I changed the ECM on my 2007 Ranger 3.0. Bought one already flashed, installed it and I didn't have Ignition. I did some reading and Pats is preventing it from starting is there a work around or do I still have to bring it to the dealer to get it reset?

 

No, there is no work around for PATS
If the anti-theft light is flashing rapidly after turning on the key then yes, you have a PATS issue


ECM can only be programmed for PATS keys while in the vehicle, which means towing it in.
So I would find a mobile Locksmith with Ford PATS software on his laptop and he can add your existing PATS keys to the new ECM.
You should have 3 working PATS keys, because if you lose 1 you can add another one yourself if you still have 2 working PATS keys, you just need to have a new PATS key cut which isn't expensive.

Video here of laptop programming: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uoHwkIH3R0

There is a 10min time out before you can do anything that's a safety issue, so thieves can't do this quickly