Thanks for all your input guys. It seems to be an uncertain entity.
I guess for anyone to know for sure is to actually try.

Mike

 

I'll try to make it a point to see next time i put a processor in at work, but i dont know how long it will be before i do one.

 

Well, I just tried putting in my origional PCM and it did not work. There has to be some way around this issue. It could be very useful to have a "fresh" pcm on hand.


This also make me also wonder that if its so hard to start the truck even if you have a key, then how do car thieves get them started. Have they figured a way around the system ?

 

I didnt think it would work, the HEC has to have the ID of the PCM in order for it to work, and it will only store 1.

As far as theives, there arent any ways around pats, but if you did have a HEC (cluster) AND a PCM that were ready to work with each other, then you could install them as a pair and start it. Most newer thefts involve a tow truck or rollback.

 

Thanks Jefflaws. So is an HEC an expensive item, are they obtainable, and are they difficult to install. Many thanks. ...Mike

 

Pretty rare for a lightning, a reg 99up f150 one at work is about 320.00, BUT thats with a core turn in. (300.00) core charge. So over the counter youre looking about 620.00.

But i have seen them on ebay for 200-250

here is a reg f150 one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33675

here is a new cobra one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6773

 

thanks again Jefflaws for your knowledgeable help. Even 600 buck is cheaper than 4000 for an head replacment or something. Mike

 

Once you add a new PCM it deletes the old one, the truck will not run with the other PCM once the new on is installed. First thing ya do to swap PCMS is to clear the HEC, take PCM out, put new one in and first thing to do is to put key in, turn and start, turn off, do the same with teh 2nd key, 3rd key ect and your done. Now obviously if your 'clearing' out the HEC then there is no longer a PCM ID in there...

Brandon

 

Sal..anyone

what is your opinion of Ford pulling PCM's on a longblock warranty repair. Say the block is warranted but the rest of the vehicle is out of warranty....and for grins let's say the contacts are copper..not the original silver. If there is no chip on it.
Also how do you tell about Ford claiming aftermarket chips void most claims? Is this your experience as a tech for Ford?