Manual/Automatic Computer difference

Lamont_24 · Dec 23, 2012

If a manual IDM is in a auto truck will it make it start out in third gear?

Bobby@cp · Dec 23, 2012

Doesn't matter if its an auto or manual, idm has nothing to do with trans.

A pcm does matter on the trans

Sent from the left lane with the hammer down...

Lamont_24 · Dec 23, 2012

Yeah I didn't think so, but if the PCM to a manual truck was put into an auto what would it do?

Bobby@cp · Dec 23, 2012

You put a pcm out of a manual truck into a truck with an auto?

Cat_rebel · Dec 23, 2012

3rd gear with no TC is "limp mode" IIRC. You need to get a auto PCM if you're running an auto. You can run a auto PCM in a manual but the throttle will usually be touchy.

Lamont_24 · Dec 23, 2012

Well I bought the truck in that condition. But that describes the problems exactly. Do I need to go to ford to get a PCM or where can I get one?

Cat_rebel · Dec 23, 2012

Lamont_24 said:
Well I bought the truck in that condition. But that describes the problems exactly. Do I need to go to ford to get a PCM or where can I get one?

I would check O'reillys if you can't find one local, I know some people that have had good luck with their remans. WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY cheaper than Ford will be.

Lamont_24 · Dec 23, 2012

Alright good deal, thanks for the help

co04cobra · Dec 24, 2012

What year is the truck? I have several PCMs laying around.

Lamont_24 · Dec 24, 2012

co04cobra said:
What year is the truck? I have several PCMs laying around.

It's a 95

SDstroker · Dec 24, 2012

PM sent

Mark Kovalsky · Dec 24, 2012

Cat_rebel said:
3rd gear with no TC is "limp mode" IIRC. You need to get a auto PCM if you're running an auto. You can run a auto PCM in a manual but the throttle will usually be touchy.

Fourth gear with no torque converter lock is what the trans will do with a manual trans PCM. That's the default if there is no input. There is no "limp mode" for the transmission.

Cat_rebel · Dec 24, 2012

Mark Kovalsky said:
Fourth gear with no torque converter lock is what the trans will do with a manual trans PCM. That's the default if there is no input. There is no "limp mode" for the transmission.

Thanks Mark, wasn't sure the tech term for it & it's been a few years since I had dealt with that issue.

Lamont_24 · Dec 24, 2012

So if I have a ts chip on it should I try and cross reference numbers on it to an auto one to make sure the ts works? Or just say screw it and get my chip reburned?

Lamont_24 · Dec 28, 2012

Where is the PCM located on the truck? I think I'm getting computers mixed up, the IDM is the little silver box a six pos chip plugs into right? Where is the other computer? I need to get this figured out quick since I leave for Ohio next Friday

POWER-STRUCK · Dec 28, 2012

check trans connector on pass side, if it is disconnected it will do the same

Lamont_24 · Dec 28, 2012

POWER-STRUCK said:
check trans connector on pass side, if it is disconnected it will do the same

It's got a rebuilt trans with zero miles on it that was put in this weekend

Lamont_24 · Dec 28, 2012

I mean all the plugs are all just plugged in

78f100 · Dec 28, 2012

The pcm is behind the e brake, its what the chip plugs into. IDM is a silver box under the hood. You have to pull the inner finder to remove the pcm but can change chips from behind the e brake.

I did a zf5 swap and kept my auto pcm because of the chip, it works great but you cant use a manual pcm in a auto.

true98jeep · Dec 28, 2012

Cross reference to find what PCM numbers will work on your truck I just had to replace the PCM on our 01 napa sells them for around 350 if you an find one the best deal I got was on eBay from a place in Texas for 275 shipped and it has worked great even has a warranty shoot me a if you have any other questions