Generally, the most common F150 PCM failure symptoms include: inability to connect diagnostic scan tool, check engine light illumination, rough or even no start, low gas mileage, failed emissions test, engine stalling, difficult shifting, getting PCM-related error codes, misfires and backfires.
Full Answer
What causes the PCM on a Ford F-150 to fail?
One of the gravest Ford F150 PCM failure symptoms is improper shifting. It generally occurs due to a faulty sensor or water damage of circuits in your F-150’s PCM or TCM. If your find your automatic transmission isn’t shifting routinely, visit an expert mechanic instantly.
What kind of problems does a 2011 Ford F-150 have?
The 2011 Ford F-150 has six recalls, including shift lever malfunctions, defective body control units, and unexpected downshifting. The NHTSA conducted four investigations into the 2011 F-150, finding problems with the truck’s intercooler, brake vacuum pump, and powertrain control unit.
How much does a PCM cost for a Ford F150?
Some PCMs are more complex than others, and luxury F150 trucks would be more expensive than regular ones. A seasoned expert would charge higher than a professional with lesser experience. Most of your budget would go to getting a replacement unit. The cost of obtaining one could be between $500 and $1000.
What is a PCM relay on a Ford F-150?
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a primary system that manages the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). It doesn’t matter if you own a Ford or a GMC; the PCM relay works the same way. It is your vehicle’s brain, and it manages everything in it. A faulty computer in the Ford F-150 can pose serious troubles.
How do you diagnose a bad PCM?
What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty PCM?Your “check engine” light is on.Other warning lights may be on, including traction control and ABS.You lose fuel economy for no apparent reason.Your car stutters when starting, requires multiple attempts, or won't start at all.Stuttering or stalling during idling.More items...•
How do I reset my Ford PCM?
0:515:12How To Clear Your PCM'S Memory On Fords After Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut one on that side you can keep the positive on the terminal there. And then we're gonna put theMorePut one on that side you can keep the positive on the terminal there. And then we're gonna put the other one on here on the actual terminal that goes to the body and the engine a lot stuff.
What does the PCM stand for on a Ford f150?
PCM – Powertrain Control Module The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is the main computer in the automobile that controls all its functions. By placing control of both the transmission and engine into one unit, the PCM can better coordinate their functions for better power delivery and fuel economy.
Where is the PCM on a 2011 Ford f150?
Most of the newer F-150s have the PCM located behind the driver's kick panel with the connector protruding through the firewall.
How much does it cost to reprogram PCM?
The PCM reprogramming cost is usually somewhere around $80 – $150. The PCM reprogramming will help your car run smoothly as intended if there are any errors or bugs in the software. However, if the PCM itself is damaged and has gone bad, you'll need to replace it entirely.
How do you reset the computer on a Ford F 150?
Connect the battery and turn on the key. Reconnect the negative battery cable, and then turn the key on and wait 10 seconds before restarting your truck. You want to wait at least 10 seconds with the key in the "on" position before starting the engine, so that the system can "learn" the powertrain's stop value.
When should I replace my PCM?
Signs Your ECM or PCM Might Need Replacing Engine Performance Issues – You'll notice a reduction in fuel efficiency, power, and acceleration. Car Not Starting – Your vehicle does not start or is difficult to start. The engine may still crank but won't be able to start without vital inputs from the computer.
How do I know if my Ford ECM is bad?
A bad or failing ECM may produce any of the following 5 symptoms to alert the driver of a potential problem.Check Engine Light Turns On. An illuminated Check Engine Light is one possible symptom of a problem with the ECM. ... Engine Stalling or Misfiring. ... Engine Performance Issues. ... Car Not Starting. ... Poor Fuel Economy.
What is the difference between the PCM and ECM?
The main difference between the two is that the ECM controls specific parts of the engine, regulating and sending commands. While the PCM is used in newer models to control almost all engine functions.
How do you reset the PCM on a 2011 Ford F 150?
0:002:55How to Clear the PCM Memory on a Ford F150 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn on the headlights. That will drain any reserve. Power now we're gonna wait 30 minutes and thenMoreTurn on the headlights. That will drain any reserve. Power now we're gonna wait 30 minutes and then reconnect the battery.
How do I reset my 2011 f150?
