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

Anti-Theft

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

- Anti-theft indicator (located in the Instrument Cluster (IC))
- Encoded ignition key(s) (the key contains a transponder)
- PATS transceiver
- IC
- PCM

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

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Function

The PATS function is controlled by the IC. PATS uses the IC to carry out all of the PATS functions such as receiving the identification code from the PATS key, issuing a signal to the PCM to control the starter and fuel injectors enable, and initiates the key interrogation sequence when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. Because of the interaction between the IC and the PCM, there are parameters that must be set if the IC or the PCM (or both) are replaced. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset. If the IC must be replaced for any reason (PATS or IC concerns), the PATS keys must be programmed into the new IC. Refer to 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 cannot start.

PATS can cause a vehicle no start due to either the fuel injectors or the starter not operating, or both. Always check for PATS DTCs from the IC and the PCM when a no-crank or no-start condition exists. A low state of charge in the vehicle battery can cause PATS to allow the starter to crank the engine, but prevent the fuel injectors from operating. 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 (fuel injectors inoperative and/or engine does not crank) are present, it may be due to a PATS concern. If the anti-theft indicator proves out, it cannot be a PATS concern. If the anti-theft indicator does not illuminate at all, it can be an IC concern. GO to Symptom Chart. Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System

The PATS function uses the IC and the PCM to enable or disable the engine. All elements of PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle does not start. If there is a PATS concern present, the IC sends a message to the PCM to not allow fuel injector and starter operation. If the vehicle starts and stalls, or the engine does not start at all, check the anti-theft indicator operation and if it is flashing or glowing, retrieve DTCs from the IC and the PCM and follow the PATS diagnostics.

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 does not disable a running vehicle.

PATS disables the vehicle from starting if there is:

- a damaged PATS key.
- an unprogrammed PATS key.
- a non-encoded key (a conventional key or one that does not have any electronics).
- damaged wiring.
- a damaged transceiver.
- a damaged IC.
- a damaged PCM.

PATS is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from the exterior of the vehicle. These systems can reduce the security of the vehicle, and also can 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. If the remote start system is a Power Code(TM) system, make sure it is not the cause of the no-start. Removal of the system may be necessary.

Factory Invoiced Accessory (FIA) Remote Starter

Vehicles may be equipped with a factory-invoiced dealer-installed remote start system that is a Factory Invoiced Accessory (FIA). The remote start fob for this system uses a small device that is about half the size of a conventional RKE fob, but only has one button on it. If the remote start system is installed on the vehicle and the unlimited mode is not enabled, the PATS allows up to 7 PATS keys to be programmed into the IC. The remote start system uses up 1 of the 8 total PATS keys that can be programmed into the IC. The number of keys that are programmed into the PATS can be determined by viewing the IC PID N_KEYCODE.

MyKey(TM) Feature

The MyKey(TM) feature allows a restricted driving mode to be programmed into one (or more) key(s) supplied with the vehicle or into any (PATS) programmed spare key(s) to promote good driving habits. The MyKey(TM) is a restricted key for all consecutive key cycles until the MyKey(TM) restricted key is disabled. The remaining key(s) is referred to as an "administrator key" or admin key. There must always be at least one admin key. The IC does not allow the last admin key to be programmed into a MyKey(TM) restricted key. Both the admin key and the MyKey(TM) can be used to see how many MyKeys(TM) and admin keys are programmed to the vehicle, and how many total miles have been driven with the MyKey(TM) restricted key active. When the MyKey(TM) feature is programmed, several features are modified.

Standard Restricted Features

- NOTE: The standard restricted features below cannot be configured in any way.

Belt-Minder(R) chimes periodically with the audio system muted until the driver safety belt is buckled. If Belt-Minder(R) has been disabled when the admin key is in the ignition lock cylinder, Belt-Minder(R) still functions for the MyKey(TM) driver. Belt-Minder(R) cannot be disabled by the MyKey(TM) driver.

- Audible and visual low fuel warnings are issued when the programmed Distance To Empty (DTE) value is reached (typically 75 miles).

Optional Restricted Features

- NOTE: The optional restricted features below can be configured to the customer preferences.

The volume of the audio system can be programmed to limit the volume to 45% of maximum volume.

- Vehicle speed can be programmed to be limited to 130 km/h (80 mph). Audible and visual warnings are issued when the vehicle speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) is attained.
- Audible and visual warnings are issued when the preselected vehicle speed of 75, 90 or 105 km/h (45, 55 or 65 mph) is attained.
- The AdvanceTrac(R) always on feature can be configured on or off. If configured to always on, at this time the traction control cannot be disabled by the MyKey(TM) driver.

If the vehicle is equipped with a Ford approved remote start system and the remote start system was used to start the vehicle, the remote start system causes the vehicle to stall if a door is opened or the vehicle is shifted into gear. At this time, an ignition key must be inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and cycled to the ON position in order for the vehicle to be driven. The vehicle cannot be driven after a remote start has occurred unless a key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and turned to the ON position.

A remote start system (if equipped) must be a Ford approved remote start system or issues with the MyKey(TM) feature may occur.

The remote start system decreases the number of keys that can be programmed to the vehicle by one keycode.

The MyKey(TM) feature does not function if the unlimited key mode is turned on.

Refer to Information and Message Center in the Description and Operation portion of Instrumentation, Message Center, and Warning Chimes Description and Operation for MyKey(TM) system checks and system warning displays.

Refer to MyKey(TM) Programming Mykey or to the Owner's Literature for MyKey(TM) programming information.

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. Refer to Spare Key Programming - Unlimited Key Mode Unlimited Key Mode.