How Should You Store Your Extra Pcm And Tcm?

Spurshot · February 2, 2009

I purchased the cores for my PCM and TCM when I got the Blackbear tune for my truck. I wanted them for several reasons. So, I have the original PCM and TCM to store.

I really didn't know how to store them and what sensitivity to electro-static discharge (ESD) they have. I imagine the connector pins or more correctly, the ICs inside, would not like ESD. So I bought some ESD bags from our local electronics store as well as a plastic hardcase with foam cushion inside. I bagged them in the ESD bags and put them in the case.

Any other things I should do?

Zembonez · February 2, 2009

I purchased the cores for my PCM and TCM when I got the Blackbear tune for my truck. I wanted them for several reasons. So, I have the original PCM and TCM to store.

I really didn't know how to store them and what sensitivity to electro-static discharge (ESD) they have. I imagine the connector pins or more correctly, the ICs inside, would not like ESD. So I bought some ESD bags from our local electronics store as well as a plastic hardcase with foam cushion inside. I bagged them in the ESD bags and put them in the case.

Any other things I should do?

Wrap them in pink bubble warp and keep them in an interior closet. (room temp and dry) Pink bubble wrap is available at Office-Max or similar stores and is antistatic. (It will say so on the wrapper). This is how I store my computer parts like motherboards and cards. Never had a problem.

svensk · February 2, 2009

They're meant to live in your engine compartment so I'm sure they will be fine. The electrostatic bags and wrap will work great. I just toss my spare PCM modules in my parts bin in my garage.

green 788 · February 2, 2009

svensk... that signature line cracks me up. made my morning.

I agree that these modules are pretty tough. I think the anti-static bag and a waterproof container are good, though.

And this thread has me thinking I'd like to get an extra PCM for my truck to have on hand in case this country (and the world with it) continues its downward spiral... with Toyota driving sodomites running our military and stuff like that.

Dan

VMax2007 · February 2, 2009

They're meant to live in your engine compartment so I'm sure they will be fine. The electrostatic bags and wrap will work great. I just toss my spare PCM modules in my parts bin in my garage.

+1

I just wrap mine in the packing material (bubble wrap and/or white foam sheets) and keep them in a cardboard box on a shelf in my garage.

They have a metal case, so I don't think static buildup is an issue.

Oh, and I usually disconnect my negative battery terminal when swapping. But Justin told me he never does...but wouldn't come out and say I don't need to. I did swap the TCM once without disconnecting it with no issues. It's easy enough to do, so I figure it's a good idea.

longhorn_giant · February 2, 2009

I tossed mine in the lockable storage compartment in my middle seat/bench. That way I've got them with the truck at all times. If something random were to happen and I'd need to get a tow to the dealership, or stop in on my way home from work, I have them onhand to swap out. Then I'll toss the other ones in the storage and lock it.

VMax2007 · February 2, 2009

I tossed mine in the lockable storage compartment in my middle seat/bench. That way I've got them with the truck at all times. If something random were to happen and I'd need to get a tow to the dealership, or stop in on my way home from work, I have them onhand to swap out. Then I'll toss the other ones in the storage and lock it.

That's a good idea. I have thought about that too, but haven't done it yet.

Spurshot · February 2, 2009

I agree the metal case is durable and that the unit should be hermetically sealed to operate in the engine compartment environment. But the connector pins are normally protected by the wiring harness side of the connector from any conductive path/ESD. Breaking the plastic connector (Justin mentioned something about this when he gets them from whoever salvages them for him) or ESD on the pins are my only concerns about leaving them laying around unprotected.

Nick The Great · February 2, 2009

Mine are in the same box and bubble wrap that Justin sent me the new ones in. I can't imagine the 30° temps in the garage are worse than the 15° temps in the truck.