[mogmeister]

hi, I am traveling a lot and was thinking to get a spare PCM and IDM, especially after I saw how water drops down on the units. I have a 96 E350, Can I take a unit from a F350 or a 98 E350? Can the PCM and IDM be reprogrammed for a E350?
Thanks

 

[jgorm]

I think carrying a spare PCM is mega overkill, but if you want you will need to do more research. ECU have strategy 'families' and you must swap one out with the same strategy. If you have a PATS system (key chip thing) the you will need the new ecu programmed, or it won't start the truck. The trucks and vans have different programming so you will need a van ecu, or you will need to know someone that can flash the van tune on a truck ecu from the same strategy family.

 

[blageurt]

97 and up Vans are Split Shot Injectors , so the PCM's would not be compatible so you would need a 98 and below F -series or 95 -96 E series..... IDM's do not matter as anyone will work .....

 

[bbasso]

FIY, My IDM made it to 775,000 in 10 years.
Put a used one it and never had a problem.
I wouldn't carry a spare for either...

 

[mogmeister]

Well my IDM went sour after a heavy rain and only 200,000 miles. Fortunately it happened in my parking lot and I just parked it. If it happened on the road of the beaten track it wouldn't have been so easy. Its a small item easy to put in the tool box and compaerd to a tow and a big bill from the Ford dealership I think it is a justifyed investment.

Which part numbers for the PCM would work for my 96 E350?

Waiting for my new tires and planning my trip to Sturgis SD

 

[blageurt]

TDE0 , TDE1` , TEE5 , TEE4 ,

 

[mogmeister]

blageurt, Thank you for the part numbers. In your sig you have a DP flashed PCM. What is the advantage of the DP flashed PCM and how much is a DP flash?

 

[blageurt]

Instead of a chip, Jody flashed the 60 Tow program directly on the PCM ...It's just more solid..does not get dirty or loose just more reliable in my opinion... I think it was $150 plus shipping...The only downside is that you have to send him the PCM ...but I bought the TDE0 as a spare, since mine is a TEE5 from the factory...

 

[dieseldude73]

$IDM + $PCM VS $AAA :jester:? My IDM went out at 340 something thousand miles (it looked original as far as I could tell). When installing the new one, put RTV around all the cracks and dielectric grease on the the connector. That would be cost effective peace of mind, even on an original unit.