So a coworker gives me a Ford Ranger. He says the dealer says it needs a new computer and it will cost 1500. Of course, my husband can't believe that so he and a mechanic friend replace all kinds of sensors and things but it still won't start. Next my son sends us a computer (probably from the junk yard). We towed the car to the dealer today and the dealer is claiming that he tried twice but the computer won't work. He also said he needs two keys. I searched the web and it seems he may be right about needing two keys and I wonder how he expected it to work if he only had one. By the way, we do have another key, but hubby says that even if he takes in the key, the dealer is not going to try it again. He wants his 1500. Is my assumption correct that he would need two keys to determine whether the computer is any good?

PS I liked it alot better when cars didn't have computers and my husband could fix everything.

What year truck?

U need 2 keys to program the keys

as far as needing keys to install a new ecm Never heard that.

It is possible your son got the wrong computer for the configuration of the truck.

more info on the truck would help

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It's a 2002, automatic. I suppose it's possible it was the wrong computer but the dealer did not indicate that it was.

it's a six, but I don't know the size of the engine. What do you think of these places that charge 249 for a computer that you are supposed to put in and it goes without programming? They're remanufactured.

Any chance it has an aftermarket security system that won't allow it to start?

If the keys are not programed for the vehicle, and it has the PATS anti-theft system, the truck won't start. That would be the only reason I can see that they would need two keys.

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I doubt it has an aftermarket security system. Belonged to an old man who was cheap.
It was running when the man stopped it at his house and was not the next morning--the same keys. But now that we put a new computer in it--there is not a match with computer and keys if that makes a difference,.

The keys will have to be programmed for the new computer then.

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Honestly your best bet would be to find another Ford Dealer in the area and take it there or to a good mechanic who knows Ford Vehicles inside and out.