Hi, I have a 2008 F150 with a 4.6...can anyone tell me what kind of scan tool/programmer I will need to flash my PCM...please/thanks

 

Flash? What is it you are wanting to do. As far as I know only the dealer can flash the ecu software, though some of the tuners I think flash the PCM with the tweaks depending on the model...

 

Can’t answer your question, but can give you a potential alternate solution. I recently bought a reman’d pcm, that had most recent updates, and has worked great. Cost $120.

In my case, I had bought a truck that only came with one key (wanted extras and dealer charges a TON). And, I was fighting an electrical gremlin and I wanted to rule out the pcm. So I covered a lot If bases for less $ than getting/programming another key from dealer. And I guess I have a spare if ever needed.

 

I got a PCM from auto Wreckers, I want to write my vin to it as it's impossible to find keys and ignition in a truck to go with the pcm..from what I've read the only way to swap pcm and for it to work is to have keys and ignition from same truck, please correct me if I'm wrong

 

I got a PCM from auto Wreckers, I want to write my vin to it as it's impossible to find keys and ignition in a truck to go with the pcm..from what I've read the only way to swap pcm and for it to work is to have keys and ignition from same truck, please correct me if I'm wrong

 

well I have never swapped a pcm so I can't answer that part, but I have programmed new keys into the pats module on my existing pcm using forscan software and my laptop. The software is free you just need a obd2 adapter that will communicate with your laptop via USB or wifi/Bluetooth.
It's $10 for one year forscan extended license which is required for unlocking access to the pats module programming.

Now. What I don't know is if you can program the vin from your truck into the new pcm or not using forscan. If so all you'd have to do is install the new pcm into your truck and then program your vin and existing keys into it..
I think that you need ford IDS software to change the vin in the PCM.
maybe this video will be informative

 

can you clarify your key situation please?

Did you get a key and ignition switch from junkyard that goes with junkyard pcm?

Regardless of PATS or PCM issues, do you have a key that physically inserts/fits into your trucks ignition switch?

 

The pats/pcm issue is easily solved by new pcm (see my first post), but you still need a key that fits into ignition switch.

 

I didn't get key or ignition from same vehicle as PCM, I do have my current key that came with truck when I bought it

 

buy two uncut chipped keys on eBay (~ $15), have them cut locally to match existing key (~ free to a few bucks depending where you go), buy a new/rebuilt pcm (~ $120), follow instructions on programming in the keys that will come with pcm (takes about 2 mins). That’s it.