Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

1996 F350 5.8 EFI Upgrade ECM Problems?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 18, 2021 | 09:44 PM
  #1  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
1996 F350 5.8 EFI Upgrade ECM Problems?

Hello everyone. I have a 96 F350 with a 5.8W. My factory EFI system is hasn't been running right for yrs, I 'm looking into putting a Holley or Edelbrock stand alone EFI system. If I do this, will I have problems with the factory ECM. I dont know if it runs other components such as the AC or dash or anything else on the truck. Can I just get rid of the factory ECM? Tks,,,Sam
 
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2021 | 09:50 PM
  #2  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Also...its a OBD1 ECM. Tks
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 04:25 AM
  #3  
My4Fordtrucks's Avatar
My4Fordtrucks
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,837
Likes: 2,437
The computer only runs the engine and some automatic transmissions. Which transmission do you have?

How has it not been running right? Have you performed the Key On Engine Off self test to check for fault codes? If so, what did you get and were they active or stored codes? What have you done to correct these faults and did it help or not? Have you ever removed the PCM/ ECM to look at the circuit board for bad capacitors? Have you checked fuel pressure with and without the vacuum hose connected? What pressures do you have? It will be a lot cheaper to fix what you have.
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 11:46 AM
  #4  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info. The tranny is the C6 so its not ran by the ECM. Ive had several mechanics look at it and they have done everything you recommended. Its runs good after a few months after the repairs then always eventually acts up. There are some smog components missing (not taken off by me) so maybe that may be contributing to the issues. Its now its missing and bucking when I accelerate but idles fine. It may be a spark issue but I'll get everything checked out. I'm just over the lack of reliability with it so that's why I was thinking about putting a new system in it and also getting rid of the smog equipment. Vehicle inspections are not required for the truck where i'm at so the smog equipment can go. Thanks again
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 12:07 PM
  #5  
torq'ta 5 8's Avatar
torq'ta 5 8
Lead Driver
5 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 865
From: N.W. Alabama
How well is your mechanical ability 1-cant mow grass, ---- 10-built remote control grass mower, the mechanics must be parts changers, verses fixing what is wrong, and you spending a lot of money for new EFI, isn't going to help them fix any issue on new system, just start changing parts on it, and your still out the expense of buying new EFI, and they cant keep it running either. There's plenty of our members that can/will help you figure out what is causing your problem, if you give them a chance, and can walk you through how to do it. How long have you had truck?
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 03:04 PM
  #6  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
My mechanical ability is a 2 or 3..lol. Im going to ask around for a recommendation to take it to. There are several Ford clubs and mustang clubs in the area so I'll hit them up to see who they recommend for me. Thanks
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 03:08 PM
  #7  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Ive had it for five yrs. Previous owner put in a crate motor with aluminum heads and converted it to a MAF system.
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 03:41 PM
  #8  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
There in lies the issue....someone else's project with who knows what pieces parts and inherited issues. You really need to dig into what computer is currently installed and whether or not there is a tuner chip installed or something else attached. Now that we know more of the story the path to resolution changes drastically.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 04:42 PM
  #9  
My4Fordtrucks's Avatar
My4Fordtrucks
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,837
Likes: 2,437
Do you know what camshaft is in the crate engine? It might not be computer friendly.
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 05:09 PM
  #10  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Exactly. Tha'ts why I was thinking about going to a Holley Sniper EFI system. Just take everything out and start fresh.
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 05:11 PM
  #11  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I have no idea what cam shaft is in it. Previous owner doesn't know either.
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 05:39 PM
  #12  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Without knowing what is currently in the truck from an electronics view point introducing a ton of more variables with an aftermarket EFI system you are on a path to even more wallet thinning. At the very least pull out the computer (PCM) to find the catch code and other numbers on it. The most common factory MAF conversion computer is a Mustang A9* series. If there is no sign of a tuner then you know it has a stock tune and most likely the cause of your issues.
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 05:44 PM
  #13  
My4Fordtrucks's Avatar
My4Fordtrucks
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,837
Likes: 2,437
Do you have a receipt for the engine? Do you know what brand?
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 07:40 PM
  #14  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Ok..tks. I just thought going to an entirely new EFI system with the ECM/PCM that comes with it would solve the issue. I'd pull all the emissions components out also. I'll check into the computer thats in it.
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2021 | 07:41 PM
  #15  
Samuel.Fayad's Avatar
Samuel.Fayad
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Unfortunately I don't have the receipt.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:56 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

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


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE