Dealer said $1000 to replace PCM. Really?

[2wheeler]

2007 Mazda B2300

I've been having issues with the anti-theft not letting the truck start from time to time. Sometimes it's normal, sometimes it isn't. After a bunch of reading I figured it was something with the factory theft BS system so I took it to the dealer(which I hate doing, because I work on my own stuff). They replaced a relay. $30 for the relay and $100 for labor. I took it with a smile and said thanks. Truck was great for a day. They next morning it starting doing the same thing. IF the truck is running, it won't stall when it acts up. The engine light comes on, the tach, speedo, and guages stop working, but the lights, radio, ac, etc keep working. However, if I turn off the truck during on of these fits, it reverts to not starting(not even cranking) and the anti-theft light on the dash blinks fast. This truck does NOT have the chip in the key, btw, so that isn't the issue.

Now for my question...

The dealer is saying the PCM is $900 plus $100 for labor(lol?). Why can't I do it myself? Does it have to be programmed? I'm not paying 25% of the trucks value for one part.

Thanks!

 

[Mark_88]

I would go to a junkyard...or at least call around for one first...to see if they have any on the shelf...

 

[RonD]

With PATS(passive anti-theft system) you will need to get the PATS keys and key cylinder, with the used PCM.
PCM and keys are matched at factory, so you would have a different ignition key and door key

And it needs to be from a 2001 or newer Ranger with 2.3l with same transmission as yours.

Another option is you can contact a PCM programmer and ask them how much to delete the PATS test from the PCM, assuming that's the only problem with that PCM.

 

[97RangerXLT]

could it be teh key itself is bad? maybe dropped one too many times or soaked in beer/ lake water on your last fishing trip?

Try a different key, or have a new one made at a locksmith that can actually program them. do not clone the key.. if it has problems, they might go to the new one.

AJ

 

[2wheeler]

This truck has the PATS system, but there is no chip in the key. I've been driving around with a Walmart key for two years. After reading up on it, Ford used a version of the system with and without the chip keys.

I'm going to bring home the truck today then call some places I found about repairing the pcm. From what I've read getting a new or different one means I have to go back to the dealer and let them program it? My butthole isn't in the mood for them to ream out again.

Thanks again for the tips.

 

[txgocartB3000]

Just a thought...

Could your truck have the PATS and someone placed a chipped key inside the truck in a hidden location?

With the key hidden, this allows the use of the non chipped key since the system is already being triggered.

The key could of gotten loose and moved to far away from the receiver thus not allowing the use of the non chipped key.

Just throwing this out there.

Ray

 

[RonD]

This truck has the PATS system, but there is no chip in the key. I've been driving around with a Walmart key for two years. After reading up on it, Ford used a version of the system with and without the chip keys.

I'm going to bring home the truck today then call some places I found about repairing the pcm. From what I've read getting a new or different one means I have to go back to the dealer and let them program it? My butthole isn't in the mood for them to ream out again.

Thanks again for the tips.

+1 txgocart

Well the PATS system is Key based......................so there is no PATS protection without the need for a working PATS key.
If there was a "version" that didn't need a PATS key then it wouldn't be PATS, it would be just a perimeter alarm system.

And since there is no external electronic means to by-pass the PATS system, remote start aside, then what someone has done is to place a working PATS key near or inside the PATS antenna in the steering column.
Or they moved the antenna to under the dash and put key inside it.
And that key is starting to fail so you get the "no start" issue intermittently.

This method was used by rental car companies to avoid having to replace lost PATS key which requires locksmiths or Ford Dealers to add keys via computer hook up.

How long have you had this truck?

If the truck has PATS and if it started with a non-PATS key then it has a hidden PATS key somewhere.
Ford Dealer would have seen that..............so not sure whats up???

 

[adsm08]

Has to be programmed. Has to be the exact right one. This isn't like the early days of EFI where you can grab one that is close enough and go. There are hardware and software differences between the various PCMs that might have been in similar year and equipment trucks, and it must be programmed to your truck with the proper files, must have the PATS system reset to accept the new computer, and then must have the keys reprogrammed.

And yes, a new PCM from Ford usually runs $800-1000 just for the part.

 

[2wheeler]

I've obviously confused myself reading too many different things.lol

When I turn the key on the security light on the dash(a red padlock) comes on for a few seconds then goes out...when working normally. However, there is no red light anywhere that blinks when the key is off. Also, I do have the factory Mazda key. It doesn't have a large head, so I figured there was no chip in it. I'll post a pic of it.

Now for the weird part. I was looking under the dash to see if there was another key hidden somewhere. I didn't find one, but I found a gps tracker. wtf. Maybe the truck was a company truck before I got it? Still, it's a little unnerving. It's wired into the truck. I removed the ground, so it shut off, but I want to take it out completely. I'll post pics. Maybe you guys can tell me if it looks safe to remove. Also, I wonder if it could cause problems with the theft system? You can see the red and blue, and red and white wires are tapped into the factory wiring.

 

[enjr44]

Lurk, because I am no help and this is interesting.

And PATS systems are unforgiving. You either have the right key or you walk. So, you have the right key and it works sometimes or you don't and it has been bypassed. And whatever was used to bypass is failing.

I guess do have one suggestion, go to an ACE hardware that cuts keys (or a locksmith) and ask them to tell you if it is a PATS key or not. Most ACE stores has this tester that flashes when you put a PATS key near it. Once that is settled you can start to figure out what is really wrong with the truck. My bet is that there is nothing wrong with the PCM, you dealer is just throwing parts at it.

And, if someone put a tracker in it, my bet is they bypassed the PATS and if the dealer couldn't/didn't find the tracker, they troubleshot your problem in the parking lot.

 

[kronos]

2wheeler, how'd you make out with the whole anti theft thing? I'm having a problem with mine. I jumped in it a couple days ago and she won't start won't crank and I know battery and starter are good tested them. So had someone check the and was told it's the anti theft. So wondering what you did to solve your problem?