Options for replacement PCM?

[fesifisky]

Well, the car hasn't started since last Sunday night. Went to go to work Monday morning and I have power but no cranking or even solenoid clicking. Replaced the starter to be safe(+ terminal broke when removing anyway). Not a PATS issue either.

My tech buddy ran it through his diag software and determined there's no communication to the PCM even though power and ground tested fine.

He's getting me a price on a new PCM from Ford, but I was wondering if anyone here knew where to get one for less?

I still need to put the PCM back in without the diablo chip and try it one last time, but I'm not confident that will help.

Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[RoyLPita]

Have you checked the wiring loom that goes around the front of the car above the front bumper absorbers? I had a 1995 CVPI that I bought with a crank no start condition. I come to find out that the PCM wire was worn through by the right bumper absorber on the frame.

I believe there was a member here who posted up with the same problem.

Keep us posted.

[fesifisky]

I think that was probably one of the few things that weren't checked. We did check the wires from the under hood fuse panel down to the starter and whatnot, but I don't think we checked what you're mentioning.

I'll see what I can do about that this weekend. Stuck at home anyway.

Thanks!

[fesifisky]

She's alive!

Just threw the PCM back in without the diablo chip. started right up. put the chip back in, no start. Pulled it out, started. Put it back in, it started but when i touched the chip while in the PCM it stalled. Not sure if it's just the connection(it's loose) or if the chip itself has a short.

Just took a quick ride and it's like a stock marauder with a lil more kick from a stop, I want my tune back :(

I think the chip is about 4 years old at this point, would it be worthwhile to contact Dennis about this?

[RF Overlord]

Take the PCM back out and clean the contact fingers where the chip plugs in with a pencil eraser and then some electrical contact cleaner. Spray the inside of the chip connector, too. 91% (or better) isopropyl alcohol is also usable, but don't use the cheap 70% rubbing alcohol...it leaves residue.

[fesifisky]

I'll definitely try that. Any suggestions on getting the chip to fit tighter without breaking the pins?

[MM_BKK]

I would suggest doing away with the chip and get your tune flash directly to your PCM with a programmer such as SCT.
You won't ever have to worry about loose connections between the chip and PCM and not to mention you can make minor adjustments with the programmer like idle speed, timing, fuel enrichment, speed limiter, shift firmness, shift points, datalog, MIL code reader etc.

[fesifisky]

I would suggest doing away with the chip and get your tune flash directly to your PCM with a programmer such as SCT.
You won't ever have to worry about loose connections between the chip and PCM and not to mention you can make minor adjustments with the programmer like idle speed, timing, fuel enrichment, speed limiter, shift firmness, shift points, datalog, MIL code reader etc.

Wait, I can really eliminate the Diablo chip with an SCT? How much do these go for? I'd much prefer what you propose.

My two main current concerns in order of highest priority to lowest: get the speedo more accurate(was reading ~4mph higher than actual due to tires)...I had a hard time estimating on a main road earlier. And the other would be the shift points the chip was providing. But yeah, I'd be all about flashing the pcm. Sounds like it might be cheaper too. Thanks!

[fastblackmerc]

Wait, I can really eliminate the Diablo chip with an SCT? How much do these go for? I'd much prefer what you propose.

My two main current concerns in order of highest priority to lowest: get the speedo more accurate(was reading ~4mph higher than actual due to tires)...I had a hard time estimating on a main road earlier. And the other would be the shift points the chip was providing. But yeah, I'd be all about flashing the pcm. Sounds like it might be cheaper too. Thanks!

Contact Lidio or DR for a tune and tuner.

[Chevyguy]

Wait, I can really eliminate the Diablo chip with an SCT? How much do these go for? I'd much prefer what you propose.

My two main current concerns in order of highest priority to lowest: get the speedo more accurate(was reading ~4mph higher than actual due to tires)...I had a hard time estimating on a main road earlier. And the other would be the shift points the chip was providing. But yeah, I'd be all about flashing the pcm. Sounds like it might be cheaper too. Thanks!

That will work, but cost you $400. My Xcal3 is nice and Lidio's tune is awesome

[RF Overlord]

Any suggestions on getting the chip to fit tighter without breaking the pins?Duct tape. Seriously. Been that way in The Blackbird for 6 years.

[MM2004]

Duct tape. Seriously. Been that way in The Blackbird for 6 years.

What He Said!

Many members, back in the day running chips, used tape as Bob mentioned to keep them in place.

Personally, a hand-held tuner gives you much more flexibility in making adjustments to fit your needs.

And our Vendors will support their product and answer questions, etc, etc.

Mike.

[fesifisky]

I'm definitely going to look into the SCT route, wonder if anyone around here has one.

I greatly appreciate all the suggestions and feedback on this. :bows:

I do have a question to anyone here who has a chip, specifically anyone who has experienced a loose chip: Would a loose chip actually cause the car to not fire and/or shut the car off while running? Just trying to confirm what exactly the issue is before spending any decent sums of cash.

[fesifisky]

Sent an email about the chip situation yesterday at work to Dennis Reinhart's site since I can't access this site there. Forgot my signature has my work # and not 5 minutes later I get a call from Dennis himself. He thoroughly explained why chips were used in the first place and that mine was much older than originally thought, like 8 years old or so now.

For a little under $400, he can send me an SCT with a newer tune that will correct any issues the lack of a chip is currently causing.

I think I'll be ordering it as soon as possible. Sounds like it'd be the easiest route for me at this point. Price doesn't sound horrible.

Wicked nice guy, I can see why he's so highly recommended.

[MM2004]

Sent an email about the chip situation yesterday at work to Dennis Reinhart's site since I can't access this site there. Forgot my signature has my work # and not 5 minutes later I get a call from Dennis himself. He thoroughly explained why chips were used in the first place and that mine was much older than originally thought, like 8 years old or so now.

For a little under $400, he can send me an SCT with a newer tune that will correct any issues the lack of a chip is currently causing.

I think I'll be ordering it as soon as possible. Sounds like it'd be the easiest route for me at this point. Price doesn't sound horrible.

Wicked nice guy, I can see why he's so highly recommended.

Dennis will take care of you and can also install up to 3 different tunes for future mods, octane levels, etc..

You will not be disappointed in the least.

;)

Mike.

[Glenn-ho]

I had the problem with an SCT chip. Push on the chip and it would start right up. Started to get worse and would shut off almost anytime. Pulled the chip and computer and tried cleaning both to no avail. Bought a tuner and have had no problem anymore.

Those chips are tricky. I had to install the chip in the PCM. Start it up. Disconnect the battery and then remove the chip to start the car. If you didn't disconnect the battery before pulling the chip it would not start. Worth a try.

[fesifisky]

Ordered the Sct while working from home. Forgot to ask how long it'll take and how it's being shipped though.

Can't wait to try this thing out, I'm sick of driving this like a normal car.

[fesifisky]

finally got a few things(3 pulleys/belt, seat, snow tires) taken care of and finally got to test out the new tune with a couple days of ok weather. Much better and a noticable difference from the 6+ year old chip tune I had before.