Antitheft and Alarm Systems: Description and Operation

Anti-Theft

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

- Anti-theft indicator (located in the Instrument Cluster (IC))
- Encoded (the key contains a transponder) PATS ignition key
- PATS transceiver (located around the ignition lock cylinder under the steering column shroud)
- 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.

The vehicle is equipped with 2 PATS keys. A maximum of 8 PATS keys can be programmed to start the vehicle. If additional PATS keys are desired, refer to Spare Key Programming - Unlimited Key Mode Unlimited Key Mode.

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, controlling the starter and fuel injectors enable, and initiating the key interrogation sequence when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. All elements of PATS must be functional before the vehicle starts. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle will not start. If the IC must be replaced for any reason (PATS concerns or IC concerns), the PATS keys must be programmed into the new IC. Refer to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment Using Diagnostic Equipment.

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 will not disable a running vehicle.

PATS is not compatible with aftermarket 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.

Factory Invoiced Accessory (FIA)

Vehicles may be equipped with a 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 Remote Keyless Entry (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 one 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.

A PATS no-start may involve a vehicle no-start due to either the fuel injectors not operating or the starter not operating (starter relay does not close) or both.

PATS disables the vehicle from starting if there is:

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

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 including:

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).
- The parking aid system (if equipped) cannot be turned off.

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 Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators for MyKey(TM) system checks and system warning displays.

Refer to MyKey(TM) Programming 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 (or one vehicle) to share the same mechanically cut keys (more than 8 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.