Hey y'all,

I figured it might be nice to have a thread dedicated to excursion computer modules (ECU's & PCM's). I apologize in advance if there is already one - I searched high and low and could not find one. These seem to have become scarce items, costing upwards of $2000 now for a rebuilt unit. Any information we can share on how to keep them working, get them repaired, or work-around to use PCM's from other Super Duties would be pretty valuable to us Excursion owners. As for me, and what brought me to starting this thread...

Sad to say, but I'm having to work my way up the computer module learning curve.
The PCM/ECU on my 2002 Excursion Limited 7.3 stopped functioning and the truck would not start, though it would turn over easily. It's a farm truck I use for moving fuels and water around our tree farm, I don't need to get it back to its original functioning. I'll be thrilled if I can get it 1980's ford super duty level of functioning - just the basics.

After some diagnosis and help from a local diesel shop, the PCM/ECU was the culprit. When a unit from another truck in his lot (an F550 7.3 6-spd manual) was plugged it started right up. Though it would not shift into gear, as the donor PCU was for a manual transmission. But it was good to see that work.
I've been looking into getting a replacement or having mine fixed or refurbished but wanted to get y'all's input on doing this sort of thing. Another option that may be available, from what we did with the F550 PCM would be to buy one for a 2002 F250 or F350, automatic transmission, and to install that. That should get the engine and tranny functioning, for much less than an Excursion PCM costs. As for the lights and indicators, I may have to wire those separately "analog" from the PCM. That is my plan at least. And I'll gladly share details on how it works out.

Has anyone else had similar issues with their Excursions PCM's? Any suggestions for replacement or repair for these units? Has anyone had any luck using an F250 PCM in a same-year identically powered Excursion?

For reference, the part number for mine is 2C3F-12A650-AE, and my Excursion is the 2002 4x4 7.3 Limited Eddie Bauer (with most interior removed).

Thanks in advance,
-JP

 

You may have to break into the ECU and check for dry sockets (broken solder at the pins/MB)

 

there are several vendors that can repair them,
Google is a Magic Potion sir....PCM repairs:

https://circuitboardmedics.com/ford-pcm-repairs/





https://siaelec.com/product/ford-ecm...repair-return/





https://moduleexperts.com/modules/ford-pcm-repair/

 

Thanks for the replies. Finding repair shop would be good - I've done a little looking a few months ago, but it has felt like a goose-chase. I did just check the three that came up on the Google search and for those checking in on this thread, here is what I found:

Circuit Board Medics: They seem like a great company, generally very high reviews. I spoke to them this morning and they were helpful. Unfortunately they do not work on any Super Duty ECU/PCM units. So not an option for Excursions, but I'd certainly check them for an F150 issue. VERDICT: Good company - but don't do Super Duties

SIA: There reviews aren't terrible, but they aren't great either. I called and spoke to someone - I did reach someone, but it was hard to get much info other than that they do repair them. But they seem to be a legit business. VERDICT: Seem ok - I may see how they do.

Module Experts: I don't know what's going on there, but they have extraordinarily low reviews across the board. Yelp rates them a 1-star (out of 5), for 169 reviews. Trust Pilot rates them at 1.6 stars (out of 5) for 49 reviews. BBB has them as *less than* 1-star. Consumer Affairs states "Module experts is a scam. They prey on innocent people who need to save money on auto repairs and all they do is rip people off. DO NOT BUY from this company". VERDICT: Low ratings, characterized as a scam. I'm going to avoid this one.

For now, I'm leaning towards sending the unit to SIA. I may open it up first though to see if there's anything obvious (e.g. something loose) Any tips for advice on DIY is welcome. I'll post updates as I have them. I'd like to get another unit from an '02 7.3 F250 or F350, to see how it works and as a backup (anyone have one they don't mind parting with?). Sometimes one is none, and having the Ex offline for the last year is not something I'd like to repeat.

Thanks for the feedback and advice so far - and I hope my notes are useful to others.

-JP

P.S. Since pics are useful...


ECU PCM from 2002 Ford Excursion 7.3PSD Automatic 4x4 Limited Eddie Bauer

ECU PCM from 2002 Ford Excursion 7.3PSD Automatic 4x4 Limited Eddie Bauer

ECU PCM from 2002 Ford Excursion 7.3PSD Automatic 4x4 Limited Eddie Bauer

 

Diesel Tech of Chattanooga works on PCMs. They fixed my edge connector last year and provided great service. I think they are equipped to fix other failures as well.

 

The ONLY difference between an Excursion and Super Duty PCM is the PATS (Passive Anti Theft System.) The Excursion has it, and most Super Duys do not. The Super Duty PCM will work just fine in an Excursion, you just will not have the PATS active. If someone busted out the ignition lock and hotwired the truck, it would run. With PATS, it won't run if hotwired.

 

Yes, as posted above.

https://www.dieseltechchatt.com/pages/mastersheet


And where in the Piedmont are you located? I recently sold one of my spare PCM's used in a Superduty with manual trans, but I have a 2000 PCM for the 7.3 Ex that works to test with.

 

Jonathan owner of http://dieseltechchatt.com

is likely the single most knowledgeable person on the planet when it comes to the 7.3 ECU, he can literally build one from scratch. I have personally sent units to the other companies listed and the all fail miserably unless your issue is a basic blown diode. But even then Why bother with those guy when all Johnathan does is 7.3 ECU and IDM.

 

So 7.3 ECU, the reason they are impossible to find used is VW dieselgate. That multi billion dollar fine funded a semi secret program that put a large cash bounty on diesel ECU’s. Every tow truck driver, impound yard and certainly junk yard know they are an easy $500 bonus so they cut them out of wrecks asap.

moral of the story… Take care of your ECU, do not play around with programers and the like unless you know exactly what you are doing. Always disconnect your batteries when working on electric system or doing any welding.

 

I'm just now getting back to fixing that ECM issue - thanks for all of the advice. I'll check out these places to see what they can do. The Excursion has been running on the F250 EMC so far, which is mostly ok, but not perfect - and maybe related to an alternator issue I've been having (the subject of another thread). I'll check with Auto Computer Repair, SIA, and Diesel Tech and I'll keep y'all posted about how it works out. Hopefully I'll follow up quicker than I did last time.

 

This kinda but doesn't explain why 2003 and 2004 6.0 PCMs are priced like they're gold.

 

The same goes for the 2001 DPC-452.
I bought one from my dealer in 2017 to have as a spare because if it's popularity.