Do cheap Fan Control Modules work (2004+ models)......?
#1
Do cheap Fan Control Modules work (2004+ models)......?
The OEM fan control module in our '08 X-Type decided to start making its way to Valhalla last year (typical symptom the RH fan would not turn on). I swapped it for the FCM in our rarely driven '07 X-Type and all is good with the '08. Now that the '07 is being driven more regularly I want/need the RH fan to turn on and off like it is supposed to.
I've read the posts and watched the videos concerning the FCM ad nauseam and much like the "fuel pump" other than the wiring/plug I replaced the fuel pump with a "cheap" fuel pump that cost less than $30.00 vs. spending $100.00's for a functioning used one.
There's a lot of hearsay/opinion about the cheap FCM (duty cycle/PWM/"Jag-voodoo") and I could care less, for $35.00 I decided to buy one and see for myself. I ordered one off of eBay on May 15 for a total cost of $39.75 and It arrived yesterday. I'll update this post with comparison photos and results and I'll be using our '08 with a fully functioning OEM FCM for comparison.
Stay tuned
I've read the posts and watched the videos concerning the FCM ad nauseam and much like the "fuel pump" other than the wiring/plug I replaced the fuel pump with a "cheap" fuel pump that cost less than $30.00 vs. spending $100.00's for a functioning used one.
There's a lot of hearsay/opinion about the cheap FCM (duty cycle/PWM/"Jag-voodoo") and I could care less, for $35.00 I decided to buy one and see for myself. I ordered one off of eBay on May 15 for a total cost of $39.75 and It arrived yesterday. I'll update this post with comparison photos and results and I'll be using our '08 with a fully functioning OEM FCM for comparison.
Stay tuned
Last edited by BlownKitty; 05-31-2021 at 06:58 PM.
#3
Hi BlownKitty!
I'm looking forward to your experience.
Meanwhile you know there is no "Jag voodoo". Only one PWM control line from ECU which tells the CFM the cooling demand (via the PWM duty-cycle).
Cheers, catfondler
There's a lot of hearsay/opinion about the cheap FCM (duty cycle/PWM/"Jag-voodoo") and I could care less, for $35.00 I decided to buy one and see for myself. I ordered one off of eBay on May 15 for a total cost of $39.75 and It arrived yesterday. I'll update this post with comparison photos and results and I'll be using our '08 with a fully functioning OEM FCM for comparison.
Meanwhile you know there is no "Jag voodoo". Only one PWM control line from ECU which tells the CFM the cooling demand (via the PWM duty-cycle).
Cheers, catfondler
#4
Hi Yorta2!
There's no risk. Thousands / tens of thousands of Jaguars, Fords, and others use this kind of CFM (even with two fans).
If you're smart, you're using the low price CFM. (I suspect all current CFMs are from Asia. Probably also the earlier GATES models. That's what you can expect from Ford and it's suppliers.)
"Risk": If your cat is overheating: Turn off the engine, and let it cool down.
catfondler
If you're smart, you're using the low price CFM. (I suspect all current CFMs are from Asia. Probably also the earlier GATES models. That's what you can expect from Ford and it's suppliers.)
"Risk": If your cat is overheating: Turn off the engine, and let it cool down.
catfondler
Last edited by catfondler; 06-11-2021 at 06:43 AM.
#5
I'll be getting around to working on the '07 this weekend, 1st task is to replace the AC compressor control solenoid to get the high/low sides within spec. Once that's done I'll start the FCM test/installation.
I still need to check the behaviour of the fans in the '08 for comparison. I'll update this thread as I go.
I still need to check the behaviour of the fans in the '08 for comparison. I'll update this thread as I go.
Last edited by BlownKitty; 06-11-2021 at 02:23 PM.
#6
Hi Yorta2!
There's no risk. Thousands / tens of thousands of Jaguars, Fords, and others use this kind of CFM (even with two fans).
If you're smart, you're using the low price CFM. (I suspect all current CFMs are from Asia. Probably also the earlier GATES models. That's what you can expect from Ford and it's suppliers.)
