Hoping I can maybe get a little help here.

Heres my issue. I have a mercury cougar (2002) which is pretty much the big sister so to speak of the contour. Same frame/chassis etc. Recently, my engine seized so I now need to replace it. I bought a 2000 Contour SVT motor because I know a couple people who have done this and since it is the same motor that is in the contour it is a direct swap. I also had to buy the PCM from a 2000 Contour SVT as well. My problem is this. I need to get my keys reprogrammed to the PATS system code that is in the SVT PCM. The people who have done it, say all I need to do is bring it to the dealer and have them hook up the new PCM to my car and they should have no problem reprogramming the key. Well, when they hook up the new PCM, and plug the scanner into the data port, they get a reading on the scanner that says "invalid hardware" They have never done this EXACT process I have asked them to do and when I went in to talk with the guy who tried doing it, he bascially told me that what I was trying to do was impossible unless I had the WHOLE electrical system out of a Contour. This I know is 100% wrong because like I stated above, I have talked with people who have done this exact thing. Does someone have anymore information, or maybe some other possible solutions I could try. The technician at the dealer apparently didnt like me telling him that he was wrong and that this process could be done so he got really defensive and told me "I have 30 years Ford experience and Im not gonna stand here and be told by some kid whos messing around with his engine that I dont know what im talking about". So basially I said " If youre going to treat a possible paying customer that is trying to come to a mature conclusion like this then im just gonna leave". The guy actually told me to leave and never come back. HA!. Anywho...sorry for rambling on here, but I'm REALLY in a bind. I know this can be done,but apparently, the dealers here in Maine have no idea whats going on!. HELP!

 

Wow! That's a tricky one. Do you happen to have a PATS key from the Contour? If so, you may be able to dig the "Pill" out of the key and tape/glue it in the column close to the ignition lock cylinder. Then get a "NON PATS" key cut so it does not interfere and try that. This is how they do some remote start systems.

 

I have called the salvage yard I bought the PCM from and unfortunatly dont have the keys for it. If I hooked up the SVT PCM and the SVT motor, would I be able to start it with a remote start? Or would I still run into the same problem?

 

Yes. You need a programmed key.