Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
About 2 yrs. ago I queried this web site about my brake lights coming on whenever they felt like it. I had to let my membership lapse but right before I did a very helpful member responded the problem was with the "forward control module". I have tolerated the inconvenience of the lights coming on till now and I am in a position to replace the module.
The mechanic at the dealer in Escondido, Ca. was helpful and printed out their instructions as how to make the repair myself. I was not overly convinced these guys are that good at diesel repairs due to some vague answers to the following questions:
1) Is there any type of reprogramming that has to be done after replacing the module?
2) Are there things I definitely need to avoid doing, eg. touching, grounding, any special sequence in removal, etc. or is this a straight unplug old part (once you get to it) and plug in new part? I *****ed about the price ($490) to the parts guy and he immediately dropped the price to $380, but I don't want to have to buy it again due to something boneheaded on my part.
3) Does the control module also control the cruise control, because this fails to work irregularly also. Everything lights up on the dash to indicate the cruise control should be working, but it doesn't engage. An hour or two later, usually after turning the engine off, it is working again.
4) The module is located below the driver side batter tray. I have done plenty of work on my own vehicles over the years; pulling engines, r/r most parts, suspension issues, brakes, and some electrical issues. I used to own an 85 Ford Diesel van, and an 82 GMC Diesel p/u where I replaced the head on the GMC and the high pressure fuel pump on the Ford. I just haven't done any lately and I am weak at electrical diagnosis and ALL new procedures, especially on diesels.
5) Lastly, I am sure this is a dealer only part, but might there be some where else to get a better deal on a FCM??
Thanks, any and all advice is appreciated.
The mechanic at the dealer in Escondido, Ca. was helpful and printed out their instructions as how to make the repair myself. I was not overly convinced these guys are that good at diesel repairs due to some vague answers to the following questions:
1) Is there any type of reprogramming that has to be done after replacing the module?
2) Are there things I definitely need to avoid doing, eg. touching, grounding, any special sequence in removal, etc. or is this a straight unplug old part (once you get to it) and plug in new part? I *****ed about the price ($490) to the parts guy and he immediately dropped the price to $380, but I don't want to have to buy it again due to something boneheaded on my part.
3) Does the control module also control the cruise control, because this fails to work irregularly also. Everything lights up on the dash to indicate the cruise control should be working, but it doesn't engage. An hour or two later, usually after turning the engine off, it is working again.
4) The module is located below the driver side batter tray. I have done plenty of work on my own vehicles over the years; pulling engines, r/r most parts, suspension issues, brakes, and some electrical issues. I used to own an 85 Ford Diesel van, and an 82 GMC Diesel p/u where I replaced the head on the GMC and the high pressure fuel pump on the Ford. I just haven't done any lately and I am weak at electrical diagnosis and ALL new procedures, especially on diesels.
5) Lastly, I am sure this is a dealer only part, but might there be some where else to get a better deal on a FCM??
Thanks, any and all advice is appreciated.
