Hello All!

I have a question regarding installing a new computer in a ranger. My computer is completely gone at this point. So I recently hunted one down and plan to install it this week. My question is mainly about the process. Does the dealership need to reflash the new one I just got? Well, when I say new I mean it's from a wrecked Ranger and is attached to another vin number. I'm not really sure how that all works, and how to go about switching the computers. I'm learning so be nice. Just looking for some advise.

 

Need to include year of Ranger and engine model

1999 4.0l?

No, the VIN is not an issue

Computers(ECMs) rarely fail, possible of course, just not likely unless physically damaged

1999 was the first year Rangers got PATS(passive anti-theft system) in the Computers, so swapping computers got more complicated
Ford will no longer help you with computer changes unless you let them do all the diagnostics and supply any new parts

All engine computers are made for specific vehicle options, year, engine size, manual or automatic are the big 3
2WD or 4x4 don't matter

In 1999/2000 Rangers there is a separate PATS module located above the Glove Box, this module and the Computer were "married" at the factory and programmed for the 2 or 3 PATS keys that came with the new vehicle
So if you swap computer or PATS module by itself neither will work and engine will not start
You can swap them as a SET, same wiring so plug and play, but must both must be swapped in from another Ranger that has the same "options", i.e. same year and same engine size and same transmission type

AND...............you need at least one PATS key from the vehicle you got the computer and PATS module from and its ignition key cylinder
If no key is available a mobile locksmith can come to your Ranger after you have swapped in the computer and PATS module and they can use a laptop with Ford software to add your old PATS keys to the "new" PATS system, must have minimum of 2 PATS keys

Assuming your "new" computer came from a 1999 Ranger with 4.0l engine and same transmission model then go back and get the PATS module and a key if possible and the ignition cylinder from that wrecked Ranger

There is a Ford software called Forscan
There is also a forum
You "may" be able to "marry" the "new" computer to old PATS module using this software, I have never tried it so can't say for sure
But its free to read about it on the Forscan Forum

And there are also Ford Computer tuner techs that can remove PATS from computers, they advertise on ebay, I think minimum charge is $250 now but thats just for taking a look after you send them the computer