• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

97 ranger 99 explorer 5.0 swap


Caleb437

Member
Joined
May 26, 2025
Messages
6
City
Virginia
Vehicle Year
1997
Transmission
Manual
I’ve got a 97 manual ranger 2.3 with a 99 automatic explorer 5.0 engine and 99 f-150 4.2 manual transmission. I know that these were not very compatible years for the swap but I learned that after the fact. Everything is mounted, engine and trans and driveshaft. I am now attempting to sort out the wiring. I would just like to get the motor to start for the moment. The ranger has power and the instrument cluster responds when I turn the key. But nothing more. This is all very new to me, it has been a rough learning experience and I would just like some help to continue from here.
 
non pats ecm? i would start with that.
 
99 ex pdb.png



does your ex pdb look like this one?
 
non pats ecm? i would start with that.
The pcm includes pats, I’ve spliced all the wires in according to diagrams that I had found online. Although when I turn the key I don’t see the theft light come on like it did in the explorer.
 
I sent the wrong one, that one is the rangers. This is for the explorer
 

Attachments

  • IMG_7365.jpeg
    IMG_7365.jpeg
    243.5 KB · Views: 4
with the main battery connections in place, power the ecm diode with a crank/run source which should be your red/green strip wire from the coil/ign system, when you want the system on. then the fuel pump power to the pumps downline of that relay obviously.

the crank signal to the starter when you want it to crank, whether you want the safety systems in place for that or not is up to you. there are complications with this depending on actuals with nds circuit ect.

this is provided you have pats tuned out.
 
I’m a little lost. I am not able to have the pcm tuned at the moment. I have all of the pats components I pulled from the explorer wired into the ranger. I’m not sure I would be able to jump power directly to those and get it to start. I’ve got my code reader in right now and the codes are mostly o2 or transmission related and one being the Brake pedal position. I don’t have anything but my headers on so I understand the o2s. I’m not sure what to do about the transmission or the Brake pedal position. I’ve got the diagrams open and it shows the ranger has a BOO switch whereas the explorer has a BPP switch. Is there a way for me to use the existing BOO with the explorers pcm?
 
the boo and bpp are similar. the bpp is a euro type setup that is the rule from 98 ish in some vehicles. in fords i think it gets going in 95

its like my gm switch in my ranger that it both powers and grounds at some point. this allows me to use electronic cruise with my mechanical diesel.....i dont remember the year the explorers went to this... i would have to look at it to see. pretty sure all of the sla units got it.


your gem will want to see ground with the brakes off and sees power when on if i remember right...

the switch does more with the safety features of brake to shift from park and or start...not to mention the tcc and cruise functions..

the other side is normal ford with the light green sending 12 v to brakes...

generally the green goes to the pin 92 on the generic print of the ecm.

check your schematic




i detest the pats setup, but if you have a functioning system in place working correctly then it will run.

i have seen them strand waaaaaay too many moms to not hate them, and cost waaaaay too much to troubleshoot.
 
this assumes of course you have checked and verified the fuses...and power is going to both power ins and the gem is hooked up to see power and ground and the rap module sees signal
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Ranger Adventure Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Back
Top