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1988 E350 Computer Location & Removal?

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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 06:01 AM
  #1  
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1988 E350 Computer Location & Removal?

I need help in locating the Computer (processor, ECA,ECM or whatever name) on my 1988 E350.

Is it that silver box under the heater core on the passengers side?

If so, How do you get the thing out of there?
 
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 08:08 PM
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Never mind. I figured it out although I am still not sure why they put the electronics right under a source of water.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 08:19 PM
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Dont you just love some of Ford's better ideas?
 
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Old Jan 29, 2006 | 12:01 AM
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wiring up '82 motor with '88 system

Hi,........
I was wondering & assuming that you have or are gonna switch your ignition &/or charging wiring since you have pulled your computer out. I have an '88 E- 350 also, & have pulled the 351 F/I out & put a '82 rebuilt 351 carbureted in. And was wondering if you could give me tips on how to wire up the '82 with the '88 wiring??.........I would REALLY appreciate your response.
Thanks,
diehard_ford man
 
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 12:52 AM
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So I'm trying to get the ECU out of an '88 E150, and I've got the cover off, but I can't seem to free the unit itself. What am I missing? I don't want to force anything, and all I need to do is change the heater core...
 
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 02:47 AM
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there is a bolt holding the ecm in place...it is there somewhere keep looking
 
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Old Jun 28, 2023 | 07:44 AM
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removing ECM

Originally Posted by mpmccarthy
Never mind. I figured it out although I am still not sure why they put the electronics right under a source of water.
Ok, gosh it sure would have been nice if you explained how you figured it out.
That information might be handy for the next person who has to face this challenge.
Especially in a situation where time is important.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2023 | 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted by mpmccarthy
I need help in locating the Computer (processor, ECA,ECM or whatever name) on my 1988 E350.

Is it that silver box under the heater core on the passengers side?

If so, How do you get the thing out of there?
In the engine compartment under the blower motor behind the air intake, there's an 11 MM bolt that holds the ECM to the plug through the firewall. Remove that first.and disconnect the plug.
Inside under the heater box, there's a screw that holds a ground strap to the plastic holder for the ECM. Remove that second. Keep track of the ground strap.
Removing the cover over the heater box helps make the area easier to work.
The ECM may have several part numbers on it. Some are OEM and one is the manufacturer part number (usually the longest) Most likely, you will order a refurbished unit with a return core.
When assembling, make sure the ground strap is lined up with the screw on the plug going through the firewall.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2023 | 10:08 PM
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I pulled the blower housing off to replace my evap core but you don't have to to remove the EEC. Just do like Devil Travels said, remove loosen the bolt holding the electrical connector where the ECM passes through the blower/evap case

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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 07:34 AM
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You do not have to pull that processor out to replace the heater core
 
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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 03:35 PM
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Correct Manic , The heater core comes out from inside. I replaced mine about 2 years ago. I just posted the pics I had on hand to give reference to where the ECM is. I had to remove the blower motor/ evaporator case in order to replace my evaporator and also repair a bad body seam allowing condensate water to run inside the passenger floor. I removed the ECM so it wouldn't get damaged or painted.

While I still have the battery out and a couple of other things, I went out and took a couple more pics showing the exact location of the connector on the 1988-91

-

 
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Old Jul 8, 2023 | 06:11 PM
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Here is my how-to for a 1990:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...1990-e350.html
 
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Old Jul 8, 2023 | 09:00 PM
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Excellent write-ups Maillemaker! They should be placed in our How To section.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2023 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Devil Travels
Ok, gosh it sure would have been nice if you explained how you figured it out.
That information might be handy for the next person who has to face this challenge.
Especially in a situation where time is important.
Remove the bolt that holds wiring harness under the blower motor the computer goes through the fire wall
 
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