Here is my plan. I am going to call the original shop (we kind of trust him) and see what he thinks of Ford's diagnosis. He was supposed to have checked everything but PATS.

Does anyone know if the PATS on my car (1998, 4/98 build date) is part of the ECU?

Then I'm going to run by the Ford dealer and talk with them. First I want to see how much of the $800 is parts. I can get a new ECU from Bill for $280 (plus core). If they are charging me $400- 500 or more for the part...

While I'm there I'm going to try and get some guarantees. Some limit on the cost. Some guarantee that if the new ECU blows while they are trying to figure out the wiring problem, it won't be MY problem.

Can I replace the ECU myself? Where is it? Is it beneath the power steering reservoir? Is it pretty easy to pull and replace? I'm wondering if I ought to pay them the $100 diagnostic fee, get the $280 computer from Bill, put it in myself in the Ford parking lot, and then tell them to take a look at the wiring problem...

This just sucks. Maybe JSmith is right. My wife's uncle has a very cheap Pontiac (I4 150k miles) I could drive tomorrow. I'm wondering about the devil you know versus the one you don't though.

MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4