Powertrain Control Module Programming BA BF FG Ford Falcons. Ok Ford enthusiasts. I have put together a small article on BA BF FG Falcon Powertrain control module identification and module programming for both our private and trade customers. This article will assist you in identifying the correct replacement module for your vehicle and provide a small amount of information regarding module programming and why it is imperative to follow the correct processes when installing a replacement recycled powertrain control module.
CORRECT MODULE IDENTIFICATION
All BA BF or FG Ford Falcon powertrain control modules have information pertaining to their identification written on the tear tag affixed to the ECU. Listed above is a Standard FG Ford Falcon ECU. The numbers we need to concern ourselves with are the following Powertrain control module hardware number: in this case APS-232 and the PCM part number in this instance 8r29-12a650-cb. Note i have called it the PCM part number as in BA and earlier model falcons that number specifically refers to the as built software data programmed into the module on manufacture of the vehicle. As an example for a BA falcon xr6 Turbo you may see the hardware number ABU-244 and the software calibration 3r23-12a650-aha listed on the tear tag. On BF and later falcons this sticker does not reflect the software calibration those details are listed on the sticker inside of the “a” pillar on the right hand front door. shown below.
Vehicle calibration identification sticker
As noted the PCM software calibration is a 3 digit number rather than the two digit numbers shown on the PCM itself. This number specifically applies to this type of vehicle.
SOFTWARE UPDATES
We have now established that the details listed on the PCM for BA Falcon or earlier and the Calibration Sticker for BF Falcon or later advise the software calibration for the vehicle at the time it was built. It is important to acknowledge that throughout the life of the vehicle Ford motor company will make changes to the software calibration of the vehicle to assist in resolving warranty problems or improve things like fuel economy or noise vibration or harshness problems. These calibration changes can be observed in the changes to the software calibration numbers and usually relate as follows.
BA Falcon XR6 Turbo PCM
Calibration: as built data calibration 3r23-12a650-aha.
pcm update 1. 3r23-12a650-ahb
pcm update 2. 3r23-12a650-ahc
pcm update 3. 3r23-12a650-ahd
It is important to state that each time a PCM is correctly installed using the Ford IDS scan tool i will immediately identify the lastes calibration and installs it into the pcm. Often when you see the last digit of a calibration being different to the donor PCM this is the only difference and is resolved during the programming process.
Powertrain Control Module Programming BA BF FG Ford Falcons is best thought of in a similar sense to other information technology devices, hardware- the box provided by the manufacturer that acts as the PCM and Software-the information programmed into the module to allow the vehicle to operate. As long as the hardware number matches that module can be reprogrammed to the specific requirements of the repaired vehicle.
Why do i need to install it with the factory calibration?
Many automotive workshops offer an installation service for BA BF FG Ford falcon Powertrain control modules. Some of these workshops do this by fitting a module to the vehicle and conducting a passive anti theft parameter reset. This will leave the module with the donor vehicle calibration and simply link the PCM to the vehicles security system to enable it to operate. This can be a problem for a number of reasons.
- Modern vehicles are often programmed to aftermarket tuning specifications including but not limited to different fuel injectors, air intake, exhaust and boost characteristics. Use of an aftermarket program with factory equipment can cause over/under fuelling and expensive engine damage and driveability problems. Reprogramming the vehicle correctly will inevitably reduce the risk of catastrophic engine failure in those instances.
- Specific in vehicle programming parameters such as ABS variant coding and transmission information vary between vehicles and build dates this information will often require calibration to ensure the vehicle will operate without fault.
At Athol Park Wreckers all our module programming is done correctly with the latest factory software calibrations. Our experienced staff are capable and ensure module programming etiquette is followed to the letter. This means a better product and less problems for a customer. So when you are looking to replace or diagnose a fault with a BA BF of FG Ford Falcon PCM just think about contacting us. We can save you time and money.
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Do you need Powertrain Control Module Programming BA BF FG Ford Falcons contact us on 08 8341 1122.
