Moving a car back to the US for a repair? ECU probs

[Byff]

I've got a Lincoln Navigator that's decided to die.

The ECU has packed in, it's not talking to an OBD diagnostic computer, not communicating with the PATS anti-theft unit and showing dashes where the milage should be.

I phoned the states for a replacement ECU - no problem, just refit the unit and get it re-programmed. Where do you get it re-programmed - oh, just bring it into the dealer. Can it be programmed out of the vehicle - No sir!

I'm still tracing the wires hoping for a miracle, but does anyone know if the PCM (ECU) can be reprogrammed out of the vehicle or is it a case of shipping the car back to the states?

I'm thinking along the lines of the gumball people that did the rally in the states that year, but I don't think it'll be cheap.

[andy rob]

have you tried neil @ us imports ?
http://www.usaimports.co.uk/
hes more of mopar person, but give him a try

[Mustanglimey]

Try these http://www.mildenhallautocentre.ltd.uk/ They specilise in yanks inc' navigators etc;.
Fella fried his ECU in a new mustang. This is part of his post;
Mildenhall to their credit were fantastic. A fair price of £77 saw car reflashed and yes this was all they needed to do everything works fine again now.

[KevF]

Byff,

I would also recommend Mildenhall...John there is a top bloke and worked like a trojan to sort out a few warranty issues with my '07 Harley F150.
They work with all kinds of American stuff off the air bases nearby and are an authorised warranty dealer for American personnel (not Uk imports though) and have access to all the reprogramming equipment.
Give them a call and ask to speak to John. Tell him Kevin with the Harley davidson Saleen truck recommended him. Wont get you a discount but may get you some free phone time with him.

HTH.

Kev

[Byff]

I've dropped him an eMail, cheers Kevin & Mustanglimey.

Edited by Byff on Friday 17th July 00:08

[SVTRick]

Yeah John is very helpfull.
I needed the WDS (Ford Hardware on adapted Laptop)unit to check out a possible ECU problem and also traced an injector issue on a run up the road.

I do have brand new Ford ECU in a box but not sure if it's the correct
one for your vehicle (This was supplied for 2003 Ford Lightning however may be re-programable for another vehicle)

[Byff]

I'm hoping it doesn't come to that, but what sort of price did you pay for the ECU?

[Byff]

I must have caught this John on an off day, because he couldn't have been more un-helpfull if he tried.

If anyone has any information of the PCM, could they check to see if the black/lt green wire that comes from the PCM relay and fuse goes onto pin 63 of the PCM?

[ringram]

If it was GM you would be sorted easily. Someone must have an ECU programmer.
Try some of the mustang guys, they might have tuner software that can flash an ECU.

[Huffy]

Not sure where you are based but have you tried any of the dealers who import this sort of stuff - say Bauer Millet, American Carriage Company, Newport Imports, 51st State etc etc

[Byff]

SVTRick said:

I do have brand new Ford ECU in a box but not sure if it's the correct
one for your vehicle (This was supplied for 2003 Ford Lightning however may be re-programable for another vehicle)

My PCM code is 1L1F-12A650-BD with LNP3 after it. Does that match yours?

[KevF]

Byff,

Sorry about John. He hasnt been like that with me or any body Ive recommended him too.Not sure whats up.

Anyway, failing that speak to Charles at 51st State. He may be able to help further but I do know they have used Mildenhall in the past too.

If the only option you are left with is shipping back to the US, then speak with John at Golden Chariots. They ship stuff in and out of the USA all the time.

Kev

[SVTRick]

The one I have is NLP2

If I can get into this Ford data disc I may be able to find
a wiring diagram.

Problem is the PC hangs when I load the data, never used to.
Always been a source of usefull information for quite a few models.

[SVTRick]

Byff said:

If anyone has any information of the PCM, could they check to see if the black/lt green wire that comes from the PCM relay and fuse goes onto pin 63 of the PCM?

Have looked on my data disc.
On the 5.4L pin 63 is not used.
However not sure what year or model you Navi is.

[ringram]

Silly question, but you have pulled the power off it to hard reset it already havnt you?

[Byff]

If a hard reset means physically removing the PCM, removing the cover for a quick look inside and re-installing it in the engine bay so I can test it easier, then yes - I've done that.

Well, I'm off to the States now after after a week of searching, I still don't know what I need to buy to get the car fixed. I'm just going to buy a load of random stuff that I think it might be. I'll also see about getting a proper CD/DVD/book with some tech data that might actually answer some questions.

I'm now on my hols so I'm not thinking of broken down cars till next week.

[Byff]

SVTRick said:

Byff said:

If anyone has any information of the PCM, could they check to see if the black/lt green wire that comes from the PCM relay and fuse goes onto pin 63 of the PCM?

Have looked on my data disc.
On the 5.4L pin 63 is not used.
However not sure what year or model you Navi is.

It's a 2001 Navigator 5.4V8 2WD I think it's the R vin plated one. I don't know if your disc has the wiring diagrams, but it's deffinately the black/light green wire I need to know what pin it goes too.

[SVTRick]

Byff said:

SVTRick said:

Byff said:

If anyone has any information of the PCM, could they check to see if the black/lt green wire that comes from the PCM relay and fuse goes onto pin 63 of the PCM?

Have looked on my data disc.
On the 5.4L pin 63 is not used.
However not sure what year or model you Navi is.

It's a 2001 Navigator 5.4V8 2WD I think it's the R vin plated one. I don't know if your disc has the wiring diagrams, but it's deffinately the black/light green wire I need to know what pin it goes too.

OK got into the PCM pin out and wiring schedule.

There is a LG/BK (light Green / Black) wire listed & not BK/LG.
This is connected to pin 56 and listed as EVAP Canister Purge Valve.
(circut 191 )
(on a Lightning this valve is located on the firewall above the brake booster.)

Have checked the PCM Relay wiring and there is no BK/LG wire listed.

Edited by SVTRick on Sunday 19th July 09:43

Edited by SVTRick on Sunday 19th July 09:59

[Byff]

Thanks for checking that out for me. I'm going to see if I can find a Navigator specific wiring diagram while I'm in the states.

I've just checked my luggage allowances, I might be able to get 4 brake discs back home in my allowance - result!

[BauerMillett]

If you're still having trouble, it would be worth talking to our Service Department (0161 872 3933). Our franchise is GM, but as we have sold a number of Ford/Lincoln vehicles, we have to support those vehicles. We can program most modules on recent American Ford/Lincoln vehicles. It would certainly be worth giving it a try before shipping your Navigator back over to the States.

Neil
Bauer Millett Parts Dept.