Need some direction on a pcm replace

[Sdude2008]

Apologies in advance. I have searched and read and googled but maybe I'm not asking the right question. And excuse my naiveté but the only way I can learn is by asking questions. Anyway reasons aside I need to swap out my pcm. I can find infinite info on how to program pats etc. I can't seem to find the whole swap procedure. Do I get the 'new' pcm, take the old on out and have them cloned? I have two keys currently. My brain isnt making the jump from old to new. If I install the new pcm how would I then have pats updated? I have also seen companies offering plug n play pcms where I provide my vin. Do those still have to be updated to my keys or whatever? A link to a good explanation would be most helpful. Just looking to be pointed in some direction.
Thanks in advance.

 

[franklin2]

From what I am finding out, you need to swap the PCM and then get it towed to a Ford dealer to reprogram the PATS system. I guess you could talk to the dealer, and then drive it to their shop, install the new/used PCM, and then they could push it in their shop and re-program the PATS system so it will start.

 

[turboranger.md]

You could always have a locksmith come out. Or a buddy with a competent scanner

 

[rubydist]

It also depends on what pcm you are replacing. Some of the units have a separate module that reads the key and sends a "go" signal to the pcm to allow cranking or fuel during cranking. The later ones have the pats integrated into the cluster/pcm so there is no separate module in which case you need to the pats reprogramming. That is my understanding of the situation.

iirc, there are 5 different types of pats systems. Somewhere on here is a chart showing which years have which type. I think its in the V8 swap section.

 

[turboranger.md]

You would still need to program the ecu to the key

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Laptop, Forscan with extended license (can get a free 2 month extended license and Forscan is free) and a USB to OBD2 cable. Takes about 20 minutes (most of that is getting into the PATS system, it’s a time delay deal to prevent theft), I just did it on my latest V-8 swap. Changed just the PCM. When I plugged in and turned the key on it told me that theft mode was activated because nothing matched. Went into the PATS module and told it I replaced the PCM, after it did it’s thing it told me to turn the ignition off for 10 seconds and cycle the key on and off three times. Boom, done. All of my old keys were active just like that, super painless.

Not sure off the top of my head what all years are like that, but I’m assuming you’re dealing with the 99 listed in your profile and I know it will work with 98-00. Probably more, Forscan is pretty handy.

 

[Sdude2008]

This is what I have. 1999 XL 3.0.

I appreciate all the responses. I will sort through everything this weekend.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yup, Forscan should have no problems with that. Assuming you have a laptop or access to one, your entire cost to do it yourself should be a roughly $30 adapter cable. Dealer will likely charge $100-150 to do the same thing and you have to get it there. I did that with the first 5.0 swap I did with my dad (for that most dealers actually refused to touch it). Took the dealer roughly the same amount of time with a laptop and cable.

I’m not familiar with the computer codes but a 99 3.0 should be using a chip key and have PATS. The PATS module in the 98-00 trucks was it’s own module buried in the dash separate from the PCM. Having a PCM made to your specific VIN is not really important for a 98-00, it just has to match your vehicles configuration (engine size, transmission type - auto/manual, and Federal or California emissions). Having it programmed to VIN will still leave you having to program keys (which also can be done with Forscan and an extended license). The VIN programming only becomes more important when PATS got integrated into the cluster.

Forscan also does a lot more than just allow you to program the keys and PATS, it’s a full-service diagnostic tool too. Read codes, view live data, run diagnostic tests, bleed ABS, etc. It’s not perfect, but each update has gotten better and the price is perfect and it gives you a lot of useful tools when you do your own repairs.

 

[rubydist]

Just to clarify - Forscan will allow you to write a VIN to the pcm?

 

[franklin2]

Just to clarify - Forscan will allow you to write a VIN to the pcm?

Whatever you have to do to get keys to work, it will let you do that IF you pay for the premium version, which is still cheap. All the other functions come in the free version.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Just to clarify - Forscan will allow you to write a VIN to the pcm?

I don’t know that it will let you write a VIN to the PCM, but it will definitely reprogram PATS and keys

Whatever you have to do to get keys to work, it will let you do that IF you pay for the premium version, which is still cheap. All the other functions come in the free version.

No need to pay unless you want an unlimited extended license. I was going to buy the extended license but couldn’t get it to work so I just did the free 2 month extended license and figured I’d deal with buying it later. I don’t believe there’s any limit to doing the free 2 month extended license either.