PCU ECM ECU Replacement/Removal Question on a 93 Ranger 4.0 4x4 Auto Transmission.

[Angry Possum]

Hi all, Is it easy to remove the ECM module on a 93 Ranger 4.0 4x4 Automatic. If so, what's the best way?. I want to be proactive and order the caps just in case or a rebuilt one altogether. Further, I'm not sure the caps were replaced since 1993, as I'm the 3rd owner. It could have been, but I'm not really sure. Anyways, are there any steps/videos etc in removing the PCM/ECM, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Angry Possum]

I believe this may be my part # below for the PCM or ECM or ECU

F37F-12A650-TC
And would the last two letters TC be correct for my Ranger.

My model is:
1993 Ranger SC XLT 4.0L 4x4 Automatic

 

[RonD]

1993/4 has the PCM in the engine bay, down low on drivers side, in the firewall
Bit of a pain to access
Follow inner fender down to firewall and you will see the 60 pin connector, its up/down not sideways

1 Bolt in the center of connector to remove it
Once it's unplugged and moved back there are 2 nuts holding the cover on
Top one is easy
Bottom one you need a swivel/universal to get it off

Open the PCM, you will see the 3 Blue Capacitors, if they are Black then they were probably replaced
Always used Black replacements they are higher temp rated

Ford never published a cross reference for PCMs
F3 = 1993
7 = Ranger
F = Electronics Department
F37F would be found on any original 1993 Ranger PCM, any engine size, manual or auto

12A650 is the part number, but for ANY engine computer in any year and any model Ford, Ford still uses this number in 2023
This number is usually not used by sellers, because its meaningless when looking for a matching PCM, lol
So your replacement part number should look like this: F37F-TC

TC is, of course, what you want to match, it would be specific to engine size and transmission type, also emissions, but only for 1993 model PCM
And this is the info Ford never published

But wrecking yards have been keeping track

Go here: https://www.car-part.com/
1993
Ford Ranger
Computer Box Engine
USA
Sort by distance
YOUR Zipcode
SEARCH

New window will open
Scroll down the ECM list
F37F-TC shows up as a 4.0l 2WD manual trans model

Your profile say 4.0l 4WD automatic?
There are 3 4.0l 4x4 autos listed NA, XA, XB
Select what you need and...........
Search

 

[RobbieD]

Open the PCM, you will see the 3 Blue Capacitors, if they are Black then they were probably replaced
Always used Black replacements they are higher temp rated

You're making me think of the infamous "Black Capsule" in MASH (the movie), haha!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I drilled a hole in the black plastic inner fender to access the bottom bolt.

 

[rumblecloud]

Agree with alwaysfloored. I'll post some pics in the morning.

 

[Angry Possum]

Question- Is it a high probability that the ECM was already repaired previously with regards to the capacitors? The truck is almost 31 years old, and like I said I purchased it 2 years ago....

Or could it possibly still be the original ECM without the capacitor upgrade. And could the original ECM last this long without the capacitor upgrade?

 

[gaz]

@Angry Possum ,
1) I expect that any PCM I remove from a vehicle or buy the wrecking yard has not been worked on.
2) with a 93 Ford Ranger PCM for OHV 4.0l, there are two (2) versions:
a) California emissions, SFI/MAC/EDIS, EGR version
b) Federal, MFI/MAF/EDIS, non-EGR version
NOTE: I had these 2 backwards as the California is the SFI (text corrected)
You need to get the correct version for your engine.

 

[Angry Possum]

@Angry Possum ,
1) I expect that any PCM I remove from a vehicle or buy the wrecking yard has not been worked on.
2) with a 93 Ford Ranger PCM for OHV 4.0l, there are two (2) versions:
a) California emissions, MFI/MAF/EDIS, EGR version
b) Federal, SFI/MAC/EDIS, non-EGR version

You need to get the correct version for your engine.

Yes, thanks for that, I'll be leaning towards the Federal emissions version and not the California emissions version. And if worse comes to worse I'll just purchase the capacitors and do it myself, I'm pretty handy with electrical soldering. There's some capacitor kits sold on eBay that I have been eyeing.

 

[rumblecloud]

Mine is a 94 and I can guarantee it has not been worked on since I am the original owner. When I pulled it, I found that the only thing needed was to clean the ground located on the driver's side fender well. The capacitors looked ok, but did have some minor leakage.

Here's the string

Also to get to the bottom bolt as alwaysfloored said, you can cut a hole in the wheel well to get better access. I think it's a 10mm.

 

[Angry Possum]

Mine is a 94 and I can guarantee it has not been worked on since I am the original owner. When I pulled it, I found that the only thing needed was to clean the ground located on the driver's side fender well. The capacitors looked ok, but did have some minor leakage.

Here's the string

Also to get to the bottom bolt as alwaysfloored said, you can cut a hole in the wheel well to get better access. I think it's a 10mm.

Thanks for that. Interesting.