Help Pcm Problem
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2007
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Help Pcm Problem
Was told my PCM needed to be replaced. Went to Ford to purchase to a new one a take the old one in for core. I asked the counter person if I had to do anything special to new one. He said no just plug it in.
I did that and it would only crank with the theft light on. I called another Ford because the one I bought it from was closed. I was told that I have to have the old one in the vehicle and have all of the data saved and then download the data into the new PCM after it is installed before it will start.
Does anyone know if there is anyway around this If I can't get the old one back.
I did that and it would only crank with the theft light on. I called another Ford because the one I bought it from was closed. I was told that I have to have the old one in the vehicle and have all of the data saved and then download the data into the new PCM after it is installed before it will start.
Does anyone know if there is anyway around this If I can't get the old one back.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
1. Buying from the dealer cost you way more than necessary.
2. Why did the first dealer decide your PCM was toast? Not that common to fry one
3. Dealer #2 is on the rock, you don't need the old one.
I just bought an 01 PCM for my early 99 F250 PSD from a wrecker for $80. Took the old one out, put the new one in... done. Trucks runs better and has more power. Make sure you connected the wiring harness properly... aside from that there is no way to botch the install. You didn't have the key in the ignition did you?
BTW, welcome to FTE! lots of good info and helpful folks here.
2. Why did the first dealer decide your PCM was toast? Not that common to fry one
3. Dealer #2 is on the rock, you don't need the old one.
I just bought an 01 PCM for my early 99 F250 PSD from a wrecker for $80. Took the old one out, put the new one in... done. Trucks runs better and has more power. Make sure you connected the wiring harness properly... aside from that there is no way to botch the install. You didn't have the key in the ignition did you?
BTW, welcome to FTE! lots of good info and helpful folks here.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 819
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From: Putnam Valley, New York
Pcm
All OBDII PCM's have to be programmed before they will run the vehicle properly. The PCM comes from the manufacturer unprogrammed. Either the data has to be pulled from the old PCM if it is still operational, or a Ford dealer can download the "as built" data direct from Ford for your specific vehicle. The previous poster is partially right--a used PCM will probably work, but some features such as security systems may not work if the vehicle that the replacement PCM came from did not have a security system, and yours does. If you try to read the VIN from the PCM, it will also be wrong, having the original vehicle's VIN in its memory. The dealer parts department who sold you the PCM was wrong in telling you it is just plug & play. Call them Monday AM and tell them that you need your new one programmed with the data that was in the old one.
RON
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
You suck the info from the old unit while its in the vehicle. Remove old unit install new unit in vehicle..download and program unit in the truck. Or ford can and should get the latest flash for your vehicle and install that in your new ecm. They may be able to do all of the above on the bench as long as they have the old ecm...Why did you think you needed a new ecm?
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Freshman User
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I have been a problem with my truck dying while driving then restarting while driving. It will show 10 or 12 codes then not show any on the next test.
When a "self-test" is done it shows bad or replace pcm.
When a "self-test" is done it shows bad or replace pcm.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Did you talk to any dealers today about getting the PCM programmed? Do you still have your old one? Did you have to replace the VSM too?
Like Chase was saying above, the 7.3 motor is not OBDII compliant, which is why most scanners can't pull our engine code, so the swap out should be easier. Did the truck start with the old PCM? If it didn't start with the old PCM, the new computer may not fix your problem. If it did, and you still have access to it, stick it back in and see if it starts that way.
Any way you can share those codes with us?
Like Chase was saying above, the 7.3 motor is not OBDII compliant, which is why most scanners can't pull our engine code, so the swap out should be easier. Did the truck start with the old PCM? If it didn't start with the old PCM, the new computer may not fix your problem. If it did, and you still have access to it, stick it back in and see if it starts that way.
Any way you can share those codes with us?
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Went back to the dealer this mornong to p/u the old pcm. Put it back and the truck runs I didnt drive it to long. But I suspect I will continue with the same problem with it dieing while driving and then restarting again.
I found some one to put it in tomorrow pending the arrival of our tropical storm/hurricane. I explained to him what was happening and he said it could be other problems{ground etc..} I told him to go ahead and put it in anyway because I cant return it anyway and I'll just take it from there.
I found some one to put it in tomorrow pending the arrival of our tropical storm/hurricane. I explained to him what was happening and he said it could be other problems{ground etc..} I told him to go ahead and put it in anyway because I cant return it anyway and I'll just take it from there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Can you give us a little better description of it dying & restarting? Do any of the dash lights flash or come on when this occurs? Do you have a shop/mechanic that is familiar with the 7.3? We have several members down in the Houston area that may be able to recommend someone if you have any doubts about the mechanic or dealer. If you look at the main page of the forum listing, scroll down past the super duty section, and you will find the 99 - 03 7.3 diesel section. You'll get plenty more replies down there in regards to 7.3 related issues.
There's a chance your problem may just be chaffed wires or a sensor somewhere. The more info you can give us the better off we are.
There's a chance your problem may just be chaffed wires or a sensor somewhere. The more info you can give us the better off we are.
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