I have to get the PCM replaced in my truck. The customer service rep that is in charge of my "ticket" said that the old one has to be sent back to Ford. When I told the customer service rep that I wanted to see the old one before they sent it back, he kinda hesitated, and said that I'd have to be there when they took the old one out... I'm thinking, shoot, when they replace it, the old one is gonna sit in the shop until they send it back..He also said that they have to transfer info from the old PCM to the new PCM... what kinda of info??

It just gives me an uneasy feeling that they're not really replacing my PCM but they are charging me for it. Now, I told him before he ordered the new one, that I want to see the old one.

Does anyone know why they would send it back?? I mean, if theres a core charge associated with it, shouldn't I get that back too? Even so, how could they refurbish a PCM that isn't communicating with the sensors in the truck??
The casing could be reused, but why spend the time to diagnose a bad PCM when a machine can punch out and solder up a new one in 5 minutes.

 

That is a new one on my. I have not heard or read about a core charge on the PCM.

The ticket break down would show this, but if the PCM is bad, I would think they would toss it ( alternators & power window motors have core charges ).

They would have to transfer the info, not really.
They have to get the as built data for your truck and program the PCM is more accurate.

I think you might be taken for a ride here, ask for the area rep from Ford to confirm this for you in writing.

Good luck.

 

I concur with SScully.

I know they have to download the BCM (GEM Module)...when I thought too much water had gotten into mine...I was calling around and A1 Cardone offered me to rebuild it...I knew they'd need my core to download the data and transfer it....However that was a 2 day (MAX) turnaround...and they shipped it back 2 day FedEx.

I've never heard of a PCM having to be done the same way. If the PCM is so bad...how are they gonna "read" the data anyway? How do they know that data hasn't been corrupted? Seems to me they'd want to reprogram it with "fresh" data.

 

there is a core charge on any ECU part. They do repair them. The price you were qouted was already without the core charge so you dont get any more money back.

they also will need to transfer information regarding VIN, Mileage etc.

Information VIA a 23yr Ford Master Tech

 

thanks patman... reassuring.

 

However, under Florida law, you are entitled to the old parts. They HAVE to give them to you if you ask unless its hazmat.

 

mine is currently in the shop also. ECM is being replaced. they told me the same thing... that they have to send off the old one. should i ask for the old one back after its all said and done?

 

so they got the replacement in from Ford yesterday. When they went to transfer the data and install it, as the customer service rep said "for what ever reason, it didn't work" --- those were his exact words in my voicemail... I can play it for you if you want. He said they sent it back yesterday and got another replacement in today. When I called at 4:30, the tech was still working with it and said it wouldn't be ready until tomorrow morning...

Is it typical for parts to come from Ford not working? or at least not working with certain vehicles???

 

It is not typical for parts to come from Ford that dont work. However anytime there is a manufacturing process there is room for error. I can tell you in my experience ifirst in the aftermarket and then at the dealer level that it happens a helluva lot less from the OEM.

-Dennis

 

in his words - "it happens all the time"

 

I find that very difficult to believe. I have been doing this a "while" now and have often seen the pcm diagnosed as the problem when it wasnt. But unless your Ford dealer gets their stock from a different Ford then I do I wouldn't say that my return rate was even close to that. In response to your question about getting the part back... Is your pcm being replaced under warranty? If so then it is possible that Ford will want that piece back to be inspected.

-Dennis

 

hi, my name is invisible

 

as do i find it hard to believe. I don't have a clue where they get their parts from. It's not being replaced under warranty. I have an '04 screw with 96K miles on it. Thats kinda the thing that has me soo skeptical about this whole thing...

 

So did you get it back this morning?....

-Dennis

 

yea, well, he called at 8:30 and said it was done, but I couldn't get it until after work.

$790.88 later, I have my truck back. Rides pretty good, accellerates a little better than before. Starts without ANY hesitation.

BUT.... since I bought the truck, I've been having a problem when I go into overdrive and then slow down, the truck doesn't like to low RPM's and it chatters/studders/shakes - what ever you want to call it. I originally thought it was torque convertor shudder, but then when the whole PCM deal went down, though maybe that was causeing it... but I gues not becuase it's still doing it... Back to the diagnosis drawing board then