Control modules - serialized or specific to car??

[Gray Area GT350]

Are any or all of the control modules in the GT350 linked to a specific serial number or are they all interchangeable? Example - can an air bag control module be swapped from one GT350 to another without any special programming?

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[Skye]

I'm aware that Powertrain Control Modules, Body Control Modules and Telematics Control Units are associated with an engine and a VIN.

SRS-type modules can store crash data when activated in an accident and then need to be reset.

As airbags have matured, all the involved sensors have become more specialized. They not only know someone is in a seat, but how much they weigh, the vehicle model they are in, the seat type, and direction and the extent of impact.

The following example highlights some SRS modules might need programming, if moved from one model to another. In this case, from an F150 to a Focus. The VIN is there to. The tech is programming a Restraint Control Module, a core unit in the SRS.

Do all SRS modules require programming? At least the RCM. Others? IDK.

 

[Inthehighdesert]

If you’re having to change air bag setups out you’ll most likely need to have the system reset by an oem program. I’ve installed many crash specific parts in the past where simply swapping out the parts the computer did recognize it and cleared the code on its own. The same goes the other way as well. Depending on where you are you may contact a body shop and ask if they have someone that does that. There’s usually a few techs around that do nothing but service shops mobily specifically for this. A lot of smaller shops simply don’t have the very expensive devices to do it, thus the mobile outfits. Only thing to do is plug it in and go from there.

 

[JAJ]

Are any or all of the control modules in the GT350 linked to a specific serial number or are they all interchangeable? Example - can an air bag control module be swapped from one GT350 to another without any special programming?

You didn't say why you want to swap it, so the question is a bit of a challenge to answer. I have Ford's IDS and a VCM2, so I can do what dealers do. With that bit of background, the answer to your question is "If the replacement module has the same part number sticker on the outside as the module it's replacing, then yes, it can be installed and it will work". Now, the reason it will work is that you can plug the IDS/VCM2 into the car, ensure that IDS can talk to the the internet and IDS will happily install the latest firmware into the module based on the VIN of the car it's installed in. This is the normal dealer service department workflow for a module replacement.

Now, if you don't have IDS/VCM2 (or 3...) then it's impossible to know whether it will work or not even if the part number sticker is the same. Even if the module is the right part number, if it's coded with the wrong vehicle VIN, then there will likely be a herd of error codes clogging up the dash display and the car may not be safe to drive.

 

[Gray Area GT350]

You didn't say why you want to swap it, so the question is a bit of a challenge to answer.

A little more detail - A friend purchased a flood damage car and the goal is to turn it into a committed track day car. This is just the start of the diagnosis to work through an extensive series of potential upcoming issues.

 

[Skye]

Hi @Gray Area GT350 ,

I just finished some self-study on this. You're probably operating at a level much higher than mine, but if you're not already aware of the following points, it might help.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...-networks-a-primer.195769/page-2#post-4181370

I did confirm the Restraint Control Module (RCM) needs to be programmed. An actual RCM might be used across several models, but the VIN and model type do have to be input before use, possibly clear any previous data that had been saved. As important as the RCM is and with any previous damage, it might be best to buy one new? Something to think about. Or at least buy a donor from a non-wrecked, non-damaged car.

As to the other sensors and modules, it seems they are "dumb" in that no programming is required. They might need to be reset after installation, but the vehicle will do a self-test on start. If it makes a good connection with a correct, good sensor, tests will pass. They're input sensors to the RCM. The RCM then deploys some or all airbags, tensions the seats, etc.

An additional thing I learned was the SRS connectors are unique. Ford uses Connector Position Assurance (CPA); it's a tab setup on the connector end which acts like a parity check on the wiring. Not only does the connector have to be seated well, but the tab to, allowing the RCM to do whatever testing it does.

Good luck to your friend on their project.

 

[Tomster]

A little more detail - A friend purchased a flood damage car and the goal is to turn it into a committed track day car. This is just the start of the diagnosis to work through an extensive series of potential upcoming issues.

Damaged modules can be swapped out with new ones. They will need to be programmed. The tech will download "as built" code from Ford and program/update the new module.

Most modules are not plug and play. They need to be programmed.

Think of it like this. The PCM (or controller responsible for that systems communication) monitors the various modules that are each responsible for the respective task. The module would have to be programmed correctly or the controlling module will not recognize it.

Another analogy. You are at a party and some stranger walks in. He looks odd. Nobody recognizes him. Nobody wants to talk to or associate with him. That would be a module introduced to a canbus system in your vehicle that is not programmed correctly. Aka, who the F is this guy????

Each module is responsible for a specific task. All of the modules have to be able to communicate with the controller to work correctly. For that reason, they need to be programmed with "as built" data for the system to operate normally.

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