rmortime

2005 Lariat RWD w/ 175k

I'm having an intermittent no start no fire condition. Battery, alternator, starter and ignition have checked out good. When attempting to start absolutely nothing happens. The shop is telling me i need a new computer and quoted me at ~$1800 for parts and labor which seems really high.

My question to all of you smart people…what all is involved with that replacement? The PCM couldn’t be an easier to get to on the fire wall but I do not know what is required for flashing or programing the computer after it is install in order to get proper functionality from my PCM for my vin. Is do this myself in the realm of possible? I’ve replaced the rear end and have done a full timing job already on the truck so I’m not afraid of getting into it if needed.

Thanks!

Ryan

DarrinT04

don't forget about the ECM as well. the ECM controls much of the engine functions on these newer vehicles. ECM (Engine Control Module) + TCM (Transmission Control Module)= PCM.(Powertrain Control Module) with the PCM being the combination of both i am thinking it is more likely an ECM issue than a PCM issue

rmortime

Good point darrin. I'll keep that in mind and see if i can narrow it down further to the ECM.

rmortime

DarrinT - what do you know about replacing the computers? From what I can find through online part catalogs, the PCM, ECM, ECU are all the same and its one singular unit.

What I'm having trouble figuring out is if I need to get the new computer programmed to my keys. Some website say they come preprogrammed and its plug and play, other say a dealer needs to flash and program it to your keys and others have said a locksmith can do it.

Any help is apprecaited. Thanksl

DarrinT04

ECM and ECU are the same thing. like i said earlier the PCM is ECM and TCM combined.
what computers are you talking about? are you talking about the Engine Control Computer?

rmortime

Ah ok I got it now. The "+" was on a line return and I missed it sorry.

I am talking about replacing the PCM. Unless there is a way to replace just the ECM and seperate it from PCM? My intent right now is to purchase a new PCM already programmed to my VIN with new blank keys and get the keys cut to the older keys. That way I avoid having get the PCM flashed, which would require a shop or dealer. Im looking for the best place to buy the PCM now, if you have any recommendations that would be great as well.

DarrinT04

for your truck, you would more likely find one on the internet. you might find one at an auto parts store but i wouldn't count on it. i understand how you don't want to have to reprogram a PCM to your vin. I've never heard of that you can buy a PCM already programed to your truck.

djfllmn

iTrader: (1)

You can't get a pre programmed PCM, you also can't just swap PCMs either. You need to do whats called PMI(Programmable Module Installation) where you download all the info from the old PCM and then put it into the new PCM and then program keys. There is no way around that

DarrinT04

the dealership can flash (program) the new PCM to his truck.when he said he wanted to get a pre programed PCM i got confused. thanks for summing that up

rmortime

Thank you for clarifying!

The route I'm heading now is new PCM and have a dealer/shop do the programming.