I got my E-series diagnostics manual out and did some diggin'. There's a table in there that lists the "CAN module communication messages" and gives details from which module the message originates and to which module(s) the message is intended to reach. It implies that it is the complete list...and there are well over a hundred in the list...so I don't have any reason to believe that there is more than this to sort through. Like I said before, the van is relatively dumb compared to other cars and trucks so there aren't many modules in the network and the modules that are there don't seem to be as interdependent as they could be.
My ultimate goal is to remove the Ford PCM (Powertrain Control Module) from the whole system as it would eliminate dozens and dozens of unnecessary wires in the swap. If I have to leave it in to get it running at first, so be it...but longer term the idea is to configure a CAN module of my own that takes the PCM's place with just a few wires to deal with.
There are 31 messages originating from the PCM. Of that 31, there are 15 that I need to figure out just how important they are (the other 16 are not relevant to my van because I don't have those options installed). Of that 15 in question, there are 8 that probably aren't a big deal if I couldn't figure out because the default is everything is ok UNTIL that particular message shows up. The rest are these:
1) Axle ratio - from PCM to ABS Module and IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
2) Brake lamp switch - from PCM to ABS and TBC (trailer brake control ) module
3) Odometer rolling count - from PCM to IPC
4) Tire revolutions per mile - from PCM to IPC
5) Vehicle speed - from PCM to IPC, RCM (restraints control module), TBC
6) VIN info - from PCM to ABS, IPC, RCM, TBC
7) Brake deactivation switch - from PCM to TBC
A few challenges aside, I think these are the only messages I'd need to broadcast on the CAN bus in order to keep the ABS, IPC and RCM happy. The other 8 messages have to do with the gear indicator and stability control but since I'm probably going to disable the stability/traction control, I don't think those are a big deal to do without.
There are only 5 messages going to the PCM from other modules and of those 5, I don't see that it would be any issue if there wasn't a PCM in place. They appear to be just status messages... Like "Hey PCM, the E-brake is on".
Of the list above, the variable outputs # 3, 4 and 5 would seem to be the trickiest to deal with right? You'd have to figure out their range of values (and the corresponding value of XX mph for instance) in order to inject the right message . The rest would be static messages....not all that easy to narrow down from sniffing the bus but I bet they would each be present during the start up sequence or a braking event so at least that narrows down the search a little... Next step is to do some sniffing and see if can get the data I'm looking for and decode it.
On the engine side of things...I'm not having much luck finding people who know a lot about the 2013's but I'm staying optimistic. I have a couple more leads on people to talk to so I'm not stuck yet.
Worst case is just to run a different ECM. However I don't like worst case because it involves too many Benjamins..
As for parts...I have a body harness coming in next week. I found a virtually brand-new "active air" air box (complete with all of the sensors and actuators) for $75 on Ebay...list price for all the parts is over $900. SCORE! I love Ebay. I'm just one major part of the exhaust, a transmission and some odds and ends little parts away from having everything I need.
Sorry for the lack of pictures...I know that's what everyone wants to see. I'm just in the wrong stage of the process for exciting pictures. I can have my wife snap a few of me with several manuals open, dual monitors with half a dozen windows open and a wiring harness and ohm meter in my lap but that just doesn't make for interesting forum posts does it?