New computer needed. Which ones are compatible?

[marky_mark]

Needing to get a new ecu for my 86 4X4 extra cab with a 5 speed and 2.9. Looking online at a local junkyard (luckily they post the man. numbers from their units on the website) and they aren't necessarily matching.

For instance mine is: E6TF-12A650-M2C
The junkyards is: E6TF-12A650-C2D

Its coming out of a truck that is an 86 4X4 single cab with a 5 speed and 2.9.

Is it really gonna be a huge difference? Is there someone that could help me break down what these numbers possibly mean? Thanks!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

@adsm08
@RonD

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

D08 is the non egr 2.9 ecm. Your truck has egr (or is supposed to). A non egr ecm will deactivate your egr system.

Dont focus on part numbers. Thats the code for the case and circuit board.

Theres a three letter code at the top that is the engine management strategy code.

Moates lists a few for 2.9. Let me go.pull the list.

 

[RonD]

The 4x4 part doesn't matter

Just manual or automatic is the big deal
And of course engine size/model

EGR does matter BUT.................if you have an EGR system you can use a non-EGR computer, it just has a different spark advance curve, and EGR just won't work

But if you don't have an EGR system then you can not use an EGR computer, one reason is the CEL(check engine light) would be on all the time, second reason is it may ping/knock during acceleration because spark curve is setup for EGR cooling the cylinders

 

[RonD]

Here's a page that shows the code numbers PetroleumJunkie412 is referring to: http://www.fuelinjectedford.com/page17.html

If you scroll down you will see other 2.9l codes that have been decoded


Ford never released any cross reference for these codes, or for the suffix codes in the part number

E6TF-12A650-M2C

E6TF = 1986 small truck, E6 = 1986, E7 = 1987, ect..........F1 = 1991

12A650 = Engine computer(PCM), all Ford engine computers have this center number, Ford still uses it in 2020, so not year or model specific

Suffix
M2C = ???, its said to be a firmware number, on other Ford parts its a Revision number

 

[marky_mark]

Ok. Just to put it all together, as long as one comes out of a truck with a 2.9 and manual trans, and the 3 digit code that Petroleum brought up matches, it should run correctly (If it did before).

Since I'm new with messing with any electronics in a vehicle, would it be worth the risk of using a junkyard unit, or should I pony up a bit more money for a reman. unit from the parts store?

I appreciate the replies btw!

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Best thing to find is.any 2.9 manual in the JY. Id take a used or yard unit over a "reman" any day.

8DT is 2.9 manual non egr.

Worst case? Microsquirt. Best thing I ever did to mine.

 

[Dirtman]

Computers is fancy thinkin boxes.

 

[Paulos]

Looking at Rock Auto's listings, your Ranger has a California emissions ECM, and the C2D (CD) is Federal emissions.

1986 FORD RANGER 2.9L 177cid V6 Engine Control Module (ECM Computer) | Shop Now at RockAuto

Electrical Parts and More for Your 1986 FORD RANGER at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

 

[marky_mark]

Just a quick follow up.

I bought the computer from the junkyard that I described up top. Plugged it in, through some fuel in and started up quick and runs fairly well (Sat for a few years and runs as well as I remember it). When I got it, I compared it to my old computer and noticed the pins didn't match at all. It turned out that the new computer had all the pins my computer had plus extras mine didnt.

Just for my own curiosity, does anyone know where I might be able to find a pinout diagram for the ecu? The only ones I've been able to find have been for 1990+ or for a 4 cylinder. Nothing for a 1986-1988 2.9.

 

[Dirtman]

I think @PetroleumJunkie412 has the pinout diagram.

 

[Paulos]

What year do you need it for? '86-'88 are all different.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Have em all. Need door code or Vin minus truck id

Haynes has most complete diagrams, as well as www.veryuseful.com having the Mustang diagrams. Been meaning to make a modified one for first Gen, but no time.

Either way. Haynes manual and a highlighter.

Odds are a egr vs non egr ecm. What code did you have and what code do you have now? Have most of their maps...

 

[Paulos]

Here's '86 through '88 from the UB-80 Breakout Box Manual, with the Sensor Operating Range Charts. I'm interested to know if these differ from what @PetroleumJunkie412 has.

 

[wildbill23c]

Best thing to find is.any 2.9 manual in the JY. Id take a used or yard unit over a "reman" any day.

8DT is 2.9 manual non egr.

Worst case? Microsquirt. Best thing I ever did to mine.

What is a microsquirt and where can you get them, are they just drop in ready, or do I need a dealership to program it?