Fragility of the PCM??? "Plug and Play Replaceable? Or big time Dealership issue?

[Lone Ranger]

How stable are the PCM units? I think that is the right component, the main brain for the engine.. Right now I don't even know where it is. But anyway, what about a nearby lightening strike or something like that, how fragile are they?

Can you just carry a spare, plug and play, tune it yourself with something like the Superchips Microtuner?

The reason I ask, is Australia is a BIG place with FEW PEOPLE... The Dealership might be a Looooooong way away... You Guys have a Dealership on about every corner, more in one State than we have in the Nation... So the thinking here is for the more remote area. It might be a thought for me to purchase and carry a spare?? Depending on the answers to above regarding 'Plug and Play"

What a great Forum...

[mschn99]

the pcm is pretty easy to get to.....but they rarely, and i mean rarely have a problems so i dont think you should worry bout it.....Marc

[Lone Ranger]

Originally Posted by mschn99

the pcm is pretty easy to get to.....but they rarely, and i mean rarely have a problems so i dont think you should worry bout it.....Marc

Marc, imagine leaving home in California, going over the Rocky Mountains, through the deserts of the Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and up through the Midwest in a drought type area, couple thousand kilometres, and only seeing a few small towns, no Dealerships, no support, only wild country, on your way trying to get to the Ford Dealer in Detroit.... That is like Australia... Would you still feel the same way about carrying a spare PCM ?

I have spare radiator hoses, belts, fuel filters, and a lot of gear. PCM? Or what else would you carry... CPS? Imagine your FORD on Mars.... Mission to Mars was filmed here... What would you like to have on board to keep your witto twuck going??

Just thinking like on Mars.... I have a spare VECU (Vehicle Electronic Control Unit) and a spare EECU (Engine Elec Cont Unit) .... While they did cost $$ they have already been programmed and are "Plug and Play". The money is just tied up not lost, as if I don't use them I can always sell them for $$...

So what would you carry being a Professional Ford Techie? Does that change the picture a little?

Regards from Oz, Lone Ranger...

[Lone Ranger]

Ooops, I forgot to say I have the spare EECU and VECU for my Mack CC 4x4 horse truck... Might have been confusing there... So given this remoteness, what would you carry? Change you concept of a spare PCM, or still not bother?

Out on the Last Frontier, Ranger...

[Jon]

I think you need to build up a little trust in your truck. All your doing is cutting down on room for refreshments. I very rarely ever see any of those things go wrong in my dealership and trust me we have one Drilling and Blasting company that does all of there business with us and what they put there Strokes through make what your describing sound like the 7-11 on the corner.

[Lone Ranger]

Thank you for that TechieinTraining,
I am a tinkerer, always looking for better ways of doing things in remote conditions, such is the nature of my business... And more toys for the truck. That is the why and wherefor, of considering all options that seem feasible or practical... But thank you for your input and Marcs input, and I will accept it and move on. No spare PCM for me...

Best Regards from out on the Frontier...

[Jon]

If for some chance it ever goes out and Crocidile Dundee hauls you out let me know. JK. I would love to go wheeling down under some time.