PCM Removal
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
Got to the engine compartment. The computer has a plug there with one 10mm bolt in the middle of it. Loosen that bolt, it won't come all the way out so don't worry about losing it. Once the bolt is loose, you can pull the connector off. It's big, probably 2" wide by 6" tall. Once that's loose, go inside the cab to the driver's footwell. The computer is held in with 2, 7mm bolts, gold in color I believe that are toward the rear of the computer. They just go through the plastic housing tabs. Once they are loose, it may take a little working and wiggling, but the computer will come out with the black plastic case. You'll find the numbers on the end that connects to the harness. Jody will send you some instructions on cleaning the board, but you basically use a scotch brite pad and some acetone until all of the silicon is gone.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I don't think you need to remove it to see the ID of the computer. What you need to do is to remove the two screws on the cover that protects the ECU. The cover for the contacts is just under the cover and you need to push it to the right to gain access. You'll see a code on the cover and a bar code as well. For instance mine is VXY2, a certain program that is F-550 specific. Your's will be different, they have a couple hundred different variations.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
I didn't even think about that one. Just went and looked at that cover (since it's in a drawer in the workbench) and sure enough, there it was, NVK5. Kwik, it sounds like your cover was a little different than mine though. My case surrounded the ECU on both sides, so it couldn't have been pushed to just one side. But, it probably still could have been slid back a little rather than take it out to see the number on cover where the chip goes in. Oh well. I didn't find it that difficult to remove the ECU.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 0
From: Utah County, UT
On my buddies 2000, I told him to remove the two screws, angle the PCM, and he was able to read the codes. So it can be done that way, but may also depend on where they place the sticker on that particular PCM as well.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Queen City, MO
you can also use a flash lite and a mechanices mirror and look on the side of the connector...i cant remember which side though, think it was twards fender....
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
And I am going on year old memories for this one, so take it with a grain of salt. 
Please. 
Please. 
Of course, it's very possible that the housings for the PCM could be different. The other option I remembered is to no unbolt anything. If you have a mechanics mirror, you might be able to see the code on the side of the ECU connection that's in the engine compartment. It will be facing the diver's side of the truck. You'll be looking for the biggest set of letters and a number, like PMT1, PMT2, NVK5, etc...
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: NW Wyoming
Originally Posted by codyjoe
you can also use a flash lite and a mechanices mirror and look on the side of the connector...i cant remember which side though, think it was twards fender....
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 1
From: Elkhorn, WI
when you pull out the pcm to clean the contacts for the chip remember to take the keys out of the ignition. you might want to disconnect the battery just to be safe. i havent unhoked the battry and it seems to work fine, but others say to disconnect it
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by John7894
Where eexactly in the PCM does the chip go?????? Supposedly I already have a chip. I need to remove it so i can flash the PCM with my Predator.
You plug the Predator into the data port that is sticking out of the bottom of the dashboard just in front of your right leg as you are sitting in the driver's seat. You do not need to remove the ECU for that.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 11
From: LA and CO
Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
A chip and a tuner will never work together. The chip will overwrite the Predator tune.
You plug the Predator into the data port that is sticking out of the bottom of the dashboard just in front of your right leg as you are sitting in the driver's seat. You do not need to remove the ECU for that.
You plug the Predator into the data port that is sticking out of the bottom of the dashboard just in front of your right leg as you are sitting in the driver's seat. You do not need to remove the ECU for that.
