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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Ok to unhook computer???

  • Thread starter Thread starter jt98boost
  • Start date Start date Nov 14, 2005
J

jt98boost

Member
Aug 2, 2003
167
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16
United States <><>
Nov 14, 2005
#1
  • Nov 14, 2005
  • #1
Is it ok to unhook the computer on a 98 cobra without running into any problems with security or reprogramming anything?? I know I have the computer chip in my key and was hoping this wouldn't have to be reprogramed, so can I just unhook the computer and then hook it back up and be ok??
 
T

thomas91169

I'd donkey punch my sister.
Aug 19, 2005
0
0
0
Modesto, CA
Nov 15, 2005
#2
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #2
i would assume disconnecting the ECU and pulling it out has the same effect on your security system as removing the battery from the vehicle. the security/theft system isnt part of the ecu system anyways, i believe it is a seperate unit, but not 100% sure on that.

youre security system shouldnt be affected.
 
B

billyfe390

New Member
Aug 18, 2003
573
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0
Nov 15, 2005
#3
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #3
jt98boost said:
Is it ok to unhook the computer on a 98 cobra without running into any problems with security or reprogramming anything?? I know I have the computer chip in my key and was hoping this wouldn't have to be reprogramed, so can I just unhook the computer and then hook it back up and be ok??
Click to expand...

Yes.
 
J

jt98boost

Member
Aug 2, 2003
167
0
16
United States <><>
Nov 15, 2005
#4
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #4
Ok so its ok to unhook and hook back up, one other question, what about hooking up a new computer to it, the same computer but just a new one, would that affect anything??
 

nyuk98gt

15 Year Member
Oct 10, 2000
1,427
6
79
Chesterfield, MO
Nov 15, 2005
#5
  • Nov 15, 2005
  • #5
jt98boost:

The new computer should have the same calibration code (it can be an updated version of the original) as the old one. You will need to have PATS reset, about $80 at your Ford dealer. You can't avoid it because PATS resetting requires the Star NGS device and the procedure has a built-in 15 minute "wait time" during programming, presumably to discourage thieves.

HTH,

Chris
 
B

billyfe390

New Member
Aug 18, 2003
573
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0
Nov 17, 2005
#6
  • Nov 17, 2005
  • #6
nyuk98gt said:
jt98boost:

The new computer should have the same calibration code (it can be an updated version of the original) as the old one. You will need to have PATS reset, about $80 at your Ford dealer. You can't avoid it because PATS resetting requires the Star NGS device and the procedure has a built-in 15 minute "wait time" during programming, presumably to discourage thieves.

HTH,

Chris
Click to expand...

edit crap its a 98


Youll be fine with the other computer provided its the same box code. Pats isnt affected by a computer swap on the older cars.
 

nyuk98gt

15 Year Member
Oct 10, 2000
1,427
6
79
Chesterfield, MO
Nov 19, 2005
#7
  • Nov 19, 2005
  • #7
billyfe390:

I just want to explain why I stated that PATS would need to be reset. Several years ago, when I had the gears installed, I bought a new '98 PCM, same calibration code code, and had it reflashed for new shift points, etc. The new PCM was plugged in and the car would not start. The technician had to 'reset' the PCM for PATS (hence, the $80 bill at Ford). Maybe something else was going on with the replacement PCM or the new program that required PATS to be reset in my case (just my luck).

Chris
 
B

billyfe390

New Member
Aug 18, 2003
573
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0
Nov 21, 2005
#8
  • Nov 21, 2005
  • #8
nyuk98gt said:
billyfe390:

I just want to explain why I stated that PATS would need to be reset. Several years ago, when I had the gears installed, I bought a new '98 PCM, same calibration code code, and had it reflashed for new shift points, etc. The new PCM was plugged in and the car would not start. The technician had to 'reset' the PCM for PATS (hence, the $80 bill at Ford). Maybe something else was going on with the replacement PCM or the new program that required PATS to be reset in my case (just my luck).

Chris
Click to expand...

Yeah it could have been. We used my car to test a bunch of computers from 96-98 and you could put all of them in and start the car up and drive it as normal it didnt matter on the box code or the year. And pats was definately on so who knows.
 
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