Open the hood of the Ford. Loosen the lock nut located on the negative battery cable connector with a socket and ratchet. Pull the connector off the negative battery terminal. Wait for 20 minutes while the PCM bleeds off the electricity it stores for backup power. Once the power drains from the PCM, it resets.
Full Answer
How do I find the PCM on a Ford F150?
Both the internet and your owner’s manual should help you to locate the PCM for your specific vehicle, You can do so by looking up the PCM by the code you obtain. 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 a PCM module?
Depending on the location, reprogramming costs are usually between $75 and $150. It may take about 30 minutes for the auto electrician to reprogram the module. However, keep in mind that they charge hourly rates. Choose a technician that has the necessary experience in PCM programming.
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 much does it cost to replace Powertrain Control Module Ford F150?
Note: Keep in mind that most stores won’t let you return the product once it has been connected. The total cost of replacing a Ford F150’s powertrain control module is between $700 and $1,500.
Can a Ford PCM be reprogrammed?
PCMs are built with microchips that can be reprogrammed electronically without being removed from the vehicle.
Why would a PCM need to be reprogrammed?
PCM Reprogramming may be required to resolve a hot or cold starting issue, idle roughness, stalling, or an emissions failure. Reprogramming is often used to modify the operation of emission functions so they have less of an effect on drivability.
Can you reprogram PCM at home?
Reprogramming a PCM requires a J2534 Pass Thru device. There are a dozen or more on the market, and some scan tools have pass thru capabilities too. To reprogram a PCM, the tool must comply with SAE Standard J2534-1. You can also use a J2534-2 pass thru tool that can reprogram other control modules as well as the PCM.
Can I flash my own PCM?
Flash reprogramming PCMs is NOT for the feint of heart. First, you have to have a scan tool or J2534 device that can reprogram your vehicle's computer. Then you have to go to the vehicle manufacturer's service information website, pay an access fee and find the correct update for your vehicle.
How much does it cost to reprogram PCM?
Well, the PCM reprogramming cost is relatively cheap. In most cases, you'll have to pay around $80 – $150 for a Powertrain Control Module reprogramming. The process entails connecting the car's PCM to a computer with the manufacturer's software and then updating the PCM with the latest software.
How can you tell if a PCM is bad?
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...•
Which method can be used to reprogram a PCM?
Reprogramming a powertrain control module (PCM) can be done by downloading new calibration files from a personal computer (PC) onto the PCM's memory.
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.
How much does a reflash cost?
TThankfully the cost of a transmission reflash is not expensive but varies by vehicle and the place you take it. The cost to reprogram a transmission ranges between $75 and $250.
Why would an engine powertrain computer module be reprogrammed?
Flashing or reprogramming a car's computer is one way to keep the vehicle's engine control modules up to date. This is commonly done on vehicles 1996 and newer to make sure the microprocessors in the power train and fuel injectors are regulating the system properly.
How much does it cost to get a ECU flashed?
about $250 to $300An ECU flash is undeniably more advanced and streamlined, and generally speaking it costs about $250 to $300 to have a shop perform a flash, which is actually cheaper than buying a Power Commander.
What does flashing a truck computer mean?
Reflashing or reprogramming is the process of replacing the existing software in a vehicle controller with new software. This requires an electronic transfer of approved calibration files from a vehicle manufacturer's website. You might think this service only includes vehicles under warranty.
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 is PCM in a truck?
The PCM is essentially the brain of your engine's control system that controls more than 100 different factors, like air fuel ratios and ignition timing for your engine. The PCM is a smart system that over time learns how your F-150 or Super Duty truck is driven, and it constantly adjusts other components in your engine to make sure ...
How to learn shift points on a truck?
Go for a test drive. Take a test drive with a light acceleration so your truck can learn all of the shift points. For the first few days after you reset the PCM, try not to drive too aggressively so the system has time to learn the transmission's shift points properly.
JoeR
I've never tried programming a used PCM on a Ford before, but thought it might be possible after watching a couple of youtube videos showing how to do it. (smartass commentary welcome, and well deserved at this point.) :-)
Keith Browning
Using IDS can you communicate with the original module or is it a brick?
JoeR
Thanks for the reply, Keith. That is exactly the procedure I used. I did get the option to enter the tear tag/part number/cal ID, but never the VIN. I tried it a couple of times in case I missed something. After entering the number, the IDS shows that the procedure is completed, but offers no option to do anything else on that screen.