"Risk": If your cat is overheating: Turn off the engine, and let it cool down.
catfondler
There's no risk. Thousands / tens of thousands of Jaguars, Fords, and others use this kind of CFM (even with two fans).
If you're smart, you're using the low price CFM. (I suspect all current CFMs are from Asia. Probably also the earlier GATES models. That's what you can expect from Ford and it's suppliers.)
"Risk": If your cat is overheating: Turn off the engine, and let it cool down.
catfondler
Motorcraft/Ford makes some things in Asia. So do a thousand other no-name brand part suppliers. They are not all made in the same factory and put in different boxes . Motorcraft/Ford has high quality control and uses specific suppliers because otherwise that results in warranty claims at dealerships. Just because it’s all “made in China” does not mean it’s all the same.
Further, the assumption that all parts are made in China is also incorrect. I just bought a new Motorcraft starter for my X type. It’s rebuilt in the USA. Not in China like the Bosch unit I almost got.
As much as I want to believe that the 400 dollar Gates controller is identical to a 30 dollar controller, it seems fantastically unrealistic and far fetched. Nothing is free in life. Perhaps I am wrong. Hopefully I am for the sake of all X type owners.
#7
Ridiculously unrealistic. (LIGHT SPEED -> RIDCULOUS SPEED -> LUDICROUS SPEED)
Cheers, catfondler
Last edited by catfondler; 06-12-2021 at 03:40 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
You really think this little Gates controller (rather a power output stage) is worth 400 dollar!? A little plastic and metal, 4 transistors, 2 capacitors, and two or three microchips?
Ridiculously unrealistic. (LIGHT SPEED -> RIDCULOUS SPEED -> LUDICROUS SPEED)
Cheers, catfondler
Ridiculously unrealistic. (LIGHT SPEED -> RIDCULOUS SPEED -> LUDICROUS SPEED)
Cheers, catfondler
#10
Hey Guys? I didn't start this thread to open a debate on OEM vs aftermarket quality vs xxxx of the FCM. Quite simply I want to try replacing the malfunctioning OEM FCM in my '07 with a aftermarket unit and test the functionality (pros/cons) of doing so. So please save the debate until then.
#11
Las Vegas Pick A Part got an '03 and an '05 in last week, I'm heading there in the am hoping that the '03 still has its engine cover intact, I might grab the FCM off of the '05 "just in case".
#12
103 expected Tuesday, 115 down your way in st. George!
I'd grab the fcm if they have it. Maybe any interior part you think is worthwhile like the front overhead light (the reading light one). I've gone through 3 of those because the main light bar breaks internally. There are 4 different internal parts so look before going and buying. There's a thread with pics in this forum. I knew of 3, dr dome posted a 4th.
I'd grab the fcm if they have it. Maybe any interior part you think is worthwhile like the front overhead light (the reading light one). I've gone through 3 of those because the main light bar breaks internally. There are 4 different internal parts so look before going and buying. There's a thread with pics in this forum. I knew of 3, dr dome posted a 4th.
The following users liked this post:
BlownKitty (06-12-2021)
#13
Quite simply I want to try replacing the malfunctioning OEM FCM in my '07 with a aftermarket unit and test the functionality (pros/cons) of doing so. So please save the debate until then.
By the way: your A/C compressor is a model with magnetic clutch AND control solenoid?
How do you evacuate and refill your A/C at home?
Greets, catfondler
#14
catfondler, In the short amount of time that you've been here you've managed to annoy or simply PO a lot of people that are long time members. I'm open to the views of others, what I am not open to is people that like to stir the pot. I'm sure that there are several YTV that detail DIY/home A/C evac and charging. So what exactly are you asking? And No, the subject of this thread is actually quite simple and I plan to find the answer for myself based on "my personal" experience.
#15
No progress at weekend?
I asked for A/C because I would be happy to know how YOU did it. (Background: in Germany it's not allowed to open R134a systems to the environment. Only licensed professionals are allowed to work at A/C systems.) Pure curiosity.
