An electronics puzzle that may not be solveable??

[Bill Earle]

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport that was “modified” by a budding mechanic who got in over his head and then went in the Army. I bought the car cheap before I knew about all the compatibility issues.
This car now has a standard transmission in place of the original automatic. It also has a 2006 (stock) engine in place of the original.
As I now know, the electronics don’t like each other. It wont even click the starter solenoid and of course the anti-theft light is on.
I’ve had suggestions from “Bring it in and let us look at it.” to “Install a complete new wiring harness.” to “Trace every connection to determine which module is sending which signal through which connector.” (whew!)
I hate admitting defeat so I’m hoping someone can tell me how to solve this puzzle.
If not I guess I’ll just have to part it out and be done with it.
Any takers?
Thanks for whatever input you may have.
BE

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

Unfortunately you got a double whammy..
There is a mismatch of the drive train and electronics.
Quite a task to undertake, getting the harness to mate to your engine, transmission and vehicle.
Along with a computer that will be able to control it all properly.

There are companies that specialize in this, you’ll need to do some research.
The basics are:
You contact them and tell them what exactly you have.
From there they will either:
Request that you send them the harness and computer and they will rewire and re-flash the computer accordingly.
Or:
Will require to build up a new electrical harness to function in your vehicle and send a computer that will operate your vehicle.
Or some combination there of.
Exact pricing will be determined depending on how far down the rabbit hole they need to go.

[Gareth Randall]

You kind of have to be willing to sign a blank check for this sort of work. If you really want to get your Explorer running with that combination of engine and transmission, then nightflyr’s suggestions are the only way to achieve it, and you need to be prepared to spend. Quality work of that nature requires specialised knowledge, experience and time, and does not come cheap.

[zero]

The solution is to put in the proper drivetrain. Or buy a 2006 with a blown engine and part out everything else you can.

At this point the only real question is how can you minimize your losses.

[Bill Earle]

Thanks Nightflyr…Can you suggest some keywords to use to start my research?
BE

[Richard Kirshy]

Might try
ECU re flash,
ECU custom flash
Custom harness and ECU re flash

As for the harness… might start a search with this.
custom engine wiring harness

Though there are no promises that a custom ECU flash is available for your specific application.
That is something you will need to discuss with the company.

Might start with some of these:
http://autocomputerperformance.com/
http://www.gmtuners.com/eprom/custom.htm
http://www.computronickautoelectric.com/ecm-pcm-repair.html

Automotive Computer Programming

[Bill Earle]

Thanks again Nightflyr.
I’ll let you know what I come up with. [“Hope springs eternal in the heart of a fool.”] 😛

[Richard Kirshy]

Best of luck.
I hope you find a viable solution.

[Author]

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