2002 2003 2004 2005 Ford Thunderbird 3.9L PCM ECM ECU

biddle

biddle

Forum Moderator
Staff member
Last seen
Joined
Mar 9, 2003
Thunderbird Year
2003
To search for a PCM/EMC/ECU for all makes & models of vehicles (Dodge, Toyota, Jeep, Pontiac, Chrysler) etc click here.

The PCM units from seller "fs1inc" will arrive Programmed & Updated to your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) with the most recent manufacturer updates. These updates will also help improve the performance and fuel economy of your vehicle. If your vehicle is PATS (Passive Antitheft System) equipped or has a computer chip in your key, you may need to have the keys reprogrammed by a Locksmith or Ford Dealer. If you do not have PATS, your Powertrain Control Module will be Plug and Play.

After you purchase below, send them your VIN number which assures you get the correct part as well.

2002 Ford Thunderbird PCM- Purchase Links below or click here to view all 2002 PCM's
2U7A-12A650-BTA, 2U7A-12A650-BTB, 2U7A-12A650-FTA, 2W6A-12A650-AA, 2W6A-12A650-BA, 2W6A-12A650-CA, 2W6A-12A650-CA, 2W6A-12A650-CA, 2W6A-12A650-DB, 2W6A-12A650-EA, 2W6A-12A650-EB, 2W6A-12A650-EC, 2W6A-12A650-ED
Hardware Codes are NCB-210 NCB-310 NCB-311 NCB-312

2003 Ford Thunderbird PCM- Purchase Links below or click here to view all 2003 PCM's
3U7A-12A650-GDA, 3U7A-12A650-GDB, 3U7A-12A650-GEA, 3U7A-12A650-GEB, 3W6A-12A650-AA, 3W6A-12A650-AB, 3W6A-12A650-AC, 3W6A-12A650-AD, 3W6A-12A650-AE, 3W6A-12A650-AF, 3W6A-12A650-AH, 3W6A-12A650-AJ, 3W6A-12A650-AK, 3W6A-12A650-BA, 3W6A-12A650-BB, 3W6A-12A650-BC, 3W6A-12A650-BD, 3W6A-12A650-BE, 3W6A-12A650-BF, 3W6A-12A650-BH, 3W6A-12A650-BJ & 3W6A-12A650-BK
Hardware codes HBO-340 & HBO-360

2004 Ford Thunderbird PCM- Purchase Link
4W6A-12A650-AA, 4W6A-12A650-CA, 4W6A-12A650-DA, 4W6A-12A650-EA, 4W6A-12A650-GA, 4W6A-12A650-HA, 4W6A-12A650-KA, 4W6A-12A650-LA, 4W6A-12A650-TA, 4W6A-12A650-TB, 4W6A-12A650-TC, 4W6A-12A650-UA & 4W6A-12A650-UB
Hardware codes HBO-340 & HBO-360


2005 Ford Thunderbird PCM- Purchase Link
5W6A-12A650-AA, 5W6A-12A650-AB, 5W6A-12A650-AC, 5W6A-12A650-AD, 5W6A-12A650-AE, 5W6A-12A650-AF, 5W6A-12A650-CA, 5W6A-12A650-CB, 5W6A-12A650-CC, 5W6A-12A650-CD & 5W6A-12A650-CE
Hardware code is HBO-361


pcm-ford-thunderbird.jpg
ECM-Diagram.jpg
 
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If someone could provide a replacement video or more details/photos when replacing and send them to me, that would be amazing!
 
Looking for replacement PCM ford part no. 4w4z12a650zarm. My old unit is unrepairable. No longer available at ford distributors.
 
Do I have to unbolt part of the PCM from inside the engine compartment to remove it OR if I remove the glove box and fan box will I be able to get the PCM out from inside the car?
 
PCM REMOVAL:
  • Disconnect the battery ground cable.
  • Remove the cabin air filter plenum.
  • Remove the glove compartment.
  • Remove the components in the order indicated in the illustration and table.
PCM 1.jpg
  • Remove the components in the order indicated in the illustration and table.
PCM 2.jpg
  • Remove the PCM and bracket as an assembly through the glove compartment opening.
PCM INSTALLATION
  • To install, reverse the removal procedure.
doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
2003 TBird wouldn't start. Mechanic tested and said could not establish communication with PCM/EMC/ECU. Rechecked grounds, reference wires, etc. again. Still unable to establish communication. Took PCM from 2002 TBird and had communications (knowing would not work in 2003 but just wanted to confirm could get communications.) Ordered 2003 PCM from Flagship One, installed, and still no communication. Flagship One says return and they'll double check to make sure have communication. Put in mail today. Am wondering what else might cause failure to communicate other than a bad PCM. Thanks for any help.
 