0:101:062011 F150 Oil Reset Procedure - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGood enough for me. So yeah basically you're gonna tap set up it's going to say reset for systemMoreGood enough for me. So yeah basically you're gonna tap set up it's going to say reset for system check you tap set up one more time. And it will say oil life whatever percent hold reset equals new.
What does a PCM do?
The powertrain control module, aka PCM, is your vehicle's brain. It manages the engine, transmission and other systems based on information it receives from various sensors around the vehicle.
How do you reprogram a powertrain control module?
0:171:55How to Reprogram Your Car's Computer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your vehicle has a failure of communication. It's often the computer not communicating correctlyMoreIf your vehicle has a failure of communication. It's often the computer not communicating correctly with the engine many vehicles from 1996 onwards have computers that are reprogrammable.
How do I reset my ECU manually?
0:191:33How to reset your ECU in less than 1 minute - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen once you've opened the hood you need to find on the fuse box the fuse that says ECU. Which isMoreThen once you've opened the hood you need to find on the fuse box the fuse that says ECU. Which is this one. And now that you found it the only thing you need to do is remove.
How do you reset an engine control module?
3:455:50How to Reset the ECM - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition to disconnect the positive battery cable. 3 wait 30 seconds for tap the positive terminalMorePosition to disconnect the positive battery cable. 3 wait 30 seconds for tap the positive terminal cable to the positive battery post. 3 times 5 reconnect the terminal cable 6 start the vehicle.
What does a Kam Reset do?
KAM stands for Keep Alive Memory and is where all the learned adjustments that the computer has made over time. Most of these are settings for fuel trims and information to help with idle stability. You would want to reset the KAM after fixing a mechanical issue like an air leak or a bad tank of gas.
3.5-liter EcoBoost Engine in 2011 Ford F-150 may Hesitate During Hard Acceleration, Develop Timing Chain Problems
Ford F-150s equipped with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine can bog down when passing, merging, and climbing.
Problems with the Six-speed Automatic Include Unexpected Downshifts and a Faulty Shift Lever, Leading to Recalls and Investigations
569 NHTSA complaints about the 2011 Ford F-150 are listed under “Power Train,” and the majority relate to the transmission suddenly downshifting to a low gear at highway speeds. This sort of malfunction can wreak havoc on the drivetrain and other mechanical components.
After 10 Years, the 2011 F-150 is Still One of the More Common Sights on the Road, but Problems can Lurk Beneath the Surface
This F-150 was America’s best-selling vehicle in 2011. So, yes, it’s very plausible that this truck would generate more owner complaints than, say, a Saab or Fiat. However, six recalls, four investigations, and 1,803 complaints are worrisome even by best-selling vehicle standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
When properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, you can expect a 2011 Ford F-150 to last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles without major issue. Regular maintenance includes changing the cabin/engine air filters, transmission fluid, motor oil, etc.
Product Repair Description
This is a repair service for the Powertrain Control Module, (PCM) from a 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014 Ford F-150 3.7L that has been damaged by a failed ignition coil.
Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs
We are now offering ignition coils and spark plugs to make the repair process even easier. If the PCM has been damaged by a failed ignition coil, then all 6 coils must be changed at the same time as the PCM. Instead of having to purchase the PCM in one place and the coils and plugs separately, we are offering a package deal.
Wondering How This Repair Service Works?
At Circuit Board Medics, our focus is on excellent communication, fast turnaround, and quality repairs. One key to achieving these goals is ensuring that we have customers' contact information and payment before beginning any repair order.
Warranty
Our no-hassle warranty covers your repair for a full year. If the repair fails anytime within a year, we will repair the item again. In the rare occasion that the item is not repairable, we will either replace the circuit board entirely or refund the cost of the repair, at our discretion. See Details...
1. Check Engine Light Turns On
The Check Engine symbol is your vehicle’s catch-all sign. It can come on for just about anything, especially for systems not covered by one of the other vehicle’s warning lights. Therefore, you do not have to fret when it comes on.
3. Low Gas Mileage
The PCM collaborates with the ECM and TCM to manage your fuel-to-air ratio and determines the best time to shift gears. If any of the systems aren’t working correctly, the gas mileage will deteriorate.
4. Emissions Test Failure
As discussed earlier, the PCM and ECM manage Ford’s fuel-to-air ratio. Suppose the mixture is extremely rich (excessive fuel compared to air). In that case, the gasoline/diesel will not completely combust and emit considerably extra elements and carbon monoxide than a properly-working engine.
