I have a 99 Ranger with a transponder key. I am replacing a defective column with one I got from a salvage yard.

The donor vehicle is a 2001. The column came with a standard key in the ignition.

When I bought the column I assumed that as long as I had the key close to the ignition I would be ok until I got a locksmith to make me a key.

Is this column going to work? Is there anything else I need to know about swapping the column.

Thanks in advance!

 

I am not the one to say if the Column is backwards compatible but IF at all possible take the Key Internals from the '99 and swap them in the '2001 Column.
If you don't from what I have read, you will not be able to start the engine.

Will they swap is the question !

 

Are you talking about the ignition cylinder?

 

Yes, sorry I didn't get that across.

I believe, from reading, things changed in 2001, but I am not the one toe verify parts fitment.

Lets hope RonD comes in and straightens this out.

I read about trying to eliminate the Key/Pats from a '99 Ranger and the guy was having problems. Just check it out before buying the Column.

 

The 2001 column might be from a 4cyl Ranger, 2.5l engine, they didn't have the PATS Transceiver around the key cylinder, no PATS, so would use just a plain key, just the V6 Rangers got PATS in 1999/2000/early 2001

The 2001 mid-year Rangers got the 4cyl 2.3l Duratec engine and these got PATS

Your 1999 Ranger, assuming a V6 engine, needs the transceiver hooked up

I don't know if the non-PATS key cylinder housing can be fitted with a transceiver, or if you can transfer the PATS housing over to the 2001 column

The Transceiver is not coded or "matched" to the PATS system, it is just a Powered Antenna that allows PATS to read the number in a transponder key's handle

 

What does the transceiver look like?

 

Its a plastic ring that goes around the key slot, picture here: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/BqgAA...bnk/s-l300.jpg

Good read here with pictures: https://www.ranger-forums.com/8-cyli...llation-48794/

You have same system in your 1999, again assuming V6 engine, you have a separate PATS module above Glove box, it is hooked to transceiver and PCM(engine computer)

 

So all I should do is put the ring on the new ignition cylinder and make a hybrid key? I have a picture of my old Column from the bottom

 

Yes, you can see the yellow wire going under the transceiver

You should be able to just swap key cylinders, so your transponder key works in the 2001 housing