I'm fairly certain that I have killed the ECU while trying to replace radio with android and camera. Not sure what I did, but it went berserk and windows went down, headlights were flashing and clicking noises from under hood, won't start, just solenoid clicks and it won't even connect to my OBD scanner. Any suggestions how to troubleshoot, or just have it towed to a shop?

That might be one expensive radio.
Screenshot_20231226_221331.jpegScreenshot_20231226_220607_ScanMaster.jpeg
 
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I'm fairly certain that I have killed the ECU while trying to replace radio with android and camera. Not sure what I did, but it went berserk and windows went down, headlights were flashing and clicking noises from under hood, won't start, just solenoid clicks and it won't even connect to my OBD scanner. Any suggestions how to troubleshoot, or just have it towed to a shop?

That might be one expensive radio.
View attachment 30619View attachment 30620
Did you cut or splice any wires during the install.
Did you disconnect both battery terminals before starting the installation
Did you check for any loose or broken or disconnected connections
After the installation was complete and you had the problem did try uninstalling and putting back to stock to see if undoing your install changed the cod reader connection error
These types issues almost always relate back to working on the electronics systems with the battery still connected
 
Did you cut or splice any wires during the install.
Did you disconnect both battery terminals before starting the installation
Did you check for any loose or broken or disconnected connections
After the installation was complete and you had the problem did try uninstalling and putting back to stock to see if undoing your install changed the cod reader connection error
These types issues almost always relate back to working on the electronics systems with the battery still connected
Thanks Brax, yes, installing an aftermarket radio required disconnecting and reconnecting only the positive battery terminal, assembled a Metra harness with solder and shrink tubing and splicing camera positive, negative and apparently an spdt relay based on posts in this forum. No point in doing anything with the radio at this point.

It was the connection to backup lamp and relay where the short occurred. I found conflicting opinions how to add that relay. I’ve pulled the new radio until the car can be started and driven. I blew the backup fuse and also appears to have taken out the PCM/ECU from that relay trial and error. My question apparently wasn’t clear, but since the car is now showing almost no sign of life, no lights, no dash, no start, only random slight sign of life and my OBD reader can’t link to the car so no way to see or clear a code. I checked every fuse and diode in all 3 fuse boxes. Only the backup fuse was blown from the camera trial (it wouldn’t trigger reverse but otherwise worked manually via the radio menu). At that point everything but the camera reverse trigger was working. After talking with a trusted mechanic and my dealer, it seems I’ll be out over $1000 for towing the car 30 miles, diagnostic and then probably the cost of reprogramming or replacing the PCM. I was hoping there might be some specific diagnostic hints.
 
At this point I would buy a pcm from biddies post, make sure all the wire are properly connected and correct back to stock condition install the pcm reconnect the battery and hopefully you will be back to stock running car and can then replace the radio with your new one if you want to try again this should be cheaper than the 1000 or more dollars and hopefully no other modules are bad
Good luck
 
Why don't you contact Automotive Modules and see if they can help.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

Module Repair.jpg

ECM.jpg
 
Why don't you contact Automotive Modules and see if they can help.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

View attachment 30627

View attachment 30628
Great idea, doug7740, that’s what I may do in the 2 weeks before a dealer can charge $219 hr to diagnose, plus cost of tow and reprogramming that PCM computer that may or not be needed!!
Actually, my next step after checking nearly 80 fuses, will be to substitute another relay for the PCM relays as those often fail causing the problems I’m seeing. Then I may spend quality time watching YouTube and with a power probe and ground checking. I definitely will not just throw overpriced parts at it.
 
When you turn the ignition switch to the on position does the Check Engine Illuminate? If it does then you have power and ground to the PCM. If it were me, I would check for voltage at terminals 32, 33 and 44 of the PCM, and I would check for ground at terminals 24, 25, 26, 27 and 43 of the PCM. If you have power and ground at those terminals then the the only thing left is the PCM itself.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue


PCM Wiring Page 1.JPG
 
When you turn the ignition switch to the on position does the Check Engine Illuminate? If it does then you have power and ground to the PCM. If it were me, I would check for voltage at terminals 32, 33 and 44 of the PCM, and I would check for ground at terminals 24, 25, 26, 27 and 43 of the PCM. If you have power and ground at those terminals then the the only thing left is the PCM itself.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue


View attachment 30635
First day I had dash warning lights, flashing lights, horn honking randomly and traction control module clicking. Windows went partly down randomly. Next day, yesterday, had enough power to do fuse tests but no dash lights or windows or locks. Then today when I tried switching PCM relays I found car almost totally dead. Found no probe voltage anywhere I probed by guess. Since I couldn’t open the trunk to check battery, I had it towed to a shop that has reprogramming capabilities and could put it inside right away. The Ford dealer wanted to leave it outside with window down indefinitely in a high crime area. Appreciate your help, but things went downhill as hours passed and clearly beyond by ability. I’ve only had the car a few weeks and gas mileage was poor, so PCM may have been distressed before I bought it. Definitely a good learning experience!!
 
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