6. Irregular or Random Shifting
One of the gravest Ford F150 PCM failure symptoms is improper shifting. It generally occurs due to a faulty sensor or water damage of circuits in your F-150’s PCM or TCM.
7. Receiving a PCM-Related Error Code
One of the obvious Ford F150 PCM failure symptoms is the PCM error code you receive. You can know the code through a reader device. If it is the first symptom of a problem, compliments! You have identified the issue before it could bring serious troubles.
PCM Replacement Cost
Knowing the PCM is such a crucial system, you would expect it to be expensive. Yes, it can be costly for some vehicles because certain PCMs are more complex than others.
What to Do If You Witness Ford F150 PCM Failure Symptoms?
If you’re facing one of these Ford F150 PCM failure symptoms, don’t fuss. The issue might not relate to PCM at all. It could be owing to a faulty sensor or a shorted wire.
PCM in Car: Everything you need to know
Decades ago, it was hard to detect the location of every vehicle fault because many automotive systems were manual. Now it has become easier to track malfunctions with the computerization of most vehicle systems.
Top 9 Most Common F150 PCM Failure Symptoms
A powertrain control module can work abnormally because of several factors. I will discuss some of those factors later. For now, see some of the usual F150 computer problem signs below.
What Triggers the PCM Failure Symptoms?
The powertrain control module can get damaged by corrosion, vibrations, short-circuiting, overheating/thermal stress, and voltage overload. These are factors that affect other vehicle electronics. Generally, the common reasons are environmental factors and voltage overloads. Expect a failure symptom to manifest in the case of any of those triggers.
How to Fix a PCM-related Issue
The first step in fixing a powertrain control module-related problem is to test it. This lets you ascertain that the PCM truly needs attention and not another unit or system. See if it needs a reset before opting for plan B, carrying out a swap.
PCM Replacement & Reprogramming Cost
The total cost of replacing a Ford F150’s powertrain control module is between $700 and $1,500. This depends on the vehicle model and labor charges. Some PCMs are more complex than others, and luxury F150 trucks would be more expensive than regular ones. A seasoned expert would charge higher than a professional with lesser experience.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found the answers to many of your bugging questions about Ford F150 PCM failure symptoms. Now you know what to do when you notice any of the top 9 most common PCM problems mentioned. You have also realized just how important the powertrain control module is.
What does it mean when a Ford F150 ECM goes bad?
Bad ECM Symptoms: Ford F150. A typical ECM. Due to the immense power that the ECM has over your engine, there can be a lot of different symptoms when it goes bad. While we’ve listed some of the most common symptoms of a bad ECM below, it’s not the primary cause for any of these.
What happens if my F150 fails self diagnostic?
Failed Self Diagnostic Cycle. When you start your F150, the ECM will do a self diagnostic cycle. If it fails the cycle, you’ll get a check engine light. This trouble code will tell you what part of the diagnostic that it failed, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of the appropriate action to take to fix it.
What is ECM in a car?
Almost all of the essential functions of the vehicle are controlled by the ECU/ECM. The ECM takes all of the data from the various sensors, and uses it to operate the engine in a way that is significantly more efficient than traditionally controlled engines. It uses the data from the oxygen sensors, camshaft sensor (s), mass airflow sensor, ...
What is the ECM on a 2020 F150?
May 29, 2020 by Jason. Your Ford F150’s ECM (Engine Control Module) is its brain. Just like a human’s brain, your F150 can’t function without it. It is sometimes referred to as the ECU or PCM. It’s all the same thing.
What happens if an ECM goes bad?
So, when it goes bad, it can knock your F150’s air fuel ratio off. This could lead to poor fuel economy, the previously mentioned rough running engine, backfiring, a flashing check engine light, and an engine that has no giddy-up and go.
What does ECM do?
The ECM controls and directs your entire drivetrain (unless there is a serrate transmission controller). When an ECM starts to go bad, it can cause all sorts of problems.
Why won't my car start?
A bad fuel pump, ignition problems, clogged fuel filter , bad mass airflow sensor, and bad c rank/camshaft sensors are just a few of the problems that can cause an engine to not start. 5. Poor Shifts. The transmission may have a hard time shifting, or not even be able to shift at all.