Keep Alive Random Access Memory (RAM)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Excursion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The PCM stores information in keep alive random access memory (RAM) (a memory integrated circuit chip) about vehicle operating conditions, and then uses this information to compensate for component variability. Keep Alive RAM remains powered when the vehicle key is off so that this information is not lost.