I've been told that once some of these CR engines are separated from the truck they can set a security code in the computer that will prevent the engine from starting. Since my engine came from an '04 truck, this is a bot of a concern for me. I'm a couple weeks from being ready to start the engine, but I want to be ready for this.

I'm aware that the Smarty can fix this, but I wasn't planning on buying one for a few months, until the engine has had some time to get broken in. I'm going to try to find one to borrow, but I don't know if I'll be able to find one or not.

So, what I'm wondering is if there are any other methods to clearing this code so the engine can start, aside from the Smarty?

 

There are some keys that are chipped to the ecu and without the ecu being set up for the vehicle it will not start. Not all trucks have this feature. My 05 does not but the dealer said some trucks do. If you have the vin number of the donor truck you can have the dealer check. Also if the donor truck had a plain black key it does not have this feature according to the dealer. The trucks with the chipped keys have a gray ignition key. Hope that helps. If it doesn't I place all blame on the parts dept at dodge.

 

I do have the VIN from the truck. I actually have the full build sheet from it...it was a pretty nice truck too. I'll take that VIN to the dealer tomorrow and see what they say. Hopefully they'll tell me that truck did not have that security feature.

Edit: if the truck did have that security key, do I have any options other than the Smarty?

 

My engine would hit one time and that was it.Had to call Bob an order a Smarty and the unlock program. Now I can start and run it on the stand but it will only turn 2100 rpm,I don't have the auto tranny installed and the alternator isn't hooked up and I don't have an uppipe with a mass air flow sensor yet,not sure if this would cause the low rpm's,maybe someone has a suggestion?By the way this is a 05 F350 to CR conversion also,

 

If I understand correctlly, you are putting another engine in truck????
If you keep all your orginal electronics it will run the same. Remember I said all of the electonics orginal to truck you are putting engine in.

 

you will need a smarty and a recovery to do it right, give me a call when you are ready to go and we can work out some agreement

 

I'm doing a Cummins conversion. This engine is going in my Ford F-350, so the only electronics I have is the ECM that's bolted to the block.

Thanks Bob. PM Sent.