Notices

Possible Bad Engine Control Module

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 10:12 AM
  #1  
va150's Avatar
va150
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Possible Bad Engine Control Module

My truck is a 1990 F150 with 4.9. A couple days ago my starter went out. It seemed to have shorted out, when I cranked the engine over it would not engage and after a couple seconds the electrical system shut down. No power to anything with the key on. I knew it couldn't be the battery but I put the battery charger on anyhow. I eventually set the charger to boost, 50 amp, to see if I could get the engine to crank over. When I went to start it again the power came back on and it tryed to crank again, this time when it stopped and the electircal system shut down again and there was smoke from the engine compartment. I replaced the starter and reset the computer and it started up and ran. Now the engine runs rough when first started and cold. After warming up it misses once in a while. I pulled the codes and have two, 536 (Brake On-Off) and 632 (Overdrive Cancel Switch). I have a feeling that I fried the computer, does anyone have any suggestions. Don't think either of these codes have anything to do with the engine running the way it is. The way it is running reminds me of first starting up the truck after the computer has been reset but it runs like that all of the time. It does run good 55 and above, doesn't seem to be missing then.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 12:40 PM
  #2  
300 Buster's Avatar
300 Buster
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Hudson,Michigan
Maybe the computer just needs to gather info and it may clear up after a bit.I 'm just throwing in a thought,I may be wrong,but your asking in the right forum,these guys are sharp!
 
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 08:27 AM
  #3  
va150's Avatar
va150
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Can't get the computer out, any suggestions? I have had it out before with no problems but now I can't get the connector off and the location of it makes it difficult to get a grip of it. The connector is in the firewall and you can't get a grip on it to pry it off.
 
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 08:41 AM
  #4  
va150's Avatar
va150
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Also with the key on engine off I am getting an EGR Valve code. Could a bad EGR valve make the truck run like it is?
 
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 08:42 AM
  #5  
va150's Avatar
va150
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
It wasn't long ago that I replaced the EGR valve.
 
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 06:18 PM
  #6  
stractor's Avatar
stractor
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 504
Likes: 2
From: Saddle Brook United State
The computer plug should back out when you loosen the bolt holding it to the computer, that is unless you cross threaded the bolt. The plug is connected to a wire harness and is not attached to the firewall in any way, after the bolt is all the way out you should be able to move the plug out of the way slightly. You shouldn't have to do any prying. The computer is held in with one bolt and a plastic clamp. I have a 90 and have removed the computer several times looking for a problem similar to yours. Getting it back in is a little tricky , but if you lube the weather seal with soap it slides right in without folding the seal. It turned out to be a burned capacitor (47 mfd -16 volt) on the computer board. The bad cap was easy to detect by looking carefully at the vertical electrolytic caps. There are several of these on the board. I replaced the cap and repaired the damage on the board and the problems are gone. See the post----https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/746958-i-think-its-the-computer.html---for a picture of a burned cap.
 
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2009 | 07:55 PM
  #7  
IowaSVT's Avatar
IowaSVT
New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Eldridge IA
I would run it a couple more days, the computer needs time to "relearn" how to run the engine. If that doesn't work go to a local jy, there a dime a dozen.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wealthk1
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
1
Oct 14, 2016 01:48 PM
1994F2507.3L
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Sep 28, 2016 09:38 PM
ZombieJames
1997 - 2003 F150
1
Aug 16, 2016 12:11 AM
kasper6951
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
5
Aug 14, 2016 10:51 AM
nossliw
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
72
Apr 4, 2016 09:22 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:59 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE