Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)

Anti-Theft

NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) is also known as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).

The Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) consists of the following components:

- Anti-theft indicator (located in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC))
- Encoded ignition Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) PATS key(s) (the key contains a transponder and a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter)
- PATS transceiver (located around the ignition lock cylinder and under the lower steering column shroud)
- IPC
- Transmission Control Module (TCM) (located inside the transaxle)

PATS uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a drive-away theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity by the user.

The vehicle is equipped with 2 IKT PATS keys. The IKTs operate as a standard PATS key with an RKE transmitter incorporated into the keyhead. The IKTs require batteries for the RKE transmitter to operate. A maximum of 4 IKT keys can be programmed to operate the vehicle. If more than 4 IKT keys are programmed, the RKE portion of the additional keys do not operate. These additional keys start the vehicle, but does not operate the RKE system. If additional PATS keys are desired, a standard PATS key (a non-IKT key) can be used. For the purposes, the PATS portion of the IKT key is referred to as a PATS key.

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Function

The PATS function is controlled by the IPC. PATS uses the IPC to carry out all of the PATS functions such as receiving the ID code from the PATS key, issuing a signal to the TCM to control the starting and fuel injectors enable, and initiating the key interrogation sequence when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. Because of the interaction between the IPC and the TCM, there are parameters that must be set if the IPC and/or TCM are replaced. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). If the IPC must be replaced for any reason (PATS or IPC concerns), the PATS keys also must be programmed into the new IPC. Refer to Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment Using Diagnostic Equipment. All elements of PATS must be functional before the vehicle starts. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle does not start.

PATS is active only for a few seconds when the vehicle is starting. It is not a PATS concern if the vehicle stalls after it has been running for a minimum of 3 seconds. PATS cannot disable a running vehicle.

PATS can cause a vehicle no start due to either the TCM does not start the engine or the TCM does not move the vehicle electrically or both. Always check for PATS DTCs from the IPC and DTCs from the TCM when a no-crank or no-start condition exists.

If the anti-theft indicator does not prove out (it may be either flashing or glowing steadily) and one (or both) of the previous conditions (TCM does not start the engine or move the vehicle electrically) are present, it may be due to a PATS concern. If the anti-theft indicator proves out, it may not be a PATS concern. If the anti-theft indicator does not illuminate at all, it may be an IPC concern. Refer to the Symptom Chart. Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)

PATS is not compatible with non-Ford remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from the exterior of the vehicle. These systems may reduce the security of the vehicle, and also may be the cause of no-start concerns. Remote start systems must be removed from the vehicle before any PATS-related no-start concerns are investigated.

Unlimited Key Mode

PATS contains a feature called unlimited key mode. This feature allows a customer to program more than 8 vehicle keys, if requested. Each vehicle in unlimited key mode is set up with a special unlimited transponder security key code. This allows all the customer vehicles to share the same mechanically cut keys. For an individual customer, any randomly selected security key that has been previously mechanically cut and electronically programmed to the vehicle is acceptable.

If unlimited key mode is enabled, a maximum of 4 IKT keys can be programmed to the vehicle for RKE functionality. If more keys are required, they should be standard PATS keys. If more than 4 IKT keys are programmed to the vehicle, only the first 4 IKT keys that were programmed have RKE functionality, however, all of them start the vehicle, if programmed correctly. Refer to Spare Key Programming - Unlimited Key Mode Unlimited Key Mode.