Hey Guys. I have a bit of a major problem. I took my Monte in for some stalling and "hiccuping" issues. The only way i can describe the hiccuping is like when the house lights flicker in a bad storm, anyways the dealership now says its the computer and it needs to be replaced for a grand total of about $1300 bucks. Has anyone changed it out on their own with one from Ebay for whatever? and what type of computer is it? its vital I get this fixed soon. I dont want to be seen driving a ford for to long '02 SS by the way.

 

I'm a bit skeptical of the computer (which I assume is either the PCM or the BCM) doing this.

What you are explaining sounds like a dirty ground or connection somewhere. If I follow your description, it's like the power dims or fades for a split second?

If I am correct in understanding your description, then first try checking and cleaning the connections on the battery and possibly the starter. If problems persist, try getting a battery/alt test first from a local parts store (it's free to have done).

 

If it is the PCM, you unfortunately can't just buy one off eBay and put it in. They need to be programmed to your VIN.

With that said, you CAN go about this very cheaply, if you do 100% determine that the PCM is the issue we can walk you through how you can get it swapped out. However you might have a little downtime with the car.

 

The folks selling the ECM or PCM which ever it may may be, will program them for the vin. Ive never had to deal with this problem before but $1300 dollars seems a little much to be honest.
Monte Carlo 2001 2002 Engine Computer PCM ECM 12209624 Programmed to Your Vin | eBay

And Maniac, its a some what new battery in the car. I have have checked the cables on it and as far as i can tell they are all nice and tight. its ot that the power fades for a second. the car like shuts down with the RPMs dropping down to 0.

 

get a ZZP 1.0 PCM for $125 ($175 after core charge). not only do you eliminate the pcm as the problem, you also have a "tuned" pcm that will make your car feel much much better.

$1500 is highway robbery and i would call them out on it. that is absolutely F'ing bat **** crazy!

 

Just because it's a newer battery, don't rule it out. Chibi and I BOTH had newer batteries fail (mine was a year old and his was I think a week old) during this past summer.
Still might be worth getting a batt/alt test just to see and go from there.

 

i totally agree with getting your alt/battery tested...check ALL grounds...also, remove the wiring harness to the pcm and make sure that there are no corroded wires and/or pins in the pcm...also, do the same with the harness on the passenger side of the engine...check all pins and connectors...try running the car and wiggle any harnesses while the engine is running...that way you may be able to narrow down any wire(s) that may need to be replaced...there are to many people that want to just replace the pcm or say get one from here, or get one from there...let's do a little bit of diagnostics and not just replace parts...you can replace anything from the radiator cap on down, but you may not fix your problem LOL

 

Yep, I was chasing down a battery issue for a while, replaced everything I could think of and then for fun just had my 1 week old battery tested and it failed.

 

glad to hear that a PIECE of the puzzle may be resolved...

 

Once 8 get the car back I'll take a look at all of that before I order the computer. I'm hoping to get it back today or tomorrow. I'll let y'all know what I find.