2.3L to 4.0 SOHC swap questions/issues

[dude55man]

Hello, I have recently swapped a 4.0 SOHC from a 2001 Explorer into my 2006 Ranger that had a 2.3L engine in it. So far, things went pretty well. I just had some weird engine mount issues for a bit, but I was able to get that sorted.
Now, my current issue is electrical. While I was able to snag the PCM off the Explorer, I was not able to get the ECU. With that, I'm having issues with it not wanting to crank off the key. I have checked the fuse running from the key to the starter circuit, and I get under 1 volt of electricity to that fuse when cranking.
Is there any idea what could be wrong with it? As well as, do I have to somehow find an ECU to get it to work in the first place?


Mostly asking as I was going to take it to a shop to get it diagnosed and fixed as I cannot figure out electrical to save my life, and last second (had an appointment scheduled) they turned me away. So I'm mostly wondering if I am absolutely screwed and just wait a whole lot of money for basically nothing

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hello, I have recently swapped a 4.0 SOHC from a 2001 Explorer into my 2006 Ranger that had a 2.3L engine in it. So far, things went pretty well. I just had some weird engine mount issues for a bit, but I was able to get that sorted.
Now, my current issue is electrical. While I was able to snag the PCM off the Explorer, I was not able to get the ECU. With that, I'm having issues with it not wanting to crank off the key. I have checked the fuse running from the key to the starter circuit, and I get under 1 volt of electricity to that fuse when cranking.
Is there any idea what could be wrong with it? As well as, do I have to somehow find an ECU to get it to work in the first place?


Mostly asking as I was going to take it to a shop to get it diagnosed and fixed as I cannot figure out electrical to save my life, and last second (had an appointment scheduled) they turned me away. So I'm mostly wondering if I am absolutely screwed and just wait a whole lot of money for basically nothing

Its an issue with the PATS system more then likely.

Not sure on details but i think it involves reprogramming your key to the PCM you used or vise versa.

 

[2011Supercab]

It's a PATS issue, and with your truck being a 2004 and up it gets complicated.

The instrument cluster and PCM are a matched set.

Easiest way is going to be to get a PCM, Instrument cluster, Key/Tumbler all from the same 2006 truck.

 

[dude55man]

PATS?
Oh bloody lame, and its there any way to get all that reflashed to work?

I did forget to mention that it only has manual keys, so no central locking or key FOB

It's a PATS issue, and with your truck being a 2004 and up it gets complicated.

The instrument cluster and PCM are a matched set.

Easiest way is going to be to get a PCM, Instrument cluster, Key/Tumbler all from the same 2006 truck.

 

[pjtoledo]

supposedly 2005 models do not have PATS.
for sure mine does not, it's a 2.3
however the computer is still married to the instrument panel for 2005

 

[dude55man]

supposedly 2005 models do not have PATS.
for sure mine does not, it's a 2.3
however the computer is still married to the instrument panel for 2005

I don't see how the instrument cluster would cause my issue as I never planned on changing that?
But again, what is PATS? Is that the anti-theft system? Because I'm not seeing any lightz on the dash about it

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I don't see how the instrument cluster would cause my issue as I never planned on changing that?
But again, what is PATS? Is that the anti-theft system? Because I'm not seeing any lightz on the dash about it

PATS= Passive anti theft system.

Basically theres something either in the column or behind the dash that reads the chip in the key that then gives the ECM (or whatever other computer) the OK to crank and start.

Your truck maybe didnt have it factory which is why you dont have a theft light blinking...but chances are whatever you pulled the engine and ECM from had it, and now the computers pissed that you dont have the proper key and is assuming youre trying to steal the truck.

Basically.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

BTW...im not sure youll need a whole cluster.....but probably a PATS enabled tumbler/key or possibly column, that youll then have to take either to a dealer or someone with the proper software to program everything togther and make it go.

 

[dude55man]

Oooooh, okay thank you XD
I figured it was the anti-theft, but wanted to be sure

It still has the ECU from the 2.3, I was going to just get that reflashed as I saw that was a possibility or just fudge a VIN number on one of those sites that sells new ECU/PCMs (It won't be the first time the ECU and vehicle VIN number doesn't line up)
Same with the PCM so it doesn't freak out when looking for transmission signals that won't be there

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Oooooh, okay thank you XD
I figured it was the anti-theft, but wanted to be sure

It still has the ECU from the 2.3, I was going to just get that reflashed as I saw that was a possibility or just fudge a VIN number on one of those sites that sells new ECU/PCMs (It won't be the first time the ECU and vehicle VIN number doesn't line up)
Same with the PCM so it doesn't freak out when looking for transmission signals that won't be there

Thats above my paygrade. Lol.

No idea if thatll work or not

 

[dude55man]

XD Welp, guess we're all gonna find out then