Wondering if anyone knows a reputable source to repair an ecm. I would like to have the caps replaced on mine. I tried on a practice board and failed miserably and dont want to risk ruining my ecm. Thanks

 

There are a few lads out here that had them replaced, hopefully they will chime in.

That said, maybe less than 1% of the lads replacing the Caps attribute the new caps to the fix, and no real proof on those.

Those Caps are part of the 5vdc Supply, and if that supply has failed, (can be measured) then you will get many codes related to the sensors that use that 5v supply as a Reference voltage, if your struck will start and run.. (Without a scope, you won't be able to determine if there is Noise on that 5v supply).

If you go down the replacement Cap hole, and it's doesn't help (We would like to know), come back and someone will help you troubleshoot.

 

I am an electronic tech in the aviation field and I replaced the caps myself in my 1993 F150 4.9L. Found leaking caps and one corroded track. My truck would not start and the fuel pump would act up (turn the key and it runs to pressurize the system for 2 seconds) Would not do that. I used caps from computer boards and a wire to run a new track from point A to B. It's been 4-5 years now and no issues. I can be done.

What practice board? Another ECM? How did you fail at it? What year and engine? Just curious.

 

Truck is a 92 460. I tried to repair my sons 93 4.9 which had leaking caps. Had difficulty desoldering and resoldering the caps in. I bought a small soldering iron and suction solder sucker but just came out like crap. He's in college so I had to buy a reman to get him going. Just wondering if someone here does this service.

 

Try a local TV repairman.

 

If you have visible corrosion on the board under the caps along with multiple issues with either flaky operation of the engine management (constant run of fuel pumps #1 with a bullet) or E4OD limp mode & multiple codes, (or in my case NO trans codes)...

Then you have absolutely ZERO to loose in having any COMPETENT solder jocky put in new original rated capacitors in your ECU.

Its just a quest in finding someone to do it.

My first attempt at getting a 20 year TV service tech to do it was a bust. No desire to source the correct caps & turned up his nose when he held it out to me like it was a turd.

Bought some caps on line & a chapter member who builds Allison transmissions for a living did it for free.

I ran for a while with a cheap Cardone unit till I got the original back & now that one (Cardone) is on the shelf just in case.

Pick up a spare/similar ECU & get the original fixed in most expidited fashion & don't look back.

(Edit: You beat me to several points)

 

There is one Cap in the 5vdc supply.
PCM with three Caps use one as said for the 5vdc supply and it is 47uf @10 Volts most of the time. Another Cap is used in the "Keep alive" circuit it is also a 47uf @ 10 Volts. The third Cap is used in the battery voltage input circuit that may have high voltage spikes and it is a 3.3uf @ 63 Volts.
There is some differences in uf in some PCM's and the voltage differ some also.
Some PCM only have two Caps leaving out the "Keep alive" circuit Cap.



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I have sent folks over here before: Ecu Repair Now, automotive circuit board testing and repair

I found this exchange place on another thread: https://www.autocomputerexchange.net/

 

Subford,
I found a f2tf-ka Ecm from a 92 f350 manual transmission. It only has one capacitor 3.3uf @63v. Is it possible for only one capacitor on the board? Doesn't look like anyone has ever opened it to me. If I change it do I need the exact capacitor ratings? Thanks. Anthony

 

Keep the voltage rating the same or higher. Capacitance should be equal, a little higher is OK. Usually the actual capacitance value isn't super critical. Meeting the voltage rating is important though.

"Electing this man will normalize the idea that violence against reporters is acceptable.

So I sent him $10."

 

Oh yeah, by the way what is wrong with your truck, or do you just want to learn how to replace capacitors?

If you suspect something is wrong with your PCM, why not try your replacement before you or someone else compromises the PCM? Just say'in.....

 

Nothing is wrong with the truck. I'm converting it to a zf-5, did a bunch of reading about this swap and found out it was probably best to have a manual trans Ecm. More reading on this forum taught me capacitors have a lifespan of 10-15yrs so why not replace them while the ecm is out. I would like to keep the original auto ecm but don't want the check engine light on.