I’ve got a 2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer with the 4.0L V6. Recently, a mechanic checked my powertrain control module (PCM) and suggested it might be the source of my issues, but the vehicle itself runs fine. The only codes I’m getting are related to emissions, and I’ve already replaced multiple parts in the EVAP system, like the vent valve, because I was hearing air escaping around the gas tank area. Nothing has worked, and now I’m starting to think the PCM could actually be the problem.
Unfortunately, Ford doesn’t make PCMs for this model anymore, and I’m hesitant to trust an aftermarket one. Since the car still drives fine, I’m in no rush to fix it, but is it possible to have my PCM reprogrammed at a dealership or some other reliable place?
The codes should give you more insight. What specific codes are you seeing?
You can find some reputable shops that sell rebuilt PCMs with a warranty. Just stay away from cheap options on eBay or Facebook. Remember, emissions codes and PCM codes are different, so focusing on emissions won’t solve PCM-related issues if both are present.
@Marley
I’m seeing codes P0455, P0403, P0401, P0054, and P0056, just from my basic code reader. My mechanic, who’s a family friend, used his advanced scanner and found at least 15 EVAP-related codes.
Wei said: @Marley
I’m seeing codes P0455, P0403, P0401, P0054, and P0056, just from my basic code reader. My mechanic, who’s a family friend, used his advanced scanner and found at least 15 EVAP-related codes.
And these codes don’t even stay consistent. They show up, then disappear.
Wei said: @Marley
I’m seeing codes P0455, P0403, P0401, P0054, and P0056, just from my basic code reader. My mechanic, who’s a family friend, used his advanced scanner and found at least 15 EVAP-related codes.
Were all those codes related to the EVAP system? If so, what makes you think it’s a PCM issue?
@Marley
Since everything in the EVAP system seems fine and the check engine light is still on, I’m leaning toward a PCM issue. I did see some PCM codes on his scanner, though I couldn’t read them. Plus, I had a cylinder 5 misfire that never threw a code, which makes me think the computer might not be processing data correctly.
@Marley
Another weird thing is that the EGR valve, EVAP purge valve solenoid, EVAP vent valve, and the bank 1 sensor 2 are all brand new. I’ve had multiple mechanics check the emissions system, and they couldn’t find anything wrong.
Just a thought… there might be a communication issue between the EVAP components and the PCM. I’m not an expert, so not sure how you’d go about troubleshooting that.
Marley said:
Just a thought… there might be a communication issue between the EVAP components and the PCM. I’m not an expert, so not sure how you’d go about troubleshooting that.
That’s possible. After replacing the vent valve solenoid earlier today, the check engine light hasn’t come back on. I drove it around a lot today, and normally the light would pop back on within 20 minutes. But who knows, it might still show up tomorrow.
A misfire should throw a code, and you’d usually get a flashing check engine light, too.
If it were me, I’d take it to the best tech I could find. Hope someone here can help you more, but I’m all out of ideas. Good luck, and keep us posted.
@Marley
That’s the issue I’ve been dealing with. I went to a few different mechanics who couldn’t figure out why it was running rough or shaking at idle. One even called me ‘crazy.’ Turns out cylinder 5 had a cracked spark plug.