Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2006 Ford RV Cutaway, 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Econoline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The center of the EEC system is the PCM. The PCM contains both engine and transmission microprocessors. Operating information, as well as fault information, is communicated between the 2 processors through controller area network (CAN) communications. Both can be programmed individually, however, the PCM is replaced as an assembly. The PCM has 3 electrical connectors (122 pins total). The PCM receives input from sensors and other electronic components (switches and relays) and places this information into random access memory (RAM) or keep alive memory (KAM). Based on information programmed into its read-only memory (ROM), the PCM generates output signals to control various relays, solenoids, and actuators. For vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, only 2 electrical connectors are used.

The transmission control module (TCM) controls the power monitor strategy. The power monitor monitors the engine speed at idle. If an abnormal engine speed increase is detected, the power monitor commands the fuel injection control module (FICM) off in an effort to maintain a normal idle speed. For manual transmission vehicles, the power monitor is the only active TCM function. DTCs are stored if the power monitor is active.