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Post Info TOPIC: Ford's PATs - Passive Anti-Theft System Information.


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Ford's PATs - Passive Anti-Theft System Information.


Many Ford trucks, vans and suvs use PATs (passive anti-theft) keys.  These keys prevent someone from copying your key to a blank and using the blank.  There is a small chip in the key which the vehicle must recognize before it will start.

PATS is Ford Motor Company's passive anti theft system. In 1996 it started showing up on select models of Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles. The keys for these vehicles have a tiny radio frequency transponder imbedded in the plastic Head.
pats_key.gifWhen you attempt to start the vehicle, the onboard computer sends out a RF signal that is picked up by the transponder in the key. The transponder then returns a unique RF signal to the vehicle's computer, giving it the ok for the vehicle to start and continue to run. This all happens in less than a second, and is completely transparent to the vehicle operator. It is a very effective system that does its job without the vehicle owner having to think about it, or modify his / her usual routine.

The PATs key is used on the following Ford family trucks and suvs:

1998-up F-150
1998-up Expedition
2000-up Excursion
1998-up Explorer
1998-up Ranger
1998-up Lincoln Navigator
1998-up Mercury Mountaineer2.gif

 

Additionally, PATs can be found on the follow Ford family cars and mini-vans:

1998-up Contour
1997-up Crown Victoria
1999-up Escort
2000-up Focus
1996-up Mustang and Taurus
1998-up Windstar
1998-up 2000-up Lincoln LS
1998-up Lincoln Mark VIII, Lincoln Continental and Lincoln Town Car
1997-up Mercury Grand Marquis
1998-up Mercury Mystique
1996-up Mercury Sable

Following are the instructions for programming a blank key (you must have at least one working key for this procedure).

The PAT

1. Make sure you have both keys.
2. Turn on car but don't start. Watch "theft" indicator untils it goes out.
3. Turn off and repeat procedure with second key.
4. After "theft light goes out, insert new key and turn on.
5. Wait until the theft indicator goes off and then turn off switch.
6. Wait thirty seconds. New key is now programmed into security module. Repeat for any other keys.


1. Erase any old codes by entering the factory code.(buttons will light up)
2. Press 1/2 button within 5 seconds.
3. Press 7/8 and 9/0 buttons at the same time within 5 seconds.

To set new code:

1. Enter factory code (numbers will light up)
2. Press 1/2 button within 5 seconds.
3. Enter personal 5 digit code(decide beforehand) within 5 seconds of each previous one.
To unlock all the doors,press the 3/4 button within 5 seconds of the driver door unlocking.
To lock all doors and set alarm system,press 7/8 and 9/0 at the same time.
To disarm or reset a triggered alarm,just enter personal or factory code.

Do not set a code with five of the same consecutive numbers. It's too easy for thieves to figure out.

Deactivating and Activating Autolock

To deactivate the "autolock":
With all doors and tailgate closed but NOT locked,and ignition OFF.
1. Enter 5 digit code
2. While holding 7/8 button in, press and release the 3/4 button.
3. Release 7/8 button
The horn will chirp once if the "autolock" was deactivated
or two times if "autolock" was activated.

To reactivate the system,repeat steps 1 thru 3

Alternate Method To Deactivate And Activate Autolock

Do steps [1] through [5] (below) within 30 seconds or you'll have to do it over. If you have to do it over, wait 30 seconds between attempts.
Close all doors securely.

1.Turn the ignition key to ON.

2.Press the power door UNLOCK control THREE times.

3.Turn the ignition key from ON to OFF.

4.Press the power door UNLOCK control THREE times.

5.Turn the ignition key back to ON .The doors should lock and unlock.

6.Press the power door UNLOCK control. The horn should chirp ONCE to confirm successful switching of the autolock system.


-- Edited by SELLC on Tuesday 13th of October 2009 09:44:02 PM

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My Diesel truck does not have the PATs system. Thank god!

But I wonder if it has something to do with the engine controls and lack of ignition system that they were not able to use this feature. Appears to only be on Gas trucks and SUV's.

I wonder if the newer 2004-up Diesels got some form of PATs installed?

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PATs keys were not used on any F-250 and up trucks until model years 2008-to-current.

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I wonder why?

It would seem that most F250 and up trucks would be at more risk for duplicating a key.

I am just glad I dont have to deal with it.

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PATS isn't so bad, but if you lose all your keys it's going to cost you some $$$.
You should see the clusterfuck of problems that aftermarket remote start systems can cause with this system.

I think pretty much all new Ford vehicles use the pats system now. 

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PATS has been used on select Super Duties and Excursions pre-08.

Harley trucks come to mind.

You can run PATS on anything, regardless of ignition system - it can turn all sorts of shit off so the truck won't start/crank.

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Several Ford models no longer have locking steering columns.... this has to bear some testament for the effectiveness of the PATs system... This system works well and has few problems (the biggest problems being that folks don't appreciate the system and wait until they have lost too many keys... making the repair more costly than needed).

All 08 and up F250/350 have PATs... I haven't really had the opportunity to pay attention to 450/550.... My attention has been drawn elsewhere.... E series always seems to lag behind as does motorhome chassis - but I am, again, unsure... as far as PATs is concerned.

Ford released an updated key chart in October... it is available on the corporate server for those that can.... There are an amazing number of different keys making it difficut to keep abreast without current documentation at hand.... We wont talk about those goofy Transit Connect keys...

PATs is here to stay... might as well grab what knowledge you can...

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450's and 550's, at least the ones I have seen have PATS also, regardless of work truck status or 08 450 Harley Davidson for 90k Canuck Bucks.

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I think the PATs system is good. The reason I posted the information was because I was already helping someone with a PATs system on another forum, and I figured we should have the information here too. Just like someone in here already said, the person was trying to install a remote start, and having a hell of a time.

There were remote start kits that basiclly held another key under the dash to bypass the PATs system. I suggested that the guy cut the key portion off so that it would slow down a theif that noticed they had remote start. Every bit helps.

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Or put a PATS interface kit in it for like $30...less than a key.

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SELLC wrote:

I think the PATs system is good. The reason I posted the information was because I was already helping someone with a PATs system on another forum, and I figured we should have the information here too. Just like someone in here already said, the person was trying to install a remote start, and having a hell of a time.

There were remote start kits that basiclly held another key under the dash to bypass the PATs system. I suggested that the guy cut the key portion off so that it would slow down a theif that noticed they had remote start. Every bit helps.



A classic case of the blind leading the blind....

Didn't it occur to anyone that there are many of these vehicles around with remote starts? Talk about reinventing the wheel....

 



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