What does PCM repair mean on a Ford F150?
This is a repair service for the engine computer or Powertrain Control Module, (PCM) from a 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, or 2008 4.2L V6, 4.6L V8, or 5.4L V8 Ford F150 that has been damaged by a failed coil pack and spark plugs.
What does the ECM do on a Ford F150?
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. The ECM controls and directs your entire drivetrain (unless there is a serrate transmission controller).
Can a Ford truck work without a PCM?
Your Ford truck can’t work well without it, just as how the human body can’t function properly when the brain has a defect. Furthermore, the PCM controls the two major parts of a powertrain, the engine and transmission, and several other vehicle parts.
How to test a PCM on a car?
How to Test a PCM. 1 Step 1: Visual Inspection. Now, before you start doing any surgery on your car, the first thing to do is to check for rust or a disconnected wire. 2 Step 2: Check Your Battery. 3 Step 3: Code Scanning. 4 Step 4: Inspect Wiring and Sensors. 5 Step 5: Try a Replacement.
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 you test a power control module?
0:291:55PCM power and ground testing.avi - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipConnect positive lead of the DV o M to the PCM power circuit connect. Negative lead to the batteryMoreConnect positive lead of the DV o M to the PCM power circuit connect. Negative lead to the battery positive with vehicle running or key on engine off measure voltage drop in the circuit.
How do I reset my Ford PCM?
0:405:12How To Clear Your PCM'S Memory On Fords After Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo just pull in the negative is not enough you need to drain the capacitors in the PCM. So in orderMoreSo just pull in the negative is not enough you need to drain the capacitors in the PCM. So in order to do that we need to pull the negative unscrew it to 8 mil. Pull it aside.
How do you flash a Ford PCM?
6:3716:33How to Reprogram Ford PCM ECM reflash "Uninstall Install aftermarket ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're just going to go to module programming. And we're going to go to powertrain control module.MoreWe're just going to go to module programming. And we're going to go to powertrain control module. And what it's going to do is it will actually automatically check to see. If.
How do I know if my Ford PCM is bad?
Your Engine Stutters or Stalls Engine stuttering or stalling is a sign that there's either a serious mechanical problem or a failed computer system. Once again, if you're experiencing these symptoms, a PCM or ECM failure is actually one of the better-case scenarios in terms of cost and ease of repair.
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.
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 reprogram a powertrain control module?
To reprogram a PCM or other vehicle module, you need a factory scan tool, or an aftermarket scan tool with reprogramming capabilities, or a J-2534 compliant "PassThru" interface tool (or J-2534-1 for 2004 & newer vehicles) that can connect a PC or scan tool to the vehicle's diagnostic connector or module.
Does a used PCM need to be reprogrammed?
You will simply have to take your car to the dealership and set aside some time for them to make the updates. But if you purchased a used PCM as a replacement (usually from a vehicle that was totaled in an accident), you will need to have it reprogrammed for it to be able to work with your vehicle.
Who can test a PCM?
The best way to diagnose an issue with this system is to go to a qualified auto-electrician. They have specialized equipment that allows them to read the error codes that the PCM is emitting. In the meantime, here are six classic symptoms to diagnose a PCM problem.
How do you test a PCM relay?
5:3613:01How To Test a Relay The Easy Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo now that we check the resistance of the coil on the relay. We can actually energize it by addingMoreSo now that we check the resistance of the coil on the relay. We can actually energize it by adding power and ground to the terminal eighty-five two pins 85 and 86. And see if there really clicks.
How do you check a PCM fuse?
1:373:06How to Test Car Fuses Using a Test Light - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can actually with the test light you can go in each pin. And if the light lights up on bothMoreAnd you can actually with the test light you can go in each pin. And if the light lights up on both sides then you know the fuse is good.
How do you test an ECU?
1:046:50How To Diagnose A Faulty ECU With No Communication - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEcu. This voltage can be tested directly at the engine. Ecu. Again using a multimeter refer to theMoreEcu. This voltage can be tested directly at the engine. Ecu. Again using a multimeter refer to the vehicle manufacturer's technical information for connector and pin designations.
Our Ford PCM Repair includes
The first thing that the module is checked for is communication because that is key.
Ford PCM Repair Shipping Options
We have the quickest turn around in the industry and we have an A+ Rating with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). The quicker you get your module to us, the quicker you get your module back from us. We have many different shipping options for you to choose from. You can choose from any USPS or UPS shipping services.
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.
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.
What to do if PCM fails?
If all else fails, or to confirm some repairs, you may need to try running your vehicle with a replacement PCM. Ensure that the PCM is the correct version not just for your make and model, but for the same year as well. If it turns out that your PCM was faulty, you’ll immediately notice an improvement in performance.
How to tell if PCM is bad?
What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty PCM? 1 Your “check engine” light is on 2 Other warning lights may be on, including traction control and ABS 3 You lose fuel economy for no apparent reason 4 Your car stutters when starting, requires multiple attempts, or won’t start at all 5 Stuttering or stalling during idling 6 Your transmission sifts erratically, skips gears, or fails to shift at all 7 Poor performance and acceleration
What to do if you see a PCM code?
If you’re seeing a PCM code – or two, or three – it can really help you narrow in on which sensors or wires are faulty. Perform a visual inspection of these wires, as well as checking them with a multimeter. Don’t forget to check ground wires and connection points, either, since these are frequent causes of trouble.
What is the powertrain control module?
Many of your car’s functions are controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM), which works in conjunction with the engine control module (ECM) and transmission control module (TCM) to adjust engine timing, the air to fuel ratio, and other systems.
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.
Does the F150 need an ECM?
It’s so vital to the operation of your F150 that it won’t run without one. Other than the many performance advantages of an ECM over mechanically controlled engines, it also provides data that can help you diagnose what is wrong with the engine when there is a problem.