I recently swapped a 03 3.0 and auto trans into a 97 ranger that was a 3.0 5 speed for a customer, now it won't start, I swapped all the wiring /sensors under the hood but simply plugged the harness under the hood to the pigtail coming through the fire wall of the 97. Also swapped the steering colom from the 03 but put the ignition switch from the 97 in it, the truck will spin over but will not fire. My question is does anyone have experience with different wiring/security from different years? Would I need to swap all the wiring including under the dash to get the computer mounted at the drivers feel of the 03? Would the security be causing this? I can not seem to figure out exactly if the wiring inside the truck actually has a anything to do with the engine / transmission.. any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum

2003 has PATS(passive anti-theft system)
PATS disables fuel pump and fuel injectors if key in the ignition doesn't have the correct PATS ID stored in computers memory

You can test if its a PATS no start issue by listening for fuel pump, it should run for 2 seconds each time key is turned on.
Also spray fuel into the intake and see if it starts and then dies, if so then its a PATS issue, Spark still works, PATS disables fuel system only
Normally if there is a PATS problem the THEFT light on the dash would flash rapidly, but 1997 may not have that light or connection

If its a PATS issue hopefully you have the 2003 key that came with donor truck, you need to put the 2003 key next to the key cylinder and then try starting the engine
But not sure the PATS reader on the key cylinder is connected to Computer with 1997 wiring

If engine starts then have the PATS key cut to match 1997 key

If engine doesn't start then you will need to wire PATS into the 1997 wiring
PATS wiring below

The Starter Relay in 1997 is grounded directly so not controlled by PATS, which is fine
The THEFT light doesn't need to be used, your choice

Transceiver is the part at the key cylinder, 4 wires, it does need key on 12v and ground
Also the 2 wires connected to 2003 computer
You still need the PATS keys

Computer will have 3 or 4 PATS ID numbers in memory, programmed at the factory for the keys that came with new vehicle
If you have a working key or keys from 2003 vehicle then they just need to be cut to match 1997 cylinder
If you only have 1 PATS key then it can be CLONED by a locksmith so you have a spare working key
If you need to get NEW PATS keys then you will need a Mobile Locksmith to come out and ADD new numbers to the computer after he cuts the new keys


There is no "bypass" for PATS system, wouldn't be much of an anti-theft system if there was, lol
So there are 3 options
Get it working
Send computer out to a programmer and have PATS software deleted
Use a 1998 3.0l computer, no PATS, but this would also present problems with 2003 Cam sensor and 5R44E transmission
1997 and older had different fuel system

 

If I am reading not correctly I should be able to connect the white/ let green and grey and orange wires directly into the existing wires in the pcm plug under the hood correct? Also I have had no luck with finding someone that can take the Pat's system off if i have to go that rout ( would be my preferred so they will be no future issues and I have no 03 keys

 

So after spraying starting fluid in it it does run, they truck is a 98 so would that mean it may be possible for a 98 auto pcm to be installed without having to program it to the vin?

 

Yes, if you have a 1998 auto PCM for 3.0l engine, should work fine, no PATS in 1998

 

Only lock Smith within 2 hrs came out yesterday and programmed a key ( all went well ) now when the truck cranks it has a really rough idle ( like vibration badly ) then slowly dies after 20-30 secs, not check engine light, is anyone aware if the harmonic balancer is different ?

 

Double check the firing order on the coil pack
these are the Matched pairs
1 5
2 6
3 4


1 2 3 will always be in a row on one side, but they need to be Matched with 5 6 4
5 6 4

Not 4 5 6

Ford uses
3 6
2 5
1 4
front
As cylinder numbering

After you have checked the firing order an "know" it is right, then check it again, and then "third time is a charm"
Follow each wire to its cylinder


Major vacuum leak can cause what you describe

 

Double and triple checked the firing order, guess il pull the lower intake off and make sure its sealed good ( had to swap it for the right injectors/ pigtails for the 03 ) gonna double check the evap routing also as iv just got it unhooked atm,