Guys. I know I don't know any of you much better than the dude at whatever junk yard I find with what I need, but it feel like I do. So here goes. I need a computer for my 1994 F150 4x4 5.8W, single tank.

Is there anyone out there with such an object? Is there a better forum to ask this question? What can I expect to pay for a used f150 computer? Someone said about $50.00, is that right?

Any trustable source would be nice as well if no one has one.

Rick

 

Is it automatic or manual?

Which automatic do you have (if so)? If it's computer controlled, it narrows your search right down...

Ideally you'd want a computer from a truck with the same setup as yours...

It has to be a 5.8 computer....and I assume yours is speed density (I believe only cali emissions trucks had MAF in those years on some models) so it should be a 5.8 SD computer.

If you have a non-computer controlled transmission, like an AOD or 5 spd, you'll have a much easier time finding a computer. You can run an automatic computer in a manual truck or vice versa but you should use the right one and the reason being is the programming is slightly different for the two.

Example, the manual version has a provision for increasing power under take-off via timing/fuel/load curves that the automatic version doesn't have.

I wouldn'y pay more than $50-$60 for one....theres literally millions out there.


Pretty much any year will work as long as it's still SD, but get to as close to your year as possible.

There are many different #'s on the various computers used from 87-96 and each one has a miniscule difference and most of the time it doesn't matter, you can still use one that doesn't have the same P/N of yours...

See what you find and get back to us...


Oh, and fordfuelinjection.com has a listing of the computer codes so you can find out which computer came from what....it mainly goes by the code and not the actual part number on the label.

They are typically 3-4 digit codes in large bold letters on the label.

 

go to rockauto.com or something like that... they are 100.00....... but ist brand new with a waranty. If you interested.

 

You can even get them from autozone for about that price...


...but it makes no sense to buy one for that much.

A used computer is just as good as one of those.

Computers are pretty much bullet proof. The only real way they die is if they get shorted out by a bad wire or bad mechanic doing work on the wiring.

I would not worry about the fact that the comuter is used at all. They are extremely unlikely to go bad.

 

But.... They do go bad sometimes

 

Justin makes a very good point and math says that you can buy two and still be under the price of a new one.

Rick-Do you know what tranny you have?

Mike

 

Everything fuel and emissions related is programmed to the computer you now have. Your present Calibration Code matches the computer. Change the computer, and if it doesn't match the same number on your old computer, the truck will not run correctly. If by chance you get one from a CA vehicle, the truck may not even run at all.


Why do you even need another computer? Did someone tell you that you needed to change it? WHY? Usually when a problem develops, whatever it is, can be traced to an emissions or fuel related part.


Many of the aftermarket computers are sold to ppl that are adding EFI to an older vehicle. Most of these WILL NOT WORK on a newer truck. Ford computers are year and powertrain specific, and match the Calibration Code. The aftermarket computers do not. How could they? There are over 400 calibration codes and over 100 different computers used just from 1992 through 1996.

 

Dearest Number Dummie,

I have replaced: Coil, plugs, plug wires, rotor, cap, PIP sensor, Fuel fitler, fuel pump fuel tank, Battery, Positive/Neg Cables from Bat., Changed the oil, flushed the trandy, cleaned the windows, Full Pressure at the rail, Juice at coil, no fuel sprayed, no spark sparked, she no run no more no way. I have rotoated the tires and put seat covers on it.

There is nothing else that will cause the failure of the injectors and the failure to ignight w/spark where the gas isn't.

That's why.

Rick

(does anyone in florida want a 1994 F150. All new everything electrical and the windows are clean. $3500. I make $100. No , actually, the price is $3400. I make nothing. But I go get another truck and my life continues.)

 

Dearest Dustbin:

Sorry Rick, just kidding, I'm a wee bit dyslexic sometimes...

Seriously though, do you own a digital volt/ohm meter?

If not, can you borrow one? Maybe get the owner to show you a bit about checking low voltage circuits.

Do you have any type of manual?

I'd love to tip on down to Fl & pick up anuther truck but the city is giving me grief as it is over parking what I have. Plus if you pick up another truck there is a good chance you'll run into the same type issues...

 

Mine in my 96 F150 is bad...kept getting codes and after changing all O2 sensors, finally took it in and found out the sensors were fine, the readings are coming from the comp. being bad.

 

Disconnect the battery.
Unplug the computer.
Connect the battery.
Crank the engine and if you still have no spark it is NOT the computer.

 

Hi:

I just went through the whole used vs. new computer thing on my '93 Sable and went through the same research stage you're in now, so I thought I'd tell you what I found out.

I went to the Ford dealer by the airport (not my usual dealer) tells me I need an new ECM because there's no response when they plug the tester into the test connector under the hood of the car. I tell them I want a used one, and they said ok, just make sure the calibration number of the doner car is the same as mine. So issues begin.

Long and short, here's what I found out. The calibration number refers to the set of emission and engine control equipment on your vehicle. This does not mean that some of the same parts are not used on a car with a different calibration number. After a week of searching I called the Ford dealer that I usually use. He tells me that the part number on whatever part is is the be all, end all number and that the Calibration number doesn't matter at all. He tells me that just find a computer with the IDENTICAL part number. There's also another number on the computer. It's about 1/2 way down the tag and it's twice the size of the other numbers on the part tag. You have to match this too. Once you have found a vehicle that has computer that matches those two numbers, you've found a computer that will work. If you're at a U-pull it, I'd try to stick with vehicles that are the same year as yours, (probobly have to be the same powertrain) and maybe within 6 months of the production date as this will improve your chances when your out at the "u-pull it" yard.

Anyway, hope this helps. The computer I got works just fine after I found out this info and it solved all my drivability problems. I paid $50.00 for mine so the price you were quoted seems reasonable to me.

Oh, just so you know, I couldn't tell you if you need a new computer. I need the dealer for that..lol But if you know for sure it's the computer, I hope what I said here can help you out a little.

Good luck!!

 

I had to put a new one in my '92 f150 and I got it at NAPA for $125.

 

I just went back to an old post of mine on the TCCOA board. That other number I was talking about is called the catch code. So if you match the part number and the catch code, you should be good

 

Dearest dsthubbins.

Hmm...sounds familar, changed the starter recently?

FYI: The incorrect starter installed on some new 1991 Fords caused the computor to TURN OFF the injectors when the starter was engaged..did'ja know that? Ford sent reps nationwide, as the trucks would not start, and were piling up in service depts all across the US. The reps tried everything, changed everything = no fire. Some wise azzed parts guy wandered over to one of the vehicles on the rack..looked at the starter and noticed something odd. It was the EXPORT starter....used for vehicles without a computer. The starter was changed, the truck fired right up. That solved the problem of ALL the no start F Series trucks, E-vans and Bronco's.


Verify that your starters Ford ID engineering number relates to the actual part number of the starter the truck calls for...you might have ended up with an export starter. The export starter is missing an internal deflector shield used for vehicles with computers.