New ECM Questions
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2025
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New ECM Questions
Hello, I am looking for advice on a new ECM for my truck. (1995 F-250)
The truck had some problems and I was able to find that it was the ECM, the old ECM was an EFI-SD44B F4TF-12A650-AHB. The issue I'm having is that the truck came from the factory as an automatic, and the previous owner swapped out the transmission for a ZF5 manual. I do not know if the computer was changed, and refurbished ECM's online require the VIN, which says that the truck is an automatic.
I just need to know if it matters what the VIN says the truck is, or if the computer can run both automatics and manuals.
The truck is a 1995 with a 351w and a ZF5. Any other information on where to get ECM/ECUs is appreciated.
The truck had some problems and I was able to find that it was the ECM, the old ECM was an EFI-SD44B F4TF-12A650-AHB. The issue I'm having is that the truck came from the factory as an automatic, and the previous owner swapped out the transmission for a ZF5 manual. I do not know if the computer was changed, and refurbished ECM's online require the VIN, which says that the truck is an automatic.
I just need to know if it matters what the VIN says the truck is, or if the computer can run both automatics and manuals.
The truck is a 1995 with a 351w and a ZF5. Any other information on where to get ECM/ECUs is appreciated.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
I don't know, but you'd think an auto version would work for both, autos and manuals, but I guess the problem would be, if the auto ecm was installed in an manual truck, and if it didn't get the return signals it wanted from the autos sensors, then you'd have ghost codes all the time. I guess they wouldn't hurt anything?
Pure speculation on my part. Maybe they're wired all differently anyway. Don't take this as advice. It's not. Wait until someone who knows replies.
Pure speculation on my part. Maybe they're wired all differently anyway. Don't take this as advice. It's not. Wait until someone who knows replies.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
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Depends on which automatic transmission you had.
If it is a C6, then that is a non-electronic trans, and the EEC would be the same for manual trans.
If it is an E4OD, which IS an electronic trans, the EEC will not work correctly. Some have tricked them by putting the MLPS in neutral, not optimal by any means.
The EFI-SD44B hardware is correct for a 351w manual transmission.
Which automatic transmission did your truck come with from factory?
If it is a C6, then that is a non-electronic trans, and the EEC would be the same for manual trans.
If it is an E4OD, which IS an electronic trans, the EEC will not work correctly. Some have tricked them by putting the MLPS in neutral, not optimal by any means.
The EFI-SD44B hardware is correct for a 351w manual transmission.
Which automatic transmission did your truck come with from factory?
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
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From: Everywhere and nowhere
I don't know, but you'd think an auto version would work for both, autos and manuals, but I guess the problem would be, if the auto ecm was installed in an manual truck, and if it didn't get the return signals it wanted from the autos sensors, then you'd have ghost codes all the time. I guess they wouldn't hurt anything?
Pure speculation on my part. Maybe they're wired all differently anyway. Don't take this as advice. It's not. Wait until someone who knows replies.
Pure speculation on my part. Maybe they're wired all differently anyway. Don't take this as advice. It's not. Wait until someone who knows replies.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 855
I have a manual truck and my ECM went bad and I ordered a reman ECM but the one I got was for an auto not a manual. I needed my truck so I installed it and it does work. My check engine light would be on all the time but I pulled the bulb. The only codes it throws are for auto trans sensors. The truck runs great and I've had this ECM in for at least 20k miles without an issue. I also get 11.5 to over 12mpg with a 460/zf5/4.10s so I don't think it is negatively affecting my performance.
Your engine is probably down on timing, fuel, torque and hp.
As the transmission isn't shifting to what the computer thinks it is, it's going to modify everything.
If your computer was for a C6, your check engine light was on because of something with the engine.
With that bulb pulled, the next buyer will think there getting a great running engine!
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,295
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From: Everywhere and nowhere
It is definitely negatively affecting performance if the check engine light was on because of transmission codes.
Your engine is probably down on timing, fuel, torque and hp.
As the transmission isn't shifting to what the computer thinks it is, it's going to modify everything.
If your computer was for a C6, your check engine light was on because of something with the engine.
With that bulb pulled, the next buyer will think there getting a great running engine!
Your engine is probably down on timing, fuel, torque and hp.
As the transmission isn't shifting to what the computer thinks it is, it's going to modify everything.
If your computer was for a C6, your check engine light was on because of something with the engine.
With that bulb pulled, the next buyer will think there getting a great running engine!
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
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You should put the bulb back in, and do some proper diagnosing, then there won't be any guessing going on.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
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From: Everywhere and nowhere
The bulb doesn't have to be in to use a code reader... The transmission shifts based on the engine inputs not the engine runs based off the transmission signals. The transmissions needs throttle position sensor to initiate a shift. The engine doesn't need transmission signal to initiate throttle, adjust timing or to regulate air/fuel ratio. I think you are goving EEC-IV way too much credit.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,394
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From: Mi'kma'ki
I think the part you missed, is that he doesn't have an auto trans....... Oh, you're claiming that because the sensor return signals wont be there from the auto, the ECM will readjust the output for the engine stuff? I wouldn't think they would work like that. Modern computers in stuff probably does.
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