Computer

Tiny
WORTHIN52
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD RANGER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
When removing the ECU / ECM does it come out of the firewall on the engine compartment side or does the dash have to be removed? When a new ECU / ECM are installed does it have to be programmed? Do you know of any videos that show how to replace the ECU / ECM?
Thursday, January 21st, 2016 AT 6:48 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
It comes out from the engine side.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2016 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Yes, it does have to be programmed in the vehicle before it will run.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2016 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
WORTHIN52
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
How difficult is that to do. Is it possible I can do that myself using my laptop? Do you know of any videos that explain how to program the computer?
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Thursday, January 21st, 2016 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
No, you can't program. Mosty repair shops can't even do that.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2016 AT 1:58 AM
Tiny
WORTHIN52
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
That doesn’t make sense. Then how do you program a new ECU / ECM?
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Friday, January 22nd, 2016 AT 7:51 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You first purchase a $10,000 scan tool. You then pay a subscription fee to the manufacturer to have access to the software and then you go to some very advanced training to learn how to do it without locking up the computer.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2016 AT 8:27 AM
Tiny
WORTHIN52
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
That’s insane! Do dealerships have the equipment and know how to program them? I’m guessing you would have to get a second mortgage on your home to pay for it.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2016 AT 8:54 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Yes, the dealers all do that and the average cost is about $100. Even when most independent shops replace a computer, they have to tow it elsewhere to have it programmed.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2016 AT 8:56 AM
Tiny
WORTHIN52
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
If there is something wrong with the ECU / ECM. Is it possible that cold weather could cause problems?
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Friday, January 22nd, 2016 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
I have no idea what issues you have with your car or computer. Like any electronic circuit board, the computer can be effected by temperature changes, but even if it is, that is still a defect in the computer.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2016 AT 9:27 AM

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