So - - - I need to replace the PCM on my 2003 Ranger, 6-Cyl 3.0L 2WD 5 Spd Auto Trans. The PCM is a model MP2-111 aka 2L5A-12A650-CC. It has anti-theft and uses PATS keys.
No shortage of sellers on eBay and other sites selling refurbed and reprogrammed PCMs.
But, unlike many of the other models of PCMs, ECMs, and ECUs, none of the sellers include a new pair of keys with this model. Considering that many other types include keys and this kind doesn't, that leads me to wonder if the PATS key numbers are actually stored in this particular model of PCM... ??? My research seems to indicate they are, but none of the (at least) 9 different dealers include keys.
The refurbed PCM will cost me approx $125. Am I gonna have to spend another $250+ to get new keys for it? Or are the PATS key numbers stored in different module somewhere on this vehicle?

I believe my PATS keys are type "E" and I found reprogramming instructions which require "a scan tool with capability to program PATS type "E" keys, with Ford license and subscription to www.motorcraft.com". My mechanic, which runs a professional shop with lots of fancy expensive scan tools, says none of his are capable of this, and that a 'license' must be purchased at a 'considerable fee' for each and every key to be programmed.
None of the dealers in our area will program keys for a 2003 any more, It seems I have to get a locksmith and $253 is the cheapest I could find. (Dealer would probably charge that much as well if they did it)
Yet several of the PCM sellers say "Vehicles that store the PATS Key information on the PCM will require a quick key relearn (it takes less than a minute) after the module is replaced. 2 unique ignition keys are required for the relearn process." and say nothing of needing a scan tool, license, or subscription.

So - - - can anyone confidently enlighten me on this conundrum?

 

You NEED at least 1 programmed PATS key with and new Type "E" or higher PCM, 2 is better

And don't forget you will also need the keys cut to match ignition, or ignition rekeyed to match keys

 

Knowing that you normally need at least 2 different keys already programmed to the PCM in order to program more yourself, I actually have FIVE different keys cut and programmed to my current PCM. The question / problem is what is it gonna take to get them programmed to a new PCM if it doesn't include any pre-programmed keys?
I can order blanks on the 'net, and I can get them cut at the local hardware store. But 'twould seem that only a pro with expensive equipment, licenses, and subscriptions can program the first 2 keys.

Oh, and the scan tool that I DO have allows me to read the number codes from the existing keys for what that's worth.

 

If you have ZERO keys to the new PCM then you are stuck going to a dealer or extremely good locksmith for programming. There is no DIY way around it, if there was it wouldn't be such an excellent anti theft system.

 

Pretty much any Mobile Locksmith will have the Ford software on a laptop to add keys to a PCM.
If vehicle is driveable with old PCM then take it to a Locksmith with Ford software and install the new PCM there, and he can add the 5 keys you have to it

The PCM must be installed in the vehicle to add new keys, can't be done out of the vehicle.

Its good you have a 2003, 2004 and up had full digital dash, and ONLY a Ford dealer can remarry dash and new PCM, or visa versa, the dash(instrument cluster) was part of PATS 2004 and up, so if you install a new dash or PCM engine will not start until they are remarried.



Not that its important to your situation but PATS keys can be CLONED
Inside the handle of PATS key is an RFID tag, these need no batteries, each tag has a unique number, a Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) number
You can buy Blank PATS keys, it needs to be cut to fit the lock but also has a BLANK RFID tag, and you can "write" any number you want to this Blank tag, but you do need an RFID reader/writer device
Many locksmiths have these, the device and the Blank PATS keys, it is cheaper to have PATS key Cloned that to have Ford or a locksmith add new PATS keys to the PCM.
So Locksmith cuts the key to match working PATS key, then reads and writes its unique number to the Blank RFID tag
Many do this to have a SPARE key

A Cloned key is NOT A SECOND KEY, so it can not be used to add more keys, as far as PCM/PATS is concerned it is the SAME key, but still good to have as backup in case you lose your other key

 

That's what I thought, and what I was afraid of.
There does not seem to be such a thing as a non-mobile locksmith anymore. At least not in the Jacksonville, FL area (not a small town). None of the Ford dealers in the area will make keys for a 2003 anymore. So I'm stuck with calling a mobile locksmith and the cheapest I could find is $253. The truck IS driveable with the old PCM, the only problem with the old one is a error P0443 Evap Control error, because the driver transistor on the PCM board for that valve is bad. I'm an electrical engineer but neither I nor anyone on some of the electronics forums could cross-reference it. I've already spent quite a bit on a new purge valve, vent valve, and labor. I could deal with another $125 for a PCM in order to be a good eco-citizen and also to get rid of the annoying check engine light. But that $125 plus another $253 is just too much.

I was already aware of all this, which is why I worded my question the way I did. Good info though for someone else with key problems. My niece is constantly loosing the key to her 2003 escape. Every time, she pays $200 and gets one key made. I keep trying to tell her to spend just a few more dollars and get 2 made, then I can make her up to 6 more keys for cheap. I told her as long as she still had at least 2 working ones, I could make more. But noooooo, I can't get that into her head.

I think my next plan of action will be to find an used, unwarranted and not reprogrammed and possibly not even working PCM and steal the mysterious transistor I need from it to fix mine. It's a surface mount in a TO-252 case. Difficult but not impossible to replace and within my capabilities.