Hey guys, I've had a pretty big issue with my PCM for a little while. Service engine light came on, so I took it to Autozone to get the code read.
Well come to find out, the code said "internal error" code, which I guess means the PCM is bad??

Any ideas on why my PCM would all of a sudden just go out? Is there anything I can do to see if in fact I need to buy a new one, like flash it at the dealer? I'm running pretty low on funds, so I need to figure out the cheapest route.

 

You should get another opinion, since some aftermarket code readers and scan tools won't/don't interpret some codes properly.

And if the PCM has failed, it's considered an emissions control part and covered under the federal 8 year/80,000 mile emissions warranty.

 

Quintin - Thanks for the quick reply. I actually took it to two different Autozones, not telling them what the other had found.
Unfortunately, I purchased my truck used and didn't opt to purchase the warranty. It's got about 96,000 miles on it.

 

I'd recommend having the codes checked by someone with a dedicated CAN enabled scan tool, like the dealership or a good independent shop before fretting about the PCM.

Additionally, sometimes you'll get KAM error codes or internal ROM fault codes from a programmer (I dunno if you're running one or not), or sometimes if the battery goes dead or was disconnected.

 

those autozone guys will also tell you to replace 02 sensors when you get lean codes . I agree bring it to a dealer, if it actually does need a PCM it will need to go there for programming anyways...

 

How many miles on the truck? Have you washed the engine? Any battery or surge issues? Tell us more about the truck.

 

I couldn't agree more! I've heard that 80% of all late model Ford PCMs that are replaced, from the dealer or other mechanics, are replaced due to an incorrect diagnose.

 

I hope that's the case. The truck has about 96,000 miles on it and no warranty. It's a 2006 F150 King Ranch. I've never washed the engine and I've had the truck for about 40,000 miles. It's ran great, the same before and after I've had the SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT on and the PCM not communicating. The only issue I've had was the truck would start "bucking" when the tranny downshifted with minimum accelleration (i've read the other posts and they were convinced it was the coil packs). I did change out my plugs and for some odd reason, it stopped bucking.

The only aftermarket products is a cold induction K&N/Filter. Stock programming and stock bolt-ons.

 

Try a paper filter instead of the oily K&N filter.