guzzigo

recently bought a 1988 f150, 5.0L 2wd with auto tranny.
All the symptoms pointed to the computer.
Now here is where the problems began.
I pulled the computer and the numbers dont match the truck for ordering a replacement. I believe I have the standard federal emissions computer, but in that category there are 3 different computer #'s to pick from. I have the VIN# but since the numbers on the computer do not correctly match or even cross reference anything, I cant order the correct replacement. If money was no object, I would risk the non returnable purchase. But I cant possibly risk it.
So how does one connect the dots? I know VIN#, truck year, engine and I can find out the tranny ID with a little assistance. Am I screwed here or what?

VIN- 1FTDF15NXJKA52753
ECU# 12A650-F2A.....pulled from vehical but doesnt match factory
5.0L standard federal emissions
Tranny ID # ? maybe RF-E3SP-70

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

I may be wrong on this part, but I don't think the tranny enters into the equation in 88 - I think it was still an ECM at that point - engine control module. It became a PCM "powertrain control module" when electric shift trannys entered the picture.
I think that part's right ?
I don't know of a master list of part #'s but maybe the rebuilders would have one. I think you should only have to know your year and engine size, and maybe the federal em. part.
You can identify your trans in case it matters by the oilpan on it. Google it up you should get pictures of the pan showing the shape and bolt count. I would think you're looking at an AOD or a C6.
To get an idea if the ecm is the right one for your truck - first off did the truck run ok with it in there?
But you can now go and dissect the part # a bit. 12A650 is just the number for all the computers, it just says that's what it is. The F2A is a version and I can't help you there.
The first 4 digits that you don't have listed may help a bit - the first 2 digits specifically because that will tell you when it was made. E7 would be from 1987, E8 from 1988, E9 is from 1989, and then the 90's start with F - F1 is 1991 etc.
As long as the ecm was produced before the truck was (so E7 or E8) you could probably surmise that it probably came in the truck. If it starts with E9 or F anything then the computer was produced after the truck was so it couldn't possibly be the one that the truck came with.
It's possible that a computer from a later year like 89 or 90 would run your engine if there were no changes but to be sure it's the same as the one you pulled out the important digits to match are the first 2 for the year and the last 3 for the version.

guzzigo

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

If you google up that part # - E8TF 12A650 F2A, you'll see that it crosses over to 87 to 90 F150's F250's, E150, E250 and Bronco with 302 engines. I would think the reason one model covers such a range is that it only had to run the motor. Once you got into E4OD and 4R70W (AODE) transmissions things got a lot more complicated.
Anyway, the places that rebuild them should have lots on hand being as they are very common apparently. Go with the Ford part # and ignore all that other stuff. The Ford part # will get you exactly what you need.

guzzigo

here is my final

guzzigo

final decision to make. Auto zone has been the most helpful so Im using them. I had them talk to the remanufacture and they could not give me an answer of which # is the correct for me.
I've reviewed all the part numbers and think its obvious which one it is. What do you think?
(yes)
#78-4723
Auto, w/fed emiss.
Notes: OEM E8TF-FA
or

(No)#78-4723
auto,w/fed emiss
notes: E8TF-AJA
or