ecm

[hornhunter]

I own a 2002 ranger 5 spd 2.3 L just bought the same truck except it's automatic transmission .ecm is bad. So the question is are the ecm interchangeable

 

[stmitch]

Short answer: no
Longer answer: Ford calls them Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) because they control both engine and auto transmission functions. A manual trans PCM is basically an auto trans PCM without any transmission variables or controls. Trying to use a PCM from a manual trans with an auto won't work because it has no ability to control the transmission since there's no need to control anything with a manual. Going the other way, and using an auto trans PCM with a manual trans won't work well either because the PCM will be trying to control a transmission that isn't there, and making assumptions based on bad data from sensors/hardware that don't exist.

You can have auto trans PCMs reprogrammed to be used in manual trans trucks (they just delete the transmission control functions) but I'm not sure if the manual trans PCM can be reprogrammed to control an auto or not. Seems like adding auto transmission control parameters wouldn't be difficult if you know what they are but I don't recall seeing that done before. It's usually cheaper/easier to find the correct PCM from the start.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^

You will also have the issue of the PATS(passive anti-theft system), 2002 2.3l will have Type E PATS
You have this problem when replacing any Ford Computer after 1998.

PATS keys have an embedded Tag in the handle, it has a unique number.
When you turn on the key, with Type E, the computer reads the key's unique number and compares it to a list of 4 to 8 numbers it has in memory, if it finds a match then computer will turn on fuel pump and allow fuel injectors to work, also it will close starter relay to allow starter motor to work.

So if you change computer you also need to change keys, ignition cylinders.
Or after changing computers have a Mobile Locksmith with Ford software come out and add the PATS keys to the "new" computer.
It can only be done in the vehicle, computer won't accept changes unless it is connected to the system because it has to go thru "startup" tests, after passing all the tests it can then be programmed for new key tags.

 

[Blown]

There is the possibility of using a manual transmission EEC with a side, separate transmission controller. A tranny controller is not cheap. It's best to match the computer that came with your year, engine, and transmission.

I don't know of a way to load/add/program additional Functions, Scalers, nor Tables that would control a transmission on a EEC. Ford probably has a way to change the strategy/programming, but only within the confines of the hardware/computer/EEC. Tuners have worked and been lucky enough to break the code to the different strategies used to control different vehicles. That allows access to change existing Functions, Scalers, or Tables in order to tune what is presently there on that EEC.

 

[kronos]

So basically if you have a bad PCM module you have to go to the dealer?

 

[RonD]

So basically if you have a bad PCM module you have to go to the dealer?

That would be the easiest...........and most expensive option, as it usually is.

But you don't "have to" go to a Dealer.
You just need to spend the time to learn what parameters need to be meet for your specific vehicle, like you do when any part needs to be replaced.
You can't put a 2010 Ranger fender on a 1983 Ranger and have it match up, why???, it's the same part......WTF??
Different parameters

For ECMs
Auto or manual
EGR or no EGR
PATS or no PATS(mobile locksmiths can add PATS keys to new ECM)
Flex fuel or gas only(fuel injectors can be change to match this though)
Model year needs to be the same on some years.

Guys that reprogram these computers can often change a used ECM's parameters to better match your vehicle, also give it more power.