automotive computers and brains
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automotive computers and brains
What year of the light trucks did Ford start using brains or computers? How far back do I have to go to not have a computer or a brain used on the truck? While my ideal is to find a f100 4x4 I have not met with much good luck yet and I have started looking at some trucks in the mid eighties 85, and 86. I have found a couple of trucks that hold promises but now I find that the 84,85,86 have a brain/computer in them. Thanks Joseph
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: New Zealand
There doesn't seem to be one particular year that computers began being used. States & models differ.
I have an 83 F250 that was built for California, & has a computer; but I bought an 83 F150 as a donor recently, that doesn't. I think it was built for Nevada, but I don't remember for sure.
I've heard of some trucks as early as 80/81 having them - I think California particularly.
Two members here who will know are NumberDummy, & 81-F-150-Explorer.
P.S. Just found this - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ight=computers
I have an 83 F250 that was built for California, & has a computer; but I bought an 83 F150 as a donor recently, that doesn't. I think it was built for Nevada, but I don't remember for sure.
I've heard of some trucks as early as 80/81 having them - I think California particularly.
Two members here who will know are NumberDummy, & 81-F-150-Explorer.
P.S. Just found this - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ight=computers
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Marysville, WA
My 82 had a computer for the feedback VV carb and the DSIII. Now running a standard Motorcraft 2bbl carb and a Mallory Unilite distributor.
The VV carb/DSIII setup and wiring harness is easily removed since it runs a seperate harness to the computer from the main harness.
The VV carb/DSIII setup and wiring harness is easily removed since it runs a seperate harness to the computer from the main harness.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Exmore, VA
It really did depend on where the truck was originally sold and size. F100-150 got either the MCU system (early pre-EEC) or later got EEC even on carbureted engines. F250 LD followed, F250 HD and F350 really didn't get computer systems until 88 on gas engines.
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computers
Hey guys,
Thanks so much for the information. This is a big help in my decision process.
Thanks so much for the information. This is a big help in my decision process.
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FTE Legend
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From: Northeast, OK
Another data point or two: The Federal, meaning non-CA, '81 F150's w/a 351M didn't have a computer and ran DS-II. Federal '82 F150's came with a 351W instead of the 351M and had feed-back carbs and DS-III run by a computer. But, the '85 351W in an F150 didn't have a computer.
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automotive computers and brains
On a 1983 f150 with a straight 6 and a probable origination in North Dakota; what would the electronic box mounted on the fender be? It has at least one wire going to the distributor. What else would the box be doing? I don't have the truck in front of me. If it is a computer would their be and second additional computer under the dash or seat? Thanks
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
That is the electronic ignition module, it performs the functions that points & condensers did 40 years ago.
FTE Legend
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From: Northeast, OK
Also, is it true that a blue grommet indicates the lack of a computer? And, doesn't a brown grommet indicate there is a computer?
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I have no idea....
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From: Northeast, OK
Here's a thread about that: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-module-2.html
And, here's an extraction from that thread:
Brown was EEC III computer controlled California module.
Yellow was a High-altitude emissions with three plugs, third plug was for Spark Retard Input.
Blue was 49 states DS II.
Black and Green was DS I and had a blue wire going into the module
Makes determining if the vehicle has a computer easier. What you'd like to find is one w/a blue grommet, and the grommet is the piece of plastic where the wires come out of the module.
Edit: I should have said the above is slightly wrong in that the EEC III wasn't just used in CA. My KS truck had it as did the MN truck I bought for parts.
And, here's an extraction from that thread:
Brown was EEC III computer controlled California module.
Yellow was a High-altitude emissions with three plugs, third plug was for Spark Retard Input.
Blue was 49 states DS II.
Black and Green was DS I and had a blue wire going into the module
Makes determining if the vehicle has a computer easier. What you'd like to find is one w/a blue grommet, and the grommet is the piece of plastic where the wires come out of the module.
Edit: I should have said the above is slightly wrong in that the EEC III wasn't just used in CA. My KS truck had it as did the MN truck I bought for parts.