Recalibration of PCM
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From: Nashville
Recalibration of PCM
I have a 2002 ranger which just had the PCM recalibrated yesterday. The work order says, "02T08 Evaporative Emission moniter calibration, Recalibration of PCM." I don't have any new stickers on the computer, engine compartment or door, but I don't know if this will effect a chip if I get one. The code was VRK5. Does that change with this recalibration or does the computer code just change with a reflash?
Last edited by easterisland; Mar 14, 2003 at 12:48 PM.
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Joined: Mar 1998
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From: Virginia
Hi Easter,
Yep, sounds like your PCM has just been reflashed, so it's no longer a VKR5. It could be a VKR6 or any other code, they don't always follow the same original catch code designation with a higher last number, for example, that only happens *somtimes*.
Now what is *supposed* to be done by any mechanic changing a factory PCM software revision like that is recording the *exact* new software revision (either the Ford part number or the catch code will do) and place that on a sticker under the hood, so that you and anyone else working on the vehicle in the future will then know what code you really are. This is supposed to be recorded on a "Ford Authorized Modification" sticker, which is white, about 2 inches by 3 inches, with the new PCM revision written in by hand. That is the *only* sticker that would ever be used for this, and it is supposed to be placed "in a prominent location under the hood," so that any future service tech will immediately see it.
The code will change anytime they do an "update," or "recalibration," etc. as a general rule. There are very few exceptions, primarily just if someone has their dealership change the tire size or gear ratio to another one that was offered by Ford on that same vehicle, *that* kind of thing can be done without changing the entire program. But what you describe there is generally going to be a complete reflash of the PCM.
Worst case scenario, if you can't get this information from your servicing dealer, you can always call us for an RMA to send your PCM in for a read under, and then we'll download the new program from the PCM and determine just what code it is now. That means a couple (2 or 3) of workdays with your vehicle being down while the PCM is overnighted back and forth, but at least there is always this option, should you find yourself in a worst-case scenario.
Yep, sounds like your PCM has just been reflashed, so it's no longer a VKR5. It could be a VKR6 or any other code, they don't always follow the same original catch code designation with a higher last number, for example, that only happens *somtimes*.
Now what is *supposed* to be done by any mechanic changing a factory PCM software revision like that is recording the *exact* new software revision (either the Ford part number or the catch code will do) and place that on a sticker under the hood, so that you and anyone else working on the vehicle in the future will then know what code you really are. This is supposed to be recorded on a "Ford Authorized Modification" sticker, which is white, about 2 inches by 3 inches, with the new PCM revision written in by hand. That is the *only* sticker that would ever be used for this, and it is supposed to be placed "in a prominent location under the hood," so that any future service tech will immediately see it.
The code will change anytime they do an "update," or "recalibration," etc. as a general rule. There are very few exceptions, primarily just if someone has their dealership change the tire size or gear ratio to another one that was offered by Ford on that same vehicle, *that* kind of thing can be done without changing the entire program. But what you describe there is generally going to be a complete reflash of the PCM.
Worst case scenario, if you can't get this information from your servicing dealer, you can always call us for an RMA to send your PCM in for a read under, and then we'll download the new program from the PCM and determine just what code it is now. That means a couple (2 or 3) of workdays with your vehicle being down while the PCM is overnighted back and forth, but at least there is always this option, should you find yourself in a worst-case scenario.
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From: Nashville
Okay. I just complained and I got a sticker with a code as you describe.
1U7A-12A65OFDA
So, is my code now a 1U7A or still a VRK5 with an added part #?
On a side note the code on my computer was a VRK5 not VKR5 as I wrote in the first post which I just edited.
1U7A-12A65OFDA
So, is my code now a 1U7A or still a VRK5 with an added part #?
On a side note the code on my computer was a VRK5 not VKR5 as I wrote in the first post which I just edited.