For my 2002 Focus LX automatic with 80,000 miles, I replaced my ECU with a used one ($50 at eBay) to troubleshoot a tranny problem, but then I had to pay the dealer almost $300 to copy information out of my old ECU and write it into the replacement. (Though that also included $30 to program a second key.) Then the replacement ECU developed the same problem indication as the old one (a short).
So after I figure out what's causing the short, I'm staring at the prospect of replacing and reprogramming the ECU again.
Once the replacement ECU was installed, the car wouldn't even start until it had been reprogrammed, and I understand that this was due to the PATS.
Can I disable the PATS and use a replacement ECU without reprogramming it? In other words, is the programming only needed to set up the key/PATS info?
So after I figure out what's causing the short, I'm staring at the prospect of replacing and reprogramming the ECU again.
Once the replacement ECU was installed, the car wouldn't even start until it had been reprogrammed, and I understand that this was due to the PATS.
Can I disable the PATS and use a replacement ECU without reprogramming it? In other words, is the programming only needed to set up the key/PATS info?