I have intermittent msg "Fuse 8 Failed" and A/C and Radio go out. Then it comes back. Dealer says $2200 for new BECM. One msg board says check for lighter short. Another says replace one board in BECM.Anybody have experience here?

 

Same thing was happening to me. I have a 97 4.6 so I didn't get the "Fuse 8" message. I initially thought it was the BECM. It turned out to be a bad fuse box. I replaced the fuse box and a few relays and everything was perfect. I wouldn't fool around with the BECM until you're certain it's not the fuse box. There are plenty of threads on fuse box replacement. Took me about 2.5 hours being extra careful. Very straightforward job. Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

 

The dealer is right this time , the fuse 8 message comes up because fuse 8 (located on the side of the BECM) has lost its power supply internally and the BECM looks for that voltage supply. The BECM is a complicated unit that runs all the electrical systems in the car. Only to be programed by the dealer because using Test Book the lockset bar code needs to be manually entered. the car wont start without it, and a used BECM is a waste of money and cant be swapped from one car to another , cant be programmed twice !
scottinNJ,s issue was different and also a common problem related to climate control faults.
These two issues are p38 killers, and alot of owners bail when they happen because its costly to repair.