View Full Version : access to coyote computer necessary?
Brian76
10-26-2020, 03:16 PM
Planning to fabricate some panels to cover the ford ECU that's mounted on the outer top tubes on the passenger side. This will essentially fill that void between the footbox and F panel. My question is has anyone ever needed to access or remove their computer? These new panels will completely hide the computer and ford engine harness so I'm debating whether I need to make the panels removable.
steno
10-26-2020, 03:36 PM
I’d go removable.
Even just riveted in, it's still removable by simply drilling out the rivets, but yes, you want to be able to access what's behind it without having to disassemble the entire car.
You will want to have access. My Gen II required a re-flash from Ford to cure a known condition. Maybe those don't occur any more, but I needed to remove the PCU and send it off the Ford Performance. I was happy I could get at it reasonably easily.
edwardb
10-26-2020, 05:11 PM
It’s not user serviceable. But if it should ever need to be re-flashed by Ford Performance (has happened with me several times over two Coyote builds) has to come out. Plus worst case if it ever needed to be replaced. I’d figure out a way for it to be reasonably accessible. Plus make sure it’s got air circulation. Not sure how tight you’re boxing it in.
For the record, with the body on, it's barely visible without any additional covers. You have to look pretty hard under there to see it. Question have much it's worth the time to cover it. And that's coming from someone who's spent a lot of time on pretty trivial stuff. :rolleyes:
BEAR-AvHistory
10-26-2020, 07:02 PM
Had to get a reflash after a tune screwed it up. Its not a never ever need service part.
Brian76
10-27-2020, 06:55 AM
Thanks for the replies. I had no idea sending the computer to Ford for reflash was ever needed. Is there anything I should know before I get a tune? You guys have me nervous now! lol
Anyway, I think we will end up making the innner fender splash panel removable. Looks like there is plenty of room to reach in and remove the computer.
edwardb
10-27-2020, 08:12 AM
Thanks for the replies. I had no idea sending the computer to Ford for reflash was ever needed. Is there anything I should know before I get a tune? You guys have me nervous now! lol
No way to say. Both my Gen 2 and Gen 3 Coyote crate installations were right after they were released by Ford Performance. Both had to be reflashed. The Gen 3 a couple times. Both have been out for a while now, so if yours is fresh, likely not an issue. Basically you'll know when you try to start and run. If something unexpected happens, including an MIL indication with codes, reflashing may be the request from Ford. Hard to say what the likelihood is though. In the past, they were pretty efficient. Same day service and returned via FedEx. Hopefully still the same. It is something you generally want sorted before any custom tuning.
Brian76
10-27-2020, 08:37 AM
No way to say. Both my Gen 2 and Gen 3 Coyote crate installations were right after they were released by Ford Performance. Both had to be reflashed. The Gen 3 a couple times. Both have been out for a while now, so if yours is fresh, likely not an issue. Basically you'll know when you try to start and run. If something unexpected happens, including an MIL indication with codes, reflashing may be the request from Ford. Hard to say what the likelihood is though. In the past, they were pretty efficient. Same day service and returned via FedEx. Hopefully still the same. It is something you generally want sorted before any custom tuning.
We've been go carting for a few months and no MIL codes so far. I thought the problems may have occurred when you tune the car.
nuhale
10-27-2020, 08:41 AM
Don't get nervous! My Gen 2 install went smooth and nothing needed. Everything perfect. I mounted the EPU on the FFR supplied aluminum where most do. Not too many options as you need the right length for the engine harness connection. I just mounted with 4 stainless bolts and can get at them easy from the engine bay or by removing the elephant ear. Guess you never know with these things so best to have access in case you need to service it.
edwardb
10-27-2020, 08:55 AM
We've been go carting for a few months and no MIL codes so far. I thought the problems may have occurred when you tune the car.
Every issue I've had were during the initial installation and start-up. Sounds like you're in good shape. :)
BEAR-AvHistory
10-27-2020, 04:26 PM
Mine was an early effort 5/6 years ago to tune a Gen 1 Coyote crate engine. Reflash was due to a software error on the part of the tune vendor. The ECU with the crate engine is a stripped version of the production Mustang units. The vendor was not aware of the difference & bricked the ECU with a Mustang based tune. Worked with FORD Racing, the tune vendor & the hand held device developer to get the issue fixed. Once corrected have not had a second occurance.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=110855&d=1563526779
That said its still a very good plan not to bury the ECU so you cant easily remove it.
Alan_C
10-27-2020, 05:38 PM
Good information. My current build is not a MK4 or 33, but a 70 Mustang Mach 1 2nd Gen Coyote powered restomod. I have mounted my PCM on the PS inner fender apron the other side of where the battery would normally sit. The FFR has a better placement for the PCM than my Mustang. I am planning on making a cover for the PCM, not so much to hide it as to keep dirt and road grime away from the PCM body and the harness connectors. So accessibility is relative, I will be able to get to it, just not going to be fun.
When I get to first start, the fenders will be off, so as Paul suggests, once past that point the likelihood to need access to the PCM will diminish.
Thanks to you all for the information, I get more here than I do on the Vintage Mustang Forum.