Ranger PCM wanted w/2 blank keys

[Noyz81]

Several months ago my mechanic told me my “check engine light is on because of a bad computer and the computer needs to be replaced”. I thought he was nuts because he had just sidestepped another exhaust issue and the truck seemed to be running and driving fine, until yesterday. This ‘99 ranger stopped running while driving and after having it towed home it would not start but did have spark and 55 psi at the fuel rail while cranking. My neighbor reminded me that he was left stranded years ago because of a bad PCM and thought I should pull the PCM out of my parts ranger and see if it would start. It did start but shut off after 2-3 seconds, probably due to the key not matching the PCM with the PATS. I then tried the original PCM and it started right up and did the same this morning. I now don’t trust this PCM and will be going with the advise of my mechanic and will be replacing the PCM. All places online I could find that would sell a PCM state that keys “may have to be programmed by a Ford dealer”. I’d like to do this repair without a trip to the dealership. On YouTube there’s a guy that bought a PCM for a focus and it came with two new keys that were programmed to the PCM and he just had to have them cut to match the locking cylinders. Once this “plug and play” PCM was installed, the focus fired right up with one of the new keys. Does anyone out there know where I can order a PCM with two blank PATS keys for a ‘99 Ranger? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[adsm08]

You'd be better swapping the PCM, PATS module, and ignition lock from the parts truck. That should get your the same effect.

Alternatively, if you have a laptop or Window tablet you can download ForScan for free, but an ELM327 adapter for less than $50, and program keys yourself.

 

[RonD]

+1, ^^^^

1999 Ranger V6 used separate PATS module, so swapping in a new PCM wouldn't work,
PATS module(above glove box) and PCM need to be "married" so they can "talk"

Get matched/married PATS module and PCM from parts car

2001-2004 have PATS module/software inside the PCM so in those years you could swap PCM with programmed keys

 

[Noyz81]

My parts vehicle is identical to my daily but has a manual trans while my daily driver has an automatic and I only have one coded key for that truck. Does it sound like I need a PATS, at least one key, and a new PCM ALL from another identical Ranger to make this truck run properly since I don’t have laptop computer knowledge? Thanks for the help guys

 

[adsm08]

Yes. If you don't have the equipment, and won't take it somewhere to get it programmed then you would need the whole system, including the lock cylinder, and at least one, but preferably two or more keys.

However, you should do some price shopping. I don't know what a matched set goes for, or how much a PATS module is going for these days, but you may find it is cheaper to get it towed to the dealer and get the system reset than to replace it whole sale.

A used PCM should be reflashed to the truck in question anyway, or you may end up with other unforseen issues caused by VIN mismatches in the various modules.