To make your car more safe against theft, Ford introduced the PATS technology. The majority of us, however, view it as an inconvenience that makes it difficult for us to quickly replace the ignition key, which is why we search for workarounds.
How to disable Ford PATS system? – It’s not difficult to do.
It can occasionally seem impossible to learn all of a Ford’s features. Do you own a Ford and wish to disable the PATS system but lack the necessary knowledge?
The best option if you need to disable the PATS anti-theft system in your Ford is to either have Ford reprogram your keys or have the transponder chip removed from your car.
PATS employs a matching electronic ID system, thus removing it will enable you to start your car without a specific set of keys provided by Ford.
This post will go into great detail about how to disable the Ford PATS system, its benefits and drawbacks, and much more.
What Is the Ford Pats System?
Ford automobiles have a PATS system, or passive anti-theft system. It was developed as a safety precaution to deter thieves and criminals from stealing Ford vehicles.
Since its initial development in 1996, the PATS has been a standard feature in many Ford automobiles. But not every Ford car produced after 1996 has a PATS.
By making sure that the car can only be started with the original key, it serves as an anti-theft countermeasure. This stops lock picking theft and ensures that even if the criminal had the exact same key as the original, they couldn’t start the vehicle.
What is The System’s Operation?
The PATS keys have a radio frequency transponder with a special electronic identification code incorporated in the key fob.
When you turn on your automobile, the transponder in the key receives a Radio Frequency (RF) signal from the onboard computer of the vehicle.
The key’s transponder responds to the vehicle’s computer with a distinctive RF signal. This demonstrates that the key being used is the right one, allowing the vehicle to start.
The PATS system in the vehicle will activate if the onboard computer does not get the correct identifying code from the key. such as when the engine is rendered immobile or the fuel pump is turned off.
Is Disabling Ford’s PATS System A Good Decision?
You could have no choice but to disable a Ford’s PATS system depending on the situation. Although we advise against turning off your car’s anti-theft system, if you only have one set of keys or your key fob is running low on power, disabling PATS will allow you to start your vehicle.
Don’t try to have a third-party mechanic tamper with your car’s anti-theft system; it’s best to have Ford reprogram your keys in order to disable the PATS system.
Where Is The Pats System?
Despite the fact that Ford has relocated its PATS system around over the years, you should be able to locate it on the left side behind the dash.
Nevertheless, the anti-theft system’s position might vary depending on the vehicle or model year because it may be integrated into the instrument cluster or even be a stand-alone module.
Of course, if you are unable to locate your PATS system, we advise contacting Ford with the model and year of your car, as this should be sufficient information to point you in the correct place.
How to Disable the Ford PATS System?
When a suspected auto theft is not taking place, your PATS system may sound an alarm if it is faulty. It could begin flashing as a result of this, or the engine can become stuck. You must turn off the system in this situation in order to operate your vehicle. The PATS system can be disabled using these three major methods:
Using the Car Door and the Key
Begin by putting the key in the driver-side automobile door. Do not remove the keys before turning the key to open the machine. For at least 20 to 30 seconds, let the key remain in the keyhole. This enables the system to detect the RF signal from the key and deactivate the PATs system. To activate the signal, you can also move the key.
Utilizing the Key and Cylinder Examination
Make that the key fob’s battery is charged or functional. The key will not be able to turn off the PAT’s alarm system if the battery is dead. Repeat the disabling procedure after replacing the dead battery. Next, look to see if the automobile door lock cylinder has been tampered with or fixed.
Start Your Ford
Put your key in the ignition and wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before trying to start your automobile once the engine has been immobilized.
This will mobilize your engine and reset the system. A blue or faded anti-theft light on the dashboard should be looked for. Once the system is turned off, it ought to turn off.
After that, switch the key off and wait two to three minutes before starting the car once more. Before the PATS system in the car is disengaged, it can take several tries.
You might need to have your automobile towed to an auto shop if it still doesn’t work after several tries.
Signals of A Failed PATS
Finding out the cause and timing of the car’s refusal to start might be very irritating. The ignition or PATS Module may be at fault. If you know how to check the PATS system, you must first address the issue of a malfunctioning PATS system.
The main signs of a failing PATS module are as follows:
Bright Theft Light
The car’s theft light will continue to blink if you insert a key it doesn’t recognize. In this case, the key can be programmed, and the car starts. This blinking theft light is the main sign of a bad PATS Module.
If you insert a key that has been specifically programmed for the automobile, the flashing theft light will stop and remain solid for a short while. After that, when you take the key out of the car’s ignition, it will vanish and the light will flash.
Engine Isn’t Starting
If the car’s engine doesn’t start at the same time as the flashing theft light, it is one more indication that the PATS system is malfunctioning.
Most of the time, the car’s engine will start absolutely fine, but if the PATS system is broken, the car won’t start.
Stalling Motor
If the engine abruptly shuts off after one to two seconds of operation after the automobile has been started, there may be a problem with the PATS Module.
Remember that before disassembling the ignition, you might first check to see if the PATS system is malfunctioning. If you can start the car by avoiding or fixing the PATS system, there are no mechanical issues with the vehicle.
How to Remove Pats By a Key
Another encoded key’s programming costs are not something that everyone can or should bear. The PATS system has been in use for 20–25 years, but over that time it has drastically lost its effectiveness.
Although combining several safety features can increase the likelihood of preventing theft, I completely understand if you want to do away with Ford’s PATS system.
The way to permanently avoid the PATS system is quite straightforward:
- To access the RFID chip, disassemble the ignition key grip.
- After carefully removing the chip from its housing, put the key back together.
- Temporarily fix the RFID chip close to the ignition lock using tape.
- Try starting the car by inserting the key. Reposition the chip and give it another go if the engine won’t start.
- Once the engine can be started consistently, secure the chip with superglue or another method as necessary.
- With any duplicate key, you can now start the automobile!
Can You Remove PATS Without a Key?
You can’t bypass PATS without a key.
Only two options are available if you don’t have the original key:
- For on-site assistance, contact the dealership or a locksmith.
- Purchase a key programming machine for automobiles.
- Calling a local mechanic or locksmith, and provided they can complete the task, the cost should fall between $100 and $200. Although certified dealership technicians will cost significantly more, both choices are less expensive than purchasing diagnostic and programming equipment.
In most cases, I would advise purchasing a tool because of its long-term advantages, but I highly doubt you’ll use a key programmer more than once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How To Reset Ford Pats?
To enter security access on the PATS control function module, first turn the key in the ignition to RUN. After selecting the parameter reset, leave security access. You must reset the PCM Keep Alive Memory (KAM).
Q: Can The Pats Go Bad?
If your car turns over but won’t start, the PATS system is malfunctioning. When this occurs, your theft light should be rapidly flashing. It is not the anti-theft PATS that is causing the issue if the engine doesn’t crank at all. The original factory key instead of the key itself getting bad is typically what goes wrong.
Q: What Is SecuriLock Passive Anti Theft System?
Passive anti-theft system, or PATS, is another name for SecuriLock. It alludes to a security technology provided by Ford Motor Company. This technology makes use of an electronic gadget that is mounted inside a car and helps to prevent engine functioning without the use of a particular key or token.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to disable Ford PATS system. Numerous car owners find the passive anti-theft systems to be a useful security measure against theft. We hope that by reading this article, you have gained a thorough understanding of PATS, how they operate, and how to disable and reset them. Please let us know if you have any queries about the PATS system in the comments section below.