Comparable PCM to 3L2A-12A650-AXB

[racprops]

So ran into a fun problem.

My 03 4.6 4WD XLT needed its transmission rebuilt.

Not a problem.

Until they tried ordering a new Solenoid pack, seems my Explorer has a 5R55S but it has a 02/03 model Solenoid pack # 1L22-7G391-AE or AG, the AG is the newer version.

Al is a sharp mechanic and found that the model of Solenoid packs were more or less March 02 to August 03 and was another of Ford’s short term parts runs and that the newer Solenoid packs will not work correctly in some 30% of the trucks made within those build dates they are put into.

According to deep data there can be a minor disconnection between the Solenoid pack and the trucks PCM. This can be minor to major.

The BIG problem is Ford is no longer making this Solenoid pack, and there are NOWHERE to be found, so it is either run a used (the one that was in the truck with 203K on it or a rebuilt one. EVERYONE saids NO rebuilt/remanufacture one NO WAY no how.

OR get a newer version and swap in a matching PCM.

My PCM is 3L2A-12A650-AXB JXB1 NCD-250 PCM150 S/N PDPBIVH26773 G EEOFA 3B05H

ECU information for Ford PCM 3L2A-12A650-AXB​

This PCM is used in Ford Explorer 2003, 4.6L 2V engine.

Control unit part number	3L2A-12A650-AXB
Control unit type	PCM
Control unit catchword	JXB1
Vehicle	Ford Explorer
Model year	2003
Engine	4.6L 2V
Hardware type	NCD-250
Update available?	YES
Update part number	3L2A-12A650-AXC

Of course a replacement PCM will require being reprogrammed with trucks VIN number and for PATs and/or Keys.

I have tried to decode the 3L2A-12A650-AXB to see what parts need to match.

I am told by Bell Ford here in Phoenix that at September on the trucks had a 4 type PCM…

The closes I can find is on Car-Parts is 4U7A-AXA thru AXC I am guessing that AXC is important…

OR is the 4L@A the more important part??

Here the selection on Car-Parts:

Electronic Control Module, (4 Dr), 8-280 (4.6L, AT), ID 4L2A-AFD thru AFF
Electronic Control Module, (4 Dr), 8-280 (4.6L, AT), ID 4L2A-AMA thru AMC
Electronic Control Module, (4 Dr), 8-280 (4.6L, AT), ID 4L2A-ANA thru ANC
Electronic Control Module, (4 Dr), 8-280 (4.6L, AT), ID 4L2A-BF
Electronic Control Module, (4 Dr), 8-280 (4.6L, AT), ID 4L2A-PF
Electronic Control Module, (4 Dr), 8-280 (4.6L, AT), ID 4U7A-AVA thru AVC
Electronic Control Module, (4 Dr), 8-280 (4.6L, AT), ID 4U7A-AXA thru AXC

 

[Fix4Dirt]

imo the easiest way is to find one equipped the same as yours at a JY and just swap it over. usually these cost $$$ anyways, and electronics dont fail everyday on these in my experience

 

[racprops]

imo the easiest way is to find one equipped the same as yours at a JY and just swap it over. usually these cost $$$ anyways, and electronics dont fail everyday on these in my experience

First I need a newer PCM because of needing a newer Solenoid pack.

I have been advise to stay as close to August 03 as possible, so a Sept., Oct., Nov.or Dec is best if it PCM starts with the Number 4.

It seems all 4.6 V8 came with 4WD.

The only two differences I can spot is my SUV does NOT have the information center in the cluster nor does it have the controls in the center section of the dash.

And my SUV Has rear air.

Yes there are Seven PCMs listed.

I feel there has to be a reason.

So I am trying to match them up.

Running around town in the AZ heat to some 30 to 100 junk yards and paying $5.00 to look their stock over is a nice way to madness....

With a correct upscale PCM number I can mail order them.

Rich

 

[Fix4Dirt]

First I need a newer PCM because of needing a newer Solenoid pack.

I have been advise to stay as close to August 03 as possible, so a Sept., Oct., Nov.or Dec is best if it PCM starts with the Number 4.

It seems all 5.6 V8 came with 4WD.

The only two differences I can spot is my SUV does NOT have the information center in the cluster nor does it have the controls in the center section of the dash.

And my SUV Has rear air.

Yes there are Seven PCMs listed.

I feel there has to be a reason.

So I am trying to match them up.

Running around town in the AZ heat to some 30 to 100 junk yards and paying $5.00 to look their stock over is a nice way to madness....

With a correct upscale PCM number I can mail order them.

Rich

10-4 got nothin new to say then

 

[DaaQ]

Great, I bought mine off the lot in Jan of 03, Build date I think is Oct 02 iirc.

 

[racprops]

Great, I bought mine off the lot in Jan of 03, Build date I think is Oct 02 iirc.

Then you are in the same boat I am.

BUT I believe I have found the answer: the newer Solenoid Pack and a 04 PCM out of a either a late 03 or 04 Explorer with a 4.6 , 4WD, in my case NO data center in the cluster and a 3.73 Rear end.

The PCM will need to have the VIN number programed in and the PATS programed for the keys and remotes.

This only applies IF you need your 5R55 rebuilt, of course it you not keeping it you can dump it, of get a manufacture pack and sell it.

Like many do, a cheap repair to get rid of it.

OR roll the dice and see if you one of the 70% that have no problem with the newer pack.

Rich

PS undated data:

Al is a sharp mechanic and knew of a problems with the early version of the build run for my Explorer, he talked with ATRA ATRA - Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association “The largest transmission rebuilders association in the World” and confirmed what he had read about a mismatch between the model of Solenoid packs were installed by Ford from March 02 to August 03 and was another of Ford’s short term parts runs and that the newer Solenoid Packs will not work correctly in some 30% of the trucks made within those build dates they are put into.


The solenoids are operated by PWM controls and the newer pack needs a matching newer PCM, made after Aug 2003.

I Talked with a guy who works with SONICS whom rebuild the solenoid packs and he confirmed Bosch who MAKES the solenoid themselfs did in deed make the change to a better operating system and dumped the early packs as soon as they could.

And the failure rate for running the newer pack in a older truck with the older PCM was true.