used a utility knife (fresh blade) for the cuts which keep the cuts narrow.

I've thought about adding a flange around the outside for better sealing, but short of hitting it with a firehose, I don't think it's an issue.

All in all, I can pull the thing out & stab another in under about 3 minuets from under the hood. Bear in mind, the idea is not to pull the ECM out the slot.

It's just to give you enough room to pull it out of the firewall mounting.

Pics should tell the story. Hope it helps somebody. I certainly like it.

 

Not a bad idea. I like it, and I would definitely add the extra flange to keep water out.

 

I like it.

 

I'll do that next time I have to remove mine. Thanks @Scndsin

 

Thanks guys.

 

Nice mod. Fortunately I don’t have that problem. Mine is removed from inside the cab. I have no idea why Ford changed how the PCM is removed. What a terrible design.

 

That's a decent idea.