Question about differences in 4.0L

[dude55man]

Hello, I am trying to figure out if there's any differences in 4.0 SOHC from the Rangers compared to the Explorers. From what I can find, I don't see any differences, however a shop is requesting I get an Explorer ECM/PCM (man, the part has like a billion names) because the engine came from an Explorer.
Like I said, when installing the engine, the only differences I really found was the serpentine belt layout, and that's it.
If anyone happens to know if there's some major difference where I need the Explorer ECM rather than a Ranger, that would be amazing!!!

 

[SenorNoob]

If it's in the 06 (and it came from the factory with a 4.0), you would need the FACTORY PCM. Anything else would have to be programmed to work with your other electronics/keys or some major swapping done.

Sounds like you have a shop that doesn't know what they're doing.

 

[dude55man]

It had a 2.3 in it from the factory

But it does feel a bit that way, and or just unfamiliar with Rangers as Ford, for some reason, changed/updated the ECUs in Explorers and Mustangs with the 4.0, but not the Rangers in 2004. So an 06 ECU won't work, I looked up the site they use for their tuning equipment and sent them an email asking if any pre-2004 Explorer ECU will work with the engine.
And I'm not too sure what on my Ranger would even because concerned about the year of the ECU. Unless it's the PATS module, but would I be able to swap that out? Or is that onboard the ECU and it looks for something else?

 

[SenorNoob]

AFAIK, all 4.0 SOHC engine are at least similar enough that any 4.0 SOHC PCM should be capable of running it. I know of one case of a 4.0 SOHC running on a 4.0 OHV PCM.

If you wanted to, you could get an aftermarket ECU and tune it. I would probably stick to the 06 design and make everything match. IE everything based on the EVTM for an 06 Ranger with 4.0.
Ultimately the choice is yours.

 

[2011Supercab]

with a 2006 Ranger, PATS is going to be your biggest problem.

The PATS module is built into the instrument cluster and digitally married to the ECU, as far as I know Ford is the only place to get that done.

Probably the easiest way to go is to get an instrument cluster, ECU, and key and tumbler from an 06 Ranger with a 4.0, and all parts from the same truck.

 

[Kira]

What happened to yours?

 

[dude55man]

What happened to yours?

The 2.3L had a head gasket start to leak oil, got low a few too many times and the piston didn't want to move anymore. Con rod and wrist pin ended up in the oil pan without making an inspection hole anywhere

 

[dude55man]

with a 2006 Ranger, PATS is going to be your biggest problem.

The PATS module is built into the instrument cluster and digitally married to the ECU, as far as I know Ford is the only place to get that done.

Probably the easiest way to go is to get an instrument cluster, ECU, and key and tumbler from an 06 Ranger with a 4.0, and all parts from the same truck.

Ah okay, that explains a few things with this as back when I had to get it emissions tested I had to go back and forth due to a milage discrepancy and the ECU having a different VIN

 

[dude55man]

with a 2006 Ranger, PATS is going to be your biggest problem.

The PATS module is built into the instrument cluster and digitally married to the ECU, as far as I know Ford is the only place to get that done.

Probably the easiest way to go is to get an instrument cluster, ECU, and key and tumbler from an 06 Ranger with a 4.0, and all parts from the same truck.

Also, I forgot to ask, is the PATS module like a chip or board that's apart of the cluster or? Because finding 4.0 Rangers around here in junkyard is a pain but I have several 4.0 Explorers and I prefer to not have to install a whole new cluster and deal with another milage discrepancy and what not

Also, I just remembered, PATS is supposed to kill the fuel pump right? Because when I turn the key to "on" I can hear it running and it does push fuel to the rails

 

[Roert42]

The pats is software that talks to several different parts of the car.
I’m pretty sure the ECU is married to the dash. Dealer may be able to reprogram, May not.

Shouldn’t need to swap the ecu to swap an engine. Unless your going from an OHV to OHC.

 

[SenorNoob]

OP went from 2.3 (Duratec) to 4.0 SOHC

 

[Roert42]

I read that, and then completely ignored it.

 

[dude55man]

Bit of an update and some more questions here
I cannot remember if I said this already but, when it had the 2.3L it had an ECU from another Ranger. I just remembered this from when I had to get it emissions tested years ago and the ECU VIN was different. I don't remember the VIN off the top of my head so that leads me to my question.

I've found a junked 2004 4.0 Ranger that's a stick and 2wd. The ECU seems to already be gone but can I use that VIN to order a new ECU and have that work with the 2001 engine in a 2006 chassis?

 

[dude55man]

OP went from 2.3 (Duratec) to 4.0 SOHC

This is what happened to the 2.3

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

This is what happened to the 2.3

Ouch!