What Is Sum1 Up To Today?

That Van Of Mine

Bloomington, Illinois

         Well, let's see.  About my van.  It's a 2014 Ford Transit Connect, Titanium Edition and fully loaded with GPS, Satellite Radio, the works.  That was a big reason for buying it, it has all the 'Whoops & Whistles' available in 2014.  It has European Styling to it, it does not look like a 'normal' American Van.  It rides very nicely, just ask Robert Waltz , he's ridden in it.  The tires are 6 months old, I've tried to keep it looking as new as possible.  It will be paid off in April, maybe March, we'll see.  I'm the first real owner of it, the first person had it on a lease.

         But, it has its share of problems.  A couple were there the day I bought it.  There is a small dent in the back liftgate, and the wheel well on the Drivers side has been scraped pretty good.  Still, it's a nice looking Van, Brown in color.  Most vans you see like this are work Vans.  This is a rare passenger van.  But I finally had enough with those problems I mentioned earlier in the Newsfeed.  The one issue I couldn't think of while writing that post is that about 40-50% of the time, when you start the van, the radio has no Audio.  It's on, you just can't hear anything.  Turning it off and back on corrects it though.  That's been a very minor issue since the day I drove it off the lot.  I guess I should have taken back and had the dealer fix it.  That, or give me a discount for selling it that way.  Still, I love that van, it's everything I want in a vehicle.

         The good news is that it should be ready by Friday, all they need is that Computer.  Purple Catching Up asked if I was talking about the BCM or PCM.  That was Greek to me, so I looked those acronyms' up.  Here is what I discovered.

In a vehicle, the BCM (Body Control Module) manages non-engine electronics like windows, lights, and locks, while the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) controls engine and sometimes transmission functions.

         Body Control Module (BCM) Function:  The BCM is an electronic control unit (ECU) that monitors and controls various electronic accessories in a vehicle's body.  It manages functions such as power windows, power mirrors, air conditioning, immobilizer system, central locking, and more.  The BCM communicates with other on-board computers via the car's CAN bus system.  Example:
When you press the power window switch, the BCM receives the signal, and in turn, sends a signal to the load that will rotate the motor and control the window.

         Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Function:  The PCM is the computerized central processing unit of your vehicle's powertrain system, overseeing the engine and sometimes the transmission.  It manages functions like fuel injection, ignition timing, and air-to-fuel ratios, along with controlling automated traction and onboard climate controls.  The PCM receives data from various sensors around the vehicle, primarily focused on engine management and performance.  Example:  The PCM adjusts the air-to-gas ratio being pumped into the cylinders, which saves fuel, and controls the speed of the spark plug firing to deliver an optimum amount of power per RPM.

         Based on the issues I've seen, I would have to say that the BCM is faulty.  I've had no issues with the Powertrain and other mechanical equipment.


         We'll see what happens from here on out.  I may keep you posted on this.

Jim Dorrell