no start after instrument cluster replacement

[Beau]

Switched from a black background original gauge cluster to a white background gauge cluster out of a like 2011 Ford Ranger 4x4 5-speed. Fits great and all lights work but the engine will not crank/start. The Anti-theft system light on the "new" dash flashes and the nothing happens. I change back to the original instrument cluster and it starts right up. Is there a trick to get around this challenge?

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

PATS(passive anti-theft system) indicator is the "Theft light" on the dash, when it flashes rapidly after key is turned on it means the Anti-theft system has been engaged, this prevents Starter Motor operation along with fuel pump and fuel injector operation.

Around 2004/5 Rangers got digital instrument clusters, which was then part of PATS, so you can't swap instrument clusters unless you reprogram PATS to accept the new clusters ID.

Best case is to call a locksmith that can program PATS, its Ford software needed on a laptop.
Ask how much to reprogram PATS, tell him you are changing the instrument cluster.

Call Ford dealer as well, just to get approx. price.
Ford Dealer may say NO if miles on odometers are too different, i.e. newer one shows 45k and original 250k, one point of having PATS in the cluster is to prevent "rollback" of vehicle miles.
Ford would want to order you a New instrument cluster, in the color you want, with the miles preset at 250k

Leave old cluster in and drive to the place you can get reprogrammed, swap instrument clusters there and let them reprogram PATS for new cluster
They can also make and add spare PATS keys at that time if needed.

 

[Beau]

thanks for the feedback

Hello,
New to group. Thanks for feedback. Nice new gauge cluster, and white bqackground is what I want, so I guess I'll go see my local Ford dealer.

 

[howarddleach@yahoo.com]

Would the instrument cluster problem be the same for a 2002, or would the key just need to be programmed to the computer?

 

[adsm08]

Would the instrument cluster problem be the same for a 2002, or would the key just need to be programmed to the computer?

Same issue.

 

[RonD]

You can swap the instrument clusters in 2003 and older Rangers, as far as I know.

2004 and up can not be swapped without Ford Dealer reprogramming

If you have a 2011 Ford Ranger then you can not swap cluster, from any year, its not the year of the cluster its your 2011 year that won't allow it, you can't even swap in another 2011 instrument cluster

So 2004-2011 Rangers no cluster swaps allowed

There are ways to change the faces on any instrument clusters

Have a look here: https://www.blackcatcustom.com/Ford Explorer Ranger.htm

No cluster change required you are just changing the color, and alot more options than Ford had