My second pcm module cloning experience...

Another shop came to me to clone a PCM for another ford 6.2L truck. I was excited, obviously, another satisfied customer spreading to everyone they know the value I provided them. I know I covered my basis with the customer when we talked about doing this: you can get a bad used computer, you might not even need a computer/lets diagnose it, here are the options new/used/repair that you have before you, worse case scenario you have a spare computer for down the road.  It was Friday and I needed money for more tools. Fast forward to Monday and here the truck is at the shop...

70 might seem like the right amount of (skittles) but it is a great too many for DTCs stored in the PCM. This is currently unfolding in my shop and has shown me some interesting things in this business. When I was approached about cloning a ECM I thought they had already tried the normal solutions to their problems aka a Tune Up. Unfortunately for me when they had first mentioned to me this 2011 Ford F250 with a 6.2L that barely run I did not think to ask what they had already done to resolve the problem. That would be a big NOTHING. I had mentioned a story about a 2012 needing a PCM because they have a common problem with engine control modules having internal injector/coil driver problems on the circuit board. Next thing I know they were like we bought a used computer can you clone it for us? Well of course... these things are stupid straight forward so long as they buy a computer with the same part number as I can only clone the Immobilizer data (vin & keys) for this specimen (not programming).

After a compression test and replacing a couple of coils that had literally disintegrated internally the vehicle now started and ran like it should. There was a code about having transmission programming that was corrupted resulting in it not shifting properly. While some fingers were pointed at me and the cloned module we decided to put the original one back in. Low and behold the transmission now shifted properly. This was a case of when cloning was completely unnecessary because no one bothers to follow the initial steps in diagnostic the issues the vehicle was plagued with. Some people blamed the cloning process but I was as straight forward about this specific ecu as anyone could be.

As I tell everyone... you could get a bad used module that is no better then your own. I provide multiple attempts at cloning for this very reason. On this specific computer the vin number and key information (Immobilizer) are stored on a separate chip then the actual programming that runs the vehicle. The data I copied over was just the EEPROM data not the specific vehicle programming that is stored in the microcontroller. Had I a Hexprog II, KESS v3 or autotune/magic motorsports device I would have been able to copy over the programming as well but this was a straight forwards open the cover and copy the immobilizer data type job as explicitly explained to the customer. Of course they did not care what it costs so long as the vehicle was fixed... and now, with an expensive tune up, it was.

We learn something everyday and what we learn is that being able to copy the programming is something that can save you in a cloning job. That being said: maybe the more expensive tools that offer COMPLETE cloning of a module are probably a better value for your customer. In this case someone sold a used computer that someone had messed uy by trying to reflash with different programming where the ability to completely copy a used module to another would have completely eliminated issues faced by the vehicle because of human error I could have never expected to be a problem I would be expected to be accountable for...