tried to do a search on this but could not find what i wanted, dont like the search function, should only give results from the forum you are in when doing the search. anyway, want to get a spare PCM, if i cannot find one to match the tranny i have, can it be reflashed to match mine? also what is the newest program i should have and how do you check the pcm to find which version? any other recomended spares? IDM/CPS? tips on these?

 

Its PCM code and family (DPC)
You can use any code of the same DPC family. Different codes for different reasons. Most are just updates. On a flash of the DPC you can only get the last code of that DPC family.

Bill

 

Do a search on car-part.com. It will be under Engine Computer, (97 will be the newest update for a pcm programing) this will pull up a list for ECU (Electronic Control Unit) towards the bottom you will see the listings for the 7.3L. Find the tranny you have (AT or MT) then emmissions (Fed. "std" or Cali. "low") then the highest letter. Example = 1997 Fed. Auto trans. truck = F7TF-12A650-TB will be the newest PCM; F7TF-12A650-TA will the next newest, etc. Hope this helps.

 

helps a little. all this is new to me so type slow and use small words.
but, can i use a pcm from an auto if i have a man, or man if i have auto?
if so do they need reflashed/reprogrammed?
is it a good idea to carry a spare IDM? are there different types of these?

 

PCM = you can use an auto in a manual because it's not shifting anything, but you "can not" use a manual in an auto because there is no shift/torque converter lock up programing. (I found a 1997 PCM for a customer's truck alittle over a year ago on car-part.com for $75) So look around, you might the right one for your truck.

You can have PCM's reflashed but I don't know the limitations on this.

IDM's don't go out very often, "Keep them DRY". I would definitely carry a spare CPS.

 

makes sense. thanks for the info.
so if i pressure wash the engine compartment, covering the IDM would be a good idea?

 

Yes it would or just don't spray it. A little bit of splash will not hurt it but just don't blast it.

 

Use the advanced search function. You can then narrow down the search to only the forum you want to look into.

 

looking for the same thing for my ford. and just checked car-parts.com they have tons of them. how do you Know for sure that they are good? or do you just take that chance to save the money?

 

Link

PCM Codes - 1994-1997 Power Stroke FAQ


Bill

 

Ask Questions:

1. Was it pulled from a running vehicle? Has it been out of the weather? If it was pulled from a wrecked vehicle where was the damage?

2. Ask if they will guarantee it to work. Most places will.

3. Look at it before you pay for it. Any signs of damage or water or heat.

 

Most salvage yards have a no DOA policy but it gets tricky with electronics. You can buy a PCM and have it flashed if it doesn't match your trans. I would send them to DP-tuner to be flashed and skip Ford. Once I get organized I will have a spare IDM, PCM, UVC and gaskets, Harness repair kit, IPR, ICP..... Ah forget it I am gonna carry a spare truck on a trailer!! that will solve any issues except theft then I have two trucks to replace...... that would not be good!!

 

PS- DON'T pressure wash the engine! bad things happen or can happen. low pressure only!!

 

x2 water BAD

 

Water isn't the problem its the pressure. I was my engine compartment often but the first two times I used the pressure washer and had problems both times. Never had a problem since using the garden hose. Hot water works even better!!