good afternoon!! I have a ford ranger '97 was automatic transmission and you change the transmission to manual, and when you go to the emission test, 4 codes of the automatic transmission appear. they tell me that I have to change the computer but that this is manual, you can tell me what is the computer for manual transmission???

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, PCM runs the shifting in an automatic transmission so is specific to that model automatic and will also set codes if connector to trans is unplugged or there is no automatic, same thing.

PCM is also engine specific, i.e. engine size, 2.3l, 3.0l or 4.0l, had different PCMs

Also EGR or no EGR, but 1995 and up all had EGR I believe.

All 1997 PCMs will start with this part number: F77F-12A650
F7 = 1997, F6 would be 1996, F8 would be 1998
7F = Ford Ranger
12A650 = Fords general part number for a PCM, for any vehicle or model, same number is still used in 2017

The number after this "may" tell you if it is for an automatic or manual vehicle, Ford never release any decoder for those numbers, so not even a Ford Dealer could tell you that

But, you can get a used or reprogrammed/refurbished PCM to match what you want
For used you want a PCM from:
1997(1996 would work as well, NOT 1998)
Engine size <<<<
Manual trans

2WD or 4x4 don't matter in 1997 for PCM

There are people that reprogram PCMs, usually for better tuning with engine modifications, but they can also reprogram for manual transmission, delete the automatic software so it won't set codes
No, I don't know any specific person to contact

FS1 sells refurbished PCMs: http://www.fs1inc.com/

Never used one but prices seem reasonable
Do NOT use your VIN unless you specifically tell them you have swapped to Manual Transmission

 

Hey, I was reading through and stumbled upon this thread. I have a 1996 Ranger with a 4.0 V6 that I swapped to a manual transmission. Now, it randomly throws a P1270 code. I "hit" my RPMs max, and the code then causes the fuel pump to send less fuel to the engine, making it quite a bit slower, and sound deeper, more like a diesel than a lil Ranger. Is there anyone you would recommend to reprogram the computer, or do I have to just swap it to a computer for a manual transmission?

 

Welcome to the forum

1996 Ranger fuel pump is on or off
On when engine is running, above 400rpms
Off when engine is off under 400rpms
There is no cycling or strategy in the computers software

You should have a lot of codes if automatic trans solenoids are not hooked up with an automatic computer, should be 6 codes that come up just with key on

P1270 will come up if you exceed 95-100MPH or 5,500rpms usually, but not a common code so clear it and ignore it
If it continues to come up then replace the Computer with a 1996 4.0l manual trans model

 

From what I think is happening, the fuel pump is on, but sends 50% less fuel to the engine. It'll idle at about 800-900 rpms, and I usually shift around 2500 - 3000 rpms. It'll drive normally and randomly, the code will appear and halve the fuel to the engine. It lasts for varying lengths of time, and usually disappears by itself. Occasionally it will appear in the same drive. I do have the codes for the solenoids, should I just bridge the plugs? Can I make the computer think it still has solenoids? Additionally, do you know the part number for the 1996 manual trans 4.0l computer? I haven't been able to tell if the computer is for a manual or an automatic transmission.

______________
It'll drive just fine, however, the acceleration is terrible. I am a very careful driver. :)

 

If you have solenoid codes then its for sure an automatic computer, no, can't fake solenoids or the rest of the sensors in an automatic

Your PCM/ECM will have this part number
F67F-12A650-????

F6 = 1996, F5 = 1995, F7 = 1997
7 = Ranger or Mazda B-series
F = electronics Dept at Ford that is responsible for this part

12A650 = EVERY Ford engine computer ever made has this number, still used in 2024, so when selling a Ford PCM/ECU most don't include this number

???? = the code number that tells what engine size and what transmission the computer is for and also Emissions type if needed in that year
Ford never published a cross reference for these last numbers, and they mean different things in different years

Go here: https://www.car-part.com/
1996
Ford Ranger
Computer Box engine<<<<the part you want
USA
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This is where you can get the numbers you need for a 4.0l manual trans ECM, 2WD or 4x4 doesn't matter in 1996, just FYI
AT = automatic
MT manual
After selecting one
Search
if you want to see if a local wrecking yard has one