pcm problem

[04birdman]

Re: pcm problem

For those outside the warranty discussion. I "Googled" PCM and ECU and came up with several alternatives. I went to one website and entered 2002 Ford Thunderbird and came up with two options including a rebuild. Then I typed in 2003 Ford Thunderbird and came up with the same two options including a rebuild. This situation is fixable and parts are out there, just not confined to OEM. That feels a lot better.

The website: autocomputersystems.com

if anyone uses an aftermarket pcm....let is know

[bada]

Re: pcm problem

Found that site two weeks ago see post No.13. Didn't seem to help anyone then doubt if it will now. The only way to find out is buy one and see if it actually works.
The part number they list is not even close to the Ford part number. If it did work
it would be a good $200.00 investment.

I dont need one now, but I am gonig to call them and see what they say. I talked to my local ford dealer, and he said they needed my vin# to match the PCM to my car. However the PCM thru the dealer was $1,284.00. And there was still going to be a wait to even get it.

[bada]

Re: pcm problem

OK. Just got off the phone with auto computer systems. Does anyone know how many plug in's our PCM has. If it has one they have a PCM for $299.00. But if its the PCM with three plug in,s they dont have it. Plus after you get the PCM you need to take it to the dealer, to install it. Because they said the keys, had to be relearned to the PCM.

P.S. where is the PCM on our cars?

[steelblue5505]

Re: pcm problem

The PCM is located on the passenger side up on the back wall of the engine compartment. There are 3 plugs; C175b, C175e & C175t

Hope this helps.

[HKS]

Re: pcm problem

Mike,

I looked high and low for the PCM on my 2002. By the back wall, do you mean inside the pasenger compartment?

Thanks

HKS

The PCM is located on the passenger side up on the back wall of the engine compartment. There are 3 plugs; C175b, C175e & C175t

Hope this helps.

[HKS]

Re: pcm problem

I would trade mine for a 56 in heartbeat.

HKS

Might be better off with a 55-57 Bird ,you can still get parts and they are not as complicated electronically.I wish we were back with points and condensers.

[PaulD]

Re: pcm problem

Mike,

I looked high and low for the PCM on my 2002. By the back wall, do you mean inside the pasenger compartment?

Thanks

HKS

The actual PCM is mounted on the firewall behind the glove box. It mountes to a hole in the firewall and the 3 connectors mentioned earlier plug into the PCM via the hole in the firewall. To remove the PCM, you need to remove the cabin air filter plenum (under the hood) before you can even see the connectors under the hood. Detach the bolts holding the connectors in. Then remove the glove box and you can see the PCM. At this point, you can remove the bracket holding the PCM and pull it out.

[steelblue5505]

Re: pcm problem

Paul, Thanks for the assistance on the actual location of the PCM.

[E'sBird]

Re: pcm problem

OK. Just got off the phone with auto computer systems. Does anyone know how many plug in's our PCM has. If it has one they have a PCM for $299.00. But if its the PCM with three plug in,s they dont have it. Plus after you get the PCM you need to take it to the dealer, to install it. Because they said the keys, had to be relearned to the PCM.

P.S. where is the PCM on our cars?

Bouge!

Will have to see if they can repair....for future reference.

[HKS]

Re: pcm problem

Paul,

Thanks for the info. But, is there any other way to find out what the PCM part number is? I keep hearing that it is on the dor jamb etc. I have a 2002 model.

I looked at the e-bay site and consider bidding on a PCM. They offer to enter the latest programing update but you need the excact PCM version number.

HKS

The actual PCM is mounted on the firewall behind the glove box. It mountes to a hole in the firewall and the 3 connectors mentioned earlier plug into the PCM via the hole in the firewall. To remove the PCM, you need to remove the cabin air filter plenum (under the hood) before you can even see the connectors under the hood. Detach the bolts holding the connectors in. Then remove the glove box and you can see the PCM. At this point, you can remove the bracket holding the PCM and pull it out.

[04birdman]

Re: pcm problem

what a friggin nightmare

[My T]

Re: pcm problem

Amen to that!!

What a downer this thread is. I hate reading the posts, but I am somehow drawn each day to learn more about this vexing issue. It is scary, and it tends to throw a damper on the positive thoughts that we have about our Birds.

My hat is off to anyone who eventually discovers a solution to this dilemma. We will all be indebted to you. Meanwhile, we can pray that we won't be the next victim. Ouch!

[bada]

Re: pcm problem

I did not ask auto computer systems, if they could repair our existing PCMs. I may give them a call back, to see what they say.

[bada]

Re: pcm problem

Well just got off the phone with auto computer systems again. 1-888-664-8787. And lisa told me they dont do anything with the T-BIRDs. They don't even repair our existing PCMs.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: pcm problem

Just a bit more info and please note this was obtained from a 2002 manual. The Bird
uses only the 150 pin PCM (three connector harness). This PCM is also used on the
Lincoln LS, Explorer and Mountaineer. The one connector PCM 104 pin is used on every
other Ford product. Being this PCM is used on four models can it be modified for use
between these models? Could this be done by a simple reprogramming?