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When buying a used ECM...

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Old Oct 9, 2024 | 05:24 AM
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When buying a used ECM...

I'm looking at ECM's on ebay if I buy one does it need to be reprogrammed? Also any suggestions on where to purchase one or any other info?
 
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Old Oct 9, 2024 | 06:51 AM
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Originally Posted by ironworker84
I'm looking at ECM's on ebay if I buy one does it need to be reprogrammed? Also any suggestions on where to purchase one or any other info?
you should buy a pcm by part number, that comes programmed to your trucks equipment

 
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Old Oct 9, 2024 | 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by AuroraGirl
you should buy a pcm by part number, that comes programmed to your trucks equipment
Yes there is one I'm looking at now that the numbers match, if that's the case is it a plug and play situation or would i need to get the computer reprogrammed to my vehicle
 
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Old Oct 9, 2024 | 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by ironworker84
Yes there is one I'm looking at now that the numbers match, if that's the case is it a plug and play situation or would i need to get the computer reprogrammed to my vehicle
plug and play, technically the eec-iv computer could be programmed but most people including ford handled calibrations by part number

So unless it were modified, its the right one and you dont have to do anything
 
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Old Oct 9, 2024 | 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by ironworker84
... if that's the case is it a plug and play situation or would i need to get the computer reprogrammed to my vehicle
Yes. There is NO programing, flashing or burning of chips with any Ford EEC-IV computer.

A computer from the SAME year, SAME engine & SAME transmission WILL work, but may not have the EXACT SAME programing. Which you will MOST LIKELY never notice.

Post your calibration code from your data sticker on the door jam & your engineering number (part # for practical purposes) can be found or determined if what you have is correct or original.


The portion of this label, F4TF is the year & application (94 truck) 12A650 (computer) AAA (configuration/programing)

Some computers have a "Z" replacing the second F meaning it is a factory replacement part or factory remanufactured part (No big deal)

The HOG0 is called a "batch or catch" code, really a quick ID.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2024 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Scndsin
Yes. There is NO programing, flashing or burning of chips with any Ford EEC-IV computer.

A computer from the SAME year, SAME engine & SAME transmission WILL work, but may not have the EXACT SAME programing. Which you will MOST LIKELY never notice.

Post your calibration code from your data sticker on the door jam & your engineering number (part # for practical purposes) can be found or determined if what you have is correct or original.


The portion of this label, F4TF is the year & application (94 truck) 12A650 (computer) AAA (configuration/programing)

Some computers have a "Z" replacing the second F meaning it is a factory replacement part or factory remanufactured part (No big deal)

The HOG0 is called a "batch or catch" code, really a quick ID.
I should have clarified, hijacking the J3 port you can use a device to change the tune

But I simply lumped it into programming

Its more like hacking?
 
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Old Oct 9, 2024 | 11:44 AM
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A ribbon cable/chip holder protruding from the back of a case is a "fooler" chip & technically a "hack".

It changes the info that the computer sees & acts on but doesn't reprogram anything.

I've only found 1 in my computer hunting on the back of an F series ECU.

Just trying to simplify the issue for the OP.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2024 | 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by ironworker84
I'm looking at ECM's on ebay if I buy one does it need to be reprogrammed? Also any suggestions on where to purchase one or any other info?
You did not say what you are driving
Only if it is a 1996 with EEC5, will need to be programmed
Search Ebay with your tag number
 
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