Ford Tear Tags, Rebuilt PCMs, NASTF 519
Posted to Technical Tips Forum on 6/22/2013
23 Replies
My position as "NAPA Flash" exposes me to all levels of
technicians, parts and circumstances regarding vehicle
modules and installations. I program new, rebuilt and even
used modules for our local customer base. Some ECMs are only
available through the oem dealer network; which lead to my
filing an NASTF information request.
I was called to do a pmi (programmable module installation)
on a Ford vehicle. The replacement module was a rebuilt unit
from Ford. The instructions with the unit were very
specific; use the tear tag to correctly program the
replacement unit. Ford replacement module instructions
The pcm had been replaced with another unit, all tags had
been removed. The tear tag was barely legible; but I could
read some of the letters. I verified the tear tag by
inspecting 2 other vehicles in the customers fleet.
What about next time, when there were no labels, tag or
fleet vehicles to use for information? I tried to discover
if there was a method to obtain tear tag codes through VIN
information. I did not receive any positive answers. I then
e-mailed the Motorcraft IDS help line. I was told to take
the car to the local dealer. I reviewed all of my
information, or lack of information and decided to file an
Information Request with NASTF. Even after I quoted the
instructions contained in the Ford replacement module; Ford
informed NASTF that there was no way to obtain tear tag
information. NASTF closed my request because no one, even
Ford dealers, could obtain the needed information in an
official manner.
I responded to the Ford representative that I was amazed
that and authorized Ford dealers and certified Ford techs
were left to their own devices to correctly program a
replacement module. Further correspondence from Ford stated
they would research this information gap.
While pondering my next move, I received a e-mail from Mr
Kevin Brady, IDS Director, Ford Engineering operations,
acknowledging the information gap and the proposed fix. Tear
tag information would be included in most as built listings.
Response from Ford
Here is the result. replacement Ford module replacement
module from Ford, replacement module tear tag with
different tear tag. Tear tag on cowl Original tear tag
on vehicle, hard to read, will soon fall of vehicle.
Vehicle vin sticker Vehicle getting replacement module,
Ford as built request , requesting tear tag info, as
built information with tear tag . As built info with tear
tag.
Thanks to Ford for addressing the problem and providing a
speedy resolution.
I would advise to use the tear tag method on every Ford
module replacement.
Michael from New Jersey
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