Installing PCM / Programming Keys - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac - Advice
Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2026 7:45 pm
Hello,
My sons 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac would run fine but DIE. As it got warm it would die quicker and I would get PATS flashing light and need to wait 20 seconds or so to try and crank again. It would usually always start but sometimes it would crank and no start. Runs great when running.
After looking at everything and ruling things out - I thought it was the Instrument Cluster / PATS known problem of cracked solder joints - UNTIL I used a spray can upside down and chilled the PCM and it stared up with no codes.
I have another PCM from ARES Technologies that should be my exact PCM match and programmed with my VIN.
I need to install it now - configure PATS and redo the two Keys I have.
I was planning on disconnecting the negative terminal for an hour while I plug in new PCM
I understand I need to go to PARAMETER RESET and get access through PATS while waiting 10-12 minutes.
Follow instructions and no surprises?? Then go to PATS PROGRAMMING or KEY LEARNING (dont know what that looks like yet) and follow those instructions.
I have two working keys at the moment.
Is there anything I dont know or that might throw me off like needed Module Data or Incodes?
I saved current module configuration and printed out motorcraft data for my vin to have on file.
Thank you. This is a new world for me and pretty awesome to have available. I paid for the 1 year extended license.
My sons 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac would run fine but DIE. As it got warm it would die quicker and I would get PATS flashing light and need to wait 20 seconds or so to try and crank again. It would usually always start but sometimes it would crank and no start. Runs great when running.
After looking at everything and ruling things out - I thought it was the Instrument Cluster / PATS known problem of cracked solder joints - UNTIL I used a spray can upside down and chilled the PCM and it stared up with no codes.
I have another PCM from ARES Technologies that should be my exact PCM match and programmed with my VIN.
I need to install it now - configure PATS and redo the two Keys I have.
I was planning on disconnecting the negative terminal for an hour while I plug in new PCM
I understand I need to go to PARAMETER RESET and get access through PATS while waiting 10-12 minutes.
Follow instructions and no surprises?? Then go to PATS PROGRAMMING or KEY LEARNING (dont know what that looks like yet) and follow those instructions.
I have two working keys at the moment.
Is there anything I dont know or that might throw me off like needed Module Data or Incodes?
I saved current module configuration and printed out motorcraft data for my vin to have on file.
Thank you. This is a new world for me and pretty awesome to have available. I paid for the 1 year extended license.