Bad ECM?

[02PowerStrokeFord]

Well I finally broke down and took my truck to a shop to have it diagnosed. I was unable to diagnose it myself and could no longer put up with it not running. I had another thread attempting to find the problem.

My symptoms included an extremely rough start followed by a terrible idle, a huge loss of power, and randomly stalling at idle. While the problems seemed to get better after miles driven they never went away.

The shop told me I had a bad ECM. They said the code they retrieved was caused by a severe internal ecm failure. (P1605)

I found this strange as i have never heard of vehicles still running with a bad ecm. The mechanic told me he checked it multiple times. I do have a very large amount of trust with this mechanic as he is a relative of mine.

I am very interested in what you all have to say. Should i just go ahead and assume they are right and replace it?

[02PowerStrokeFord]

I just found the code it was P1605. Any input would be appreciated.

[riverszzr]

I can only offer this, I work on motorcycles for a living and have have never had one of them run still (in any manner, good bad or indifferent) with a bad ecm (due to "wearing out", corrosion or some other type of similar problem).

I have however had a few customers drill through their ECM (for fender eliminator and liscense plate relocation---idiots!) and they have still run, albeit with some problems. So I wouldn't say it is out of the realm of possibilities.

If you trust them, I would think it is a no brainer and do it. If it doesn't fix the problem the shop/mechanic should stand behind their work and find the real problem and not charge you for thier misdiagnosis...IMO

[02PowerStrokeFord]

Well I replaced my ECM with a known working one and my truck is still exhibiting the exact same symptoms.

The check engine light did come on and for the first time it stayed on. I took it to Auto Zone to have it read and it passed. Their scanner was unable to pick up any codes.

I am really stumped.

Any ideas? Anyone?

[ToMang07]

To read the codes, you need a really good scanner, the generic ones wont read Ford codes.

For S&G, have you replaced the CPS, and have you tried running it without the ICP plugged in?

Do you have a chip in it?