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Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (Pats)




Anti-Theft

Principles of Operation

NOTE: Replacement of the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver does not require the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) keys to be programmed into the Instrument Cluster (IC) again.

NOTE: Make sure any non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems have been removed from the vehicle before any PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) -related no-start concerns are investigated.

NOTE: A minimum of 2 PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) keys must be programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster) before the vehicle starts.

NOTE: When using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), the IC (Instrument Cluster) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) parameters are reset at the same time.

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

Anti-Theft Indicator

PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) uses a visual anti-theft indicator located in the IC (Instrument Cluster). The anti-theft indicator proves out for 3 seconds when the ignition key is in the ON or START position under normal operation. If there is a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) concern, this indicator either flashes rapidly or glows steadily when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) also flashes the anti-theft indicator every 2 seconds when the ignition key is in the OFF position to act as a visual theft deterrent. Retrieve DTCs from the IC (Instrument Cluster) and the TCM (Transmission Control Module) to determine if there are any PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) -related DTCs that can indicate the cause of the no-start. GO to Symptom