PCM questions

[major]

I wanted to change my PCM (dont ask its a screw up on my part) so i bought one with the same 4 bold numbers and what i assume to be the part # under the EEC-V line. It turns out my car wont start with this computer for some reason. Its for the same year engine and transmission as my old computer. I have my old computer working again but wanted to replace it wih a unmodified one just for the sake of more reliability. The only thing i noticed different was my computer was reprogrammed at the dealership and that changes the number i called the part # slightly. Even though it was reprogrammed the car ran before it was reprogrammed so i dont see why this pcm isnt working. If i have to have it reflashed for some reaon how much does that cost if any of you know and is that pretty much a dealership only thing. I would like to have the pcm a duplicate of my old computer so my superchip would work in both. Anyway let me know what you think, Major

 

[410Fortune]

If it has the same calibration code (more then just 4 numbers) and it doesnt start it is because your vehicle is equipped with PATS, anti theft system, so the PCM has to mate with the PATS module in the truck and the key.
Contact a dealership and see if they can help you.

 

[major]

If im following you right you mean the 4 bold character code can be the same but its the long alphanumeric code on the second line. If that is the case then the two are different even though the two computers have the same code on that line because the dealership reprogrammed my factory pcm. In simpler terms factory and new pcm are both F87F-12A650-AVB the factory unit however was reprogrammed to F8PF-12A650-DMB. So The PATS system isnt cooperating since im trying to use the old code? Wonder if they could just scan my old pcm and flash this one i have and what it would cost?

 

[Doug904]

If im following you right you mean the 4 bold character code can be the same but its the long alphanumeric code on the second line. If that is the case then the two are different even though the two computers have the same code on that line because the dealership reprogrammed my factory pcm. In simpler terms factory and new pcm are both F87F-12A650-AVB the factory unit however was reprogrammed to F8PF-12A650-DMB. So The PATS system isnt cooperating since im trying to use the old code? Wonder if they could just scan my old pcm and flash this one i have and what it would cost?

This is what they'll have to do. It doesn't matter if you got them both off the assembly line right after each other. The PATS system has to be reprogrammed to the new PCM. If you have the same calibration code then everything inside the PCM should be the same.

If you have accesss to a NGS, ford scan tool, I can walk you through the procedures.

Thanks, Doug.

 

[major]

Not to sound too stupid here but the calibration code is that the bold 4 character set or the longer set on middle row? The bold set is the same on both but the other is different because ford reflashed my pcm one time while it was in the shop.
Unless i can use one of the scan tools from advance uto or auto zone i am out of luck. Didnt auto zone have a tool loan out program wonder if i could get my hands on one through that? What are the steps if i can get one?
Thanks, Major

 

[CDW6212R]

So Doug, are you saying that the PATS module knows what PCM "serial number" it is connected to?
I am working on my 93/99 work vehicle. Because of changes, additions, etc, I have the original 99 PCM, PATS, and two other PATS modules. Can I not use any of these three PATS modules, or will two of them have to be reprogrammed to use?
I had planned to use the PATS module with the code number which I liked the best.
Regards,
Don

 

[410Fortune]

the COMPUTER, the KEY, and the PATS module must all be from the same vehicle or it will not run.
You cannot interchange them, if you do they must be re-programmed

 

[Doug904]

Exactly what he said. These three items are all programmed to work with each other. It is possible to reprogram them to work with other modules and on some PCM's, the later versions, it is possible to completely turn PATS off in the tuning. Only I can do this with the tuning though, the Ford scan tool won't.

Later Doug.

 

[Eneurb]

The four bold numbers are not the calibration code. Those numbers are what is called the "tear tag".

 

[Doug904]

The four bold numbers are not the calibration code. Those numbers are what is called the "tear tag".

Well, if you want to use Dealer terms then yes, hahaa. I refer to them as calibration codes because this is what I use when I start to write a program for one. I bring up my software and enter this four digit code and it brings up the calibration.

Doug

 

[CDW6212R]

How much trouble would it be to change a PATS module, if I liked the code of one of my other ones better?
Don

 

[Doug904]

How much trouble would it be to change a PATS module, if I liked the code of one of my other ones better?
Don

Sure, it's behind the passenger's side airbag, remove it and it's got two bolts that hold it in.

Doug

 

[Eneurb]

PATS module or PATS tranciever??

 

[410Fortune]

same device, the PATS system consist of the PCM, serial link to PATS module, and the key

 

[CDW6212R]

I meant the procedure to make a new PATS module work. I can use the original module, or change it to another, if I like the code number better.
Don

 

[ExplorerDMB]

moved to EEC-V section for future refernce

-Drew

 

[CDW6212R]

My Ford mechanic suggested that the PCM in a 98 is not part of the PATS. I have had a starting problem, which went away by itself, so far. I bought a spare PCM to swap in, if needed. I'll let you know if the 1998 PCM can or cannot be swapped without a special Ford tool. Regards,