Anti-theft light after swap

[TheVince]

So I recently acquired a 2004 ranger that had a bad 4.0 v6 in it. I pulled that engine out and dropped a 2009 2.3 4cylinder in it. Which meant I had to change the entire wire harness. At some point in time while I was doing this swap a buddy of mine pulled the ignition switch out of the column without my knowledge and now it’s nowhere to be found along with the key. So after doing all of this as soon as I hook the battery up the truck started beeping. So I look at the dash and all the lights are on and the anti-theft light is flashing(mind you I haven’t even put the key in at this point). When I realize that the ignition had been pulled and not being able to find it I stuck a screwdriver in the ignition and tried to turn I over and I get absolutely nothing. If anybody has an thoughts on what I need to do it would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[Dirtman]

Did you swap in the computer AND instrument cluster from the 2009 you got the 2.3 from? You need both or the truck is a boat anchor.

 

[acsnowrider]

Not very clear, on what you have changed--Did you change the PCM?? You mention the Wiring Harness, but not the PCM--You can not run the 4.0 PCM, with a 2.3. If you have changed the PCM already, to the 4cyl unit, then you have to reprogram, the pcm, and the instrument cluster to work together. But if you changed the PCM, is it a 2009 as well--Don't even know if 2009 PCM is compatable/works with 2004 I/Cluster. Lot of variables here!!! The fact that you got other indications/lites on, ect, suggests wiring incorrectly hooked up/installed, being as the ignition was not even turned on.

 

[Dirtman]

2004-2011 instrument clusters are the same (HEC) but they are married to the PCM. Engine won't even try to start unless the PCM see's its buddy the instrument cluster is there. They can't be swapped. PCM and cluster go together for life. Only ford can program a new instrument cluster/pcm together, and I don't mean a ford dealership. I mean the ford factory.

 

[acsnowrider]

Married from Ford, but divorces happen all the time-- No big issue with a IDS,(owned my own) to reprogram the two units to communicate/replace them individually, or both at same time-- Heck, I've even done it with the NGS, on older vehicles.

But I suspect there's more going on here!!

 

[Dirtman]

I do too.

 

[sheep herder]

Well, the 2004 and the 2009 have PATS so trying to start it with a screwdriver ain't gonna happen.

 

[TheVince]

Yes the computer and cluster for the 2.3 engine both were kept and swapped in. What I don’t understand is that the 2004 truck had the little pats thing under the ignition in the column but the previous owners were using a screwdriver to start it

 

[Dirtman]

Must have been one of them special RF chipped screwdrivers.

 

[TheVince]

Could it have something to do with the doors not being on the truck? Cause there are wires going to the door lock even though it doesn’t have power windows or locks

 

[Fredness]

It's the keys.
If the new PCM did not come with the 2 originally coded keys, you are S.O.L.
PCM reflash to clear keys and add 4
First 2 (master) go in a lock box.
Other 2 are your daily and a spare.

Or SCT tuner and have them disable PATS, that makes your vehicle start with a screwdriver or any key that rotates - chip or no chip.

 

[Fredness]

Did they have a remote start?
Remote starters use a module to cheat the PATS (or even a chip removed from a working key taped near the interrogation ring).
Which brings us back to the keys if you don't have that module/chip.