3 months and still chasing PO358. thinking of buying a pcm at the auto parts, but they say it has to be "re-flashed".

can someone explain this please?

 

First thing is to see what code 385 is telling you.
That is, cylinder 8 has a coil "circuit" primay/secondary problem.
You need to test out that circuit/harness all the way back to the PCM main plug for an intermittant/open/cross or short to ground and be sure it's not the coil.
You cannot just replace a PCM because the same PCM is used in many different applications and needs to have a copy of the original software version installed to match your original build and truck options.
The dealer can access a data base and find your original software version because it is on file for every vehichle Ford produced.
Also the tag on the passenger door front jam tells what PCM family you have.
Some of the reasons why you need the correct version is some parts have different hardware specs due to running production changes.
The weight of the vehichle has an effect on the aggressivness of ignition timing etc.so the truck does not ping under load from to much timing or lose power from not enough etc.
Be as sure as you can before doing this because the PCM cost money and a dealer charges on top of that, and may not turn out to be the problem.
As well, the PATS system and your keys has to be reprogrogrammed because the PATS and the PCM bcome 'married' to each other so the motor will start and provide theft protection.
Tell a little more history about your issue, please.
Good luck.

 

for explaining the PCM and it's complications.
I blew # 8 plug out of the head and was able to install an "insert". that seems to have worked well. But then I got the 358 code.

researching, someone said sometimes the red/white wire would sometimes chafe, so I jumpered that.(pin 79) no help.

further research, a guy said his ac lead and the ground to # 8 shorted under a box on the firewall.
it's interesting that I have lost my ac so that is my next step, to try to run that down. May just be coincidence.
I'm thinking I may have damaged the connector that goes on to the coil because my 12v test light shows I'm getting power there when engine is running. but obviously not to the coil. So i may go to the wrecking yard and buy a connector and wire it in.

Thanks for the help.
Dave