My pcm went bad and now the dealership is charging me 2300.00 for repairs. What the heck???

You can get it repaired here:http://circuitboardmedics.com/2005-2006-... You can get it repaired here: http://circuitboardmedics.com/2005-2006-ford-escape-v6-pcm-ecm-repair/

If you try to replace this with a salvage unit it may not work. Many PCMs have security built into the flash memory that has to be re-flashed for each vehicle into which it is installed before the PCM will operate the engine. Re-flashing requires a so-called scan tool such as a VETRONIX II, for GM vehicles. Ford and Chrysler have their own factory qualified scanners too. These handheld computers typically sell in the range of $5000 to $8000 so it's not something you're going to buy just to do one vehicle and they require a fair amount of learning just to use them and also a subscription to the manufacturer's software service. If you try to replace this with a salvage unit it may not work. Many PCMs have security built into the flash memory that has to be re-flashed for each vehicle into which it is installed before the PCM will operate the engine. Re-flashing requires a so-called scan tool such as a VETRONIX II, for GM vehicles. Ford and Chrysler have their own factory qualified scanners too. These handheld computers typically sell in the range of $5000 to $8000 so it's not something you're going to buy just to do one vehicle and they require a fair amount of learning just to use them and also a subscription to the manufacturer's software service.