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Check engine

samsontdog
Explorer
Explorer
I started my 2003 F250 Ford V10 eng with 105K miles. One owner, looks new. The check eng light came on and stayed on. I took it into the Ford place here in Yuma and 3 hrs later they said I need a new computer. Cost will be $700.00 WOW. At 100K miles I had a complete tune up as I did not want to pay over $40K for a new P/Up
That was $900 for new hoses, new brakes, trans flushed, rad flushed.
new plugs plus other things. Now I wished that I had sold it last year as I was offered $15K Oh well, after I get back to Calif I WILL sell it. I never in the past kept any Vehicle with over 75K miles
Anybody have computer problem on there Tow V ?
samsontdog:o:W
39 REPLIES 39

Yak
Explorer
Explorer
carringb wrote:
samsontdog wrote:
I went on line and found a rebuilt computer for my P/Up $299 plus shipping
3 yr warranty I wonder how hard to change one out?


Takes about 5 minute a 9 mm socket.


Nothing on a Ford takes a 9mm socket. A new PCM is blank and has to be programmed

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
Why throw money away until you have the codes!
Get the codes read and post them! Please!
I sort of remember a similar post a couple years ago about a dealer in Yuma.

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker

Mike_LeClair
Explorer
Explorer
carringb wrote:
samsontdog wrote:
I went on line and found a rebuilt computer for my P/Up $299 plus shipping
3 yr warranty I wonder how hard to change one out?


Takes about 5 minute a 9 mm socket.


That time estimate might be a bit optimistic - better plan for ten minutes just in case. Check YouTube for some how to videos on the topic so that you have a good idea of what is involved. It is very straightforward. I am still suspicious that it even is the computer. I want to see the DTC codes that are stored in the computer.

Cheers!

Mike
Something Old, Something New
2012 F350 SRW, 6.7l Powerstroke, 3.55's front and rear.
2008 Fleetwood Regal 325RKTS
Mike, Carol and our 4 legged "furry child" Kenzie Shweenie Tod

carringb
Explorer
Explorer
samsontdog wrote:
I went on line and found a rebuilt computer for my P/Up $299 plus shipping
3 yr warranty I wonder how hard to change one out?


Takes about 5 minute a 9 mm socket.
2000 Ford E450 V10 VAN! 450,000+ miles
2014 ORV really big trailer
2015 Ford Focus ST

samsontdog
Explorer
Explorer
I went on line and found a rebuilt computer for my P/Up $299 plus shipping
3 yr warranty I wonder how hard to change one out?
samsontdog:o:W

kw_00
Explorer
Explorer
I would also get an second opinion, being that the vehicle still functions it's worth the effort. I have had the computer go out on an older car before, it just died and would not restart. Now cars/trucks have several computers running the vehicle, it's almost to much. I really like my 69 truck, no computer, everything mechanical and it always runs.... Good luck, keep us in the loop, interested on how this goes. Btw I had an problem with my 02 truck a few years back when we were camping. Truck ran but was dropping cylinders. Took it to Chevy and they wanted me to buy a new fuse box and computer..... Ouch....... I said no, got it home and diagnosed myself and found it was just a crank position sensor that was going out..........so I never trust what one stealer ship or mechanic will tell u.
A truck, a camper, a few toys, but most importantly a wonderful family.

buc1980
Explorer
Explorer
Computers can go bad at any time my TCM GO OUT AT 1000 MILE.
2017 Ford F350 DRW,2005 Kountry Star 35ft,16750 lb weight on SAILUN tire,6 points LIPPERD Level-up.New Mor/ryde IS suspension install.Full body paint 2022.RV flex roof 2023

garyemunson
Explorer II
Explorer II
Generally if the check engine light comes on, the computer is working fine. You might want to buy a code reader at Harbor Freight and learn how to read it (very simple). This way you will know if the repair facility is trying to scam you.

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
samsontdog wrote:
The Tech said it shorted every thing out. I asked "Why does it still run good? "
He said "**** happens" This was at the Ford Dealership in Yuma


Think about your question and don't spend the money to get a new ECM?
I'm betting 98% that the Tech is full of sh.....

I'm about as anti dealer as they get for a good reason. Just took my old work truck in. Told them what I wanted fixed. The dealer calls someone else in the company and gets permission for a bunch of other work.
I couldn't technically call BS on most of the items, although super suspect.
BUT he said they replaced a power steering hose that was leaking bad.
Asked why there has been no drips on my clean paved driveway for the last 6 months of that is the case.
Truth be told, I, we, the company just got fleeced. Lucky for them I have days of issues stacked up worth more than an extra $1500 in un needed repairs.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

lbrjet
Explorer
Explorer
I would also suggest getting a 2nd opinion. Doesn't sound right.
2010 F250 4X4 5.4L 3.73 LS
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equalizer E4 1200/12000

Terryallan
Explorer II
Explorer II
samsontdog wrote:
I started my 2003 F250 Ford V10 eng with 105K miles. One owner, looks new. The check eng light came on and stayed on. I took it into the Ford place here in Yuma and 3 hrs later they said I need a new computer. Cost will be $700.00 WOW. At 100K miles I had a complete tune up as I did not want to pay over $40K for a new P/Up
That was $900 for new hoses, new brakes, trans flushed, rad flushed.
new plugs plus other things. Now I wished that I had sold it last year as I was offered $15K Oh well, after I get back to Calif I WILL sell it. I never in the past kept any Vehicle with over 75K miles
Anybody have computer problem on there Tow V ?


I had the instrument cluster computer go out. It controls everything except lights, and transmission. I mean everything, speedo, fuel gage, odometer power windows, AC heat, tach, seats everything. Happened 5 years ago. Was going to cost $650 to replace it. And yes the ford store tried EVERYTHING to restart it.

So I ordered one. Towed the TT home, parked and went inside. Unknown to me, because NONE of the warning bussers worked. I left the lights on. Needless to say the battery died COMPLETELY. I had to jump the truck off. and when I did. It jolted, and rebooted, the cluster, and started working again. Kept working for 5 more years. BTW, I canceled the order.

My advise to you. Turn the lights on. Let the battery die completely. And jump start the TV. Could maybe restart it. Worked for me. And yes. The ford store unhooked the battery to reboot it. Didn't work. But jump starting did
Terry & Shay
Coachman Apex 288BH.
2013 F150 XLT Off Road
5.0, 3.73
Lazy Campers

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
Board? Is this the power board and not the ECM?

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker

KD4UPL
Explorer
Explorer
If the truck still runs fine then why replace the board even if it is "bad". Just drive it. I know people who have driven vehicles for years with the check engine light on.

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
The main board in my SUV went bad. I lost my headlights, but not my turn or brake lights. I lost my interior lights, but not my dash lights. Everything else was fine.

The main board controls a lot of stuff and if one part goes bad you can't just fix that - the whole board has to be replaced.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
I would not trust this diagnosis.
Get a new opionion! If everthing was shorted out, it would not run.

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker