So get the truck from the shop today. Had them rebuilt the tranny fix the oil
leaks, and replace the vvc connectors. The guy told me that the code P1395 still comes up. the check the relay switch and glow. The guy said that the only thing left is the PCM and the ford dealership said the replace about a year ago. so what in asking does anyone know where i can get one and what is the different from a idm.

 

PCM is the main engine control computer, the IDM is the injector drive module. It takes the information from pcm to control the injectors. Sometime you can find one on ebay or try a junk yard. Dealers are spendy try to stay away from them. You can find a buddy and swap his pcm and see if it cures the problem before you just throw money at parts. Good luck.

 

Try car-parts.com, several people have found used PCM's for around $100 or less. Last year I picked up 97 PCM for $56 for a customers truck.

 

Thanks I think i going to switch out with my buddy when I get back home and see it that works. The worried thing is ford replace at part a year ago and know i might have to replace it again. Ok one more question where is the PCM located on the truck

 

right about the driver side fenderwell tight against thefirewall just below the brakebooster, typically have to remove the plasitc fender well to take it out, pretty sure its just 2 bolts and it slides right out.

 

Rider is correct, it is located behind the E-brake, and removes from the engine compartment. Remove the connector, unbolt it, remove 5-6 screws the secure the innner fender well (from bottom rear to just past top center) then pry the inner fender well down (careful not to scratch paint) and pull the PCM out. You can test your buddies by just connecting the electrical connector and laying it on the fender well without putting it back through the firewall.

 

Ok thanks dont sound to hard to do

 

I just replaced mine.... Well upgraded is more like it. The cost at Ford is: $445 new. Napa rebuilt and like new: $87 to $110, somewhere in there dont remember the exact cost. If it doesn't slide right out, DON'T BEND ANY METAL!!!!! I did and when it did I had to hammer the new one back in place. If it doesn't come right out it is most likely due to the corrosion going on between the bottom of the PCM and the tray it sits in. Just tap it outwards from the inside of truck if that happens and don't be like me, with a bent up PCM tray. I do suggest one thing that I did for my truck. Instead of removing the whole inside fender well, just cut a rectangular hole in it just aft of the fuse box, get some stainless steel scrap sheet metal, some screws, and some nutplates and fabricate your very own access panel. Built right in to the fender well, after that paint the sheet metal with some rubberized coating sold at homedepot, to use against corrosion and to seal off that area from moisture from the road. For the area of the fender well that has a big notch molded into it, just stuff some tar in there, sold at homedepot, and let it dry for a few days before you remove the panel again. It took me an hour or two to make that, but in the future it will make things a cake walk.

 

Is there something that can be killing these PCMs? I have been thru three in 12 months on my 1997 7.3L 4x4 auto trans. California. First death, original equip. 10 years old: Would not start. Dealer replaced PCM with Ford part. Second death, 8 months later: Started, but would not run when accel. depressed. Dealer replaced Ford PCM with other mfr. PCM on warranty. Third death, 367 days after first death: Check engine light on. Ran fine, but investigated light. Dealer said glow plug codes returned. Fortunately, last PCM was under own warranty. Replaced with same make PCM. I do not run the truck frequently, and the batteries do get a little low from sitting. Maybe I should get a code reader and find future PCM somewhere else... Thanks

 

I would guess that its not the PCM. Is the 1395 code the only one you have?

 

Ford came out with a TSB re 1395 code and one other related (Can't recall) Ford said that these codes can be "Burned into Memory" and to have the dealer to re flash the PCM. Well that was like pissing in the ocean to raise the tide. I have the memory problem, yes, the truck and me, .

Ford service charged me $95.00 and said they couldn't re flash it because it, (PCM) already had the latest updates. Tried to tell them that the TSB didn't say to upgrade the PCM, it said to re flash it.

I wrote to Ford and they said that it had to be handled on the dealer level. Scheez. I ask what part about the dealer not doing what the TSB instructed didn't they understand? That's putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank. So now I have a permanent CEL.

What to do, what to do? Don't worry about it.

Rog

 

Here is the TSB (I hope)

file:///G:/PSD%20TSB%2098-15-01%20Reflash%20CPM.htm

Rog

 

Ya can get the TSB at The Diesel Stop.com, Article #98-15-01

Rog

 

That is what the dealer said. They tested the glow plugs and said they were fine. Therefore, replace PCM they say. I'm feeling like getting equipment to be able to check for myself. $130 to 'diagnose' (hook up code reader) problem seems pretty steep. When they can't figure out what is happening, simply replace the most expensive part. This forum is fantastic for sharing information! Thanks.

 

Makes a lot of sense. Dealer was pretty goofy when I told them the item was probably on warranty (they did not check their system to see that it had been recently replaced)...no $ for them out of my pocket. They did say they had to replace PCM, but did not tell me vendor. I cannot really tell if it was replaced, even looking at bolts and slight dirt around unit. I have to believe them. thanks.