(I also know how a qualified workshop does it.)
By the way for better understanding (I'm not a native speaker): "a lot of people that are long time members" - did you mean Dell an you? (Two members?)
Greetings, catfondler
I asked for A/C because I would be happy to know how YOU did it. (Background: in Germany it's not allowed to open R134a systems to the environment. Only licensed professionals are allowed to work at A/C systems.) Pure curiosity.
(I also know how a qualified workshop does it.)
By the way for better understanding (I'm not a native speaker): "a lot of people that are long time members" - did you mean Dell an you? (Two members?)
Greetings, catfondler
Last edited by catfondler; 06-15-2021 at 07:27 PM.
#17
No progress at weekend?
I asked for A/C because I would be happy to know how YOU did it. (Background: in Germany it's not allowed to open R134a systems to the environment. Only licensed professionals are allowed to work at A/C systems.) Pure curiosity.
(I also know how a qualified workshop does it.)
I asked for A/C because I would be happy to know how YOU did it. (Background: in Germany it's not allowed to open R134a systems to the environment. Only licensed professionals are allowed to work at A/C systems.) Pure curiosity.
(I also know how a qualified workshop does it.)
2. We also have laws here the U.S. regarding venting R12,R134, etc.to the atmosphere. "Qualified Workshop"?
Based on your posts in this forum I'm certain that you pretty much annoy everyone that you come in contact with (regardless of native language or country of origin
So catfondler, What is it that you've actually/factually contribute to this forum in your 39 posts? Take your time and think about it before you respond.
Last edited by BlownKitty; 06-15-2021 at 09:36 PM.
#19
He - he - nice!
It is not easy to find a qualified workshop in Germany either... And authorized dealers seem to be parts shotgun shops.
But there are some automotive A/C specialists that do nothing else.
Ah, ok, a personal assumption. - So I got it right, I just couldn't belive it.
Be happy to have found another cat lover (away from the junkyard)!
Contributions:
I was looking for help. But I had to find all for myself. Then I published my well-founded findings: Radiator fans run at full speed during ignition-on
The other you'd read by yourself: Link (The thread that misled people and cost me several hours of work.)
And one or two smaller hints at other threads.
The land of the free...
Freedom of speech - 1. Amendment!
But individuals want to suppress the speech... I'm confused.
(In Germany we have a lot of censorship and delete *****. Working at government, press, tv, German YouTube, and other social media platforms. [And also in forums. They destroy many man-hours of work.]
It's really a drama. The attitude of advocates of censorship is a major social problem. [Do you have German ancestors!? {At Dell I already know.}])
Do you now have news of your CFM change? I'm interested in your experiences.
Important: make sure the female connectors are really tight! (No lose contact. These are high current / power connections [about 12 to 17 amps per fan].)
Friendly greetings, Catfondler
It is not easy to find a qualified workshop in Germany either... And authorized dealers seem to be parts shotgun shops.
But there are some automotive A/C specialists that do nothing else.
Be happy to have found another cat lover (away from the junkyard)!
I was looking for help. But I had to find all for myself. Then I published my well-founded findings: Radiator fans run at full speed during ignition-on
The other you'd read by yourself: Link (The thread that misled people and cost me several hours of work.)
And one or two smaller hints at other threads.
The land of the free...
Freedom of speech - 1. Amendment!
But individuals want to suppress the speech... I'm confused.
(In Germany we have a lot of censorship and delete *****. Working at government, press, tv, German YouTube, and other social media platforms. [And also in forums. They destroy many man-hours of work.]
It's really a drama. The attitude of advocates of censorship is a major social problem. [Do you have German ancestors!? {At Dell I already know.}])
Do you now have news of your CFM change? I'm interested in your experiences.
Important: make sure the female connectors are really tight! (No lose contact. These are high current / power connections [about 12 to 17 amps per fan].)
Friendly greetings, Catfondler
Last edited by catfondler; 06-16-2021 at 07:53 AM.