For all other non specifically listed ECU tuning. This would include can-bus ecu's such as powerpc copperhead tricore and siemens ecus. As well as GM, Dodge or any aftermarket controller tuning etc...
BOOSTEDEVERYTHING wrote: ↑2024 May 30, 12:23
The pcm in some of the old rangers were not programmable in any way available to the public at all and required replacement. A normal mongoose able or similar would be able to program the pcm if it is a programmable pcm.
LOL...oh joy of joys
I did reach out to one rebuilder FS1 (Flagship 1), the rep there did tell me a replacement for my truck would include all or any updates that were mandated, but the pcm is not built on a newer user friendly protocol. It would still be J1850 pwm.
Vehicle Information: 1999 Ford Ranger with 2000 Explorer v8 swap, FLN0 2003 Ford F150 Harley Davidson, Built 5.4L SOHC with 3.4L Whipple and Built 4R100
And the J1850 PWM PCMs are programmable usually. There were just certain ranger PCMs that were not. You could find someone with a good cable and have them try to reflash the pcm. Or maybe the dealership. Like I said…you have to have the correct cable and software and attempt to program it, if it will not program then it will need to be replaced. The new one looks and operates the same, it is just programmable. It may have been as simple as a couple jumpers or resistors that were just not installed on the older PCMs to allow for tuning. Or it could have been the type of eprom used in the older PCMs.
Vehicle Information: 1999 Ford Ranger with 2000 Explorer v8 swap, FLN0 2003 Ford F150 Harley Davidson, Built 5.4L SOHC with 3.4L Whipple and Built 4R100
My dad’s old ranger pcm was not a flashable pcm. I’ll have to see if he still has it, but I believe he sold it with the engine and transmission.
Yes, the j3 port is on the back, but the pcm will require that you remove the case for access to the port to clean it properly. Not hard to do. But honestly, I wouldn’t bother with it until you try to flash it with a known good cable and software if that is how you plan to tune it.
The adapter cable that I DO have is the vgate vlinker/usb adapter. It IS j1850 pass-thru capable but Forscan (that I make use of for my 2018 vehicle) is not feps capable.
This like being stuck between a rock & a hard place.....
One doesn't know if the pcm IS one of the untuneable items, to find out one has to test it, one needs to spend a considerable amount of dollars to get the needed pieces to test it. If it IS untuneable then it has to be replaced with a tuneable item.....yikes
Take this from another approach...can this *white elephant* be replaced with a later pcm from the same equipped truck that would be MS-CAN/HS-CAN protocol & transfer the 98 tune to the later pcm...(assuming pin locations are near identical)
Vehicle Information: 1997 Mountaineer 5.0 that originally had a wasted spark ignition system. I'm converting to coil-near-plug. I will use a 4.6 Luxury Sedan PCM & modified powertrain harness. It will be reprogrammed to operate the Windsor 5.0.
55trucker After you get the PCM removed from its "pocket" post any numbers off of the tag on it. There will be a Ford number and a 4 digit code that it would have been programed at the factory. Some people call it a "catch code".It has another name or two. Also, there is a hardware code. I'm a newby at this, so there is a lot that I don't know. One of you veterans explain this better please.
Vehicle Information: 1997 Mountaineer 5.0 that originally had a wasted spark ignition system. I'm converting to coil-near-plug. I will use a 4.6 Luxury Sedan PCM & modified powertrain harness. It will be reprogrammed to operate the Windsor 5.0.
55trucker After you get the PCM removed from its "pocket" post any numbers off of the tag on it. There will be a Ford number and a 4 digit code that it would have been programed at the factory. Some people call it a "catch code".It has another name or two. Also, there is a hardware code. I'm a newby at this, so there is a lot that I don't know. One of you veterans explain this better please.