ECM trouble, starts but will not stay running

RSR1449

MEMBER
2012 FORD MUSTANG
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

My son recently bought this car from a buy here pay here place. The second day he drove it, it broke down and won't start. He took it back and they kept it for 3 weeks in that time they replaced the ECM and told him it had to be programmed at a Ford dealer and that was why it took so long. He gets it back it starts and runs fine for a few days then it gets to where it won't shut off. When you take the key out, he had to pull the fuel pump relay and unhook the battery almost every time he drove it. Now it will start but when you go to drive it, it shuts off and according to the code reader it says control module config incomplete. What can I do?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like either you have another bad module, or they didn't finish the job. When you replace this module, a new one needs to be reconfigured to match the vehicle's requirements.

The best and easiest thing to do is to download/copy information from the old module and then upload it to the new one.

In some cases, the old module is so far gone that it can't be done.

I've attached the directions for both procedures below (with the old module and without the old module) for your review. Note that both do require a scanner that is capable of communicating with the module.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 AT 4:54 PM

RSR1449

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Joe, thanks for responding. We are definitely going to give it a shot and hope for the best. Do you think that that's why the car wouldn't turn off w the key? I've done some digging and come to find out the car has been totaled and has a salvage title, at least I think it does. I think there are more underlying issues with this car. I didn't think they could legally sell one without telling you the car had a salvage title.

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Thursday, March 24th, 2022 AT 3:01 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

If it is rebuilt, oftentimes there are underlying conditions that are missed. A lot of places fix the obvious issues to make it look good. Then, they sell it.

As far as the title is concerned, it is likely to differ based on what state you are in. I'm in PA, and it has to be disclosed and inspected by specific inspection stations.

Regardless, let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, March 24th, 2022 AT 7:13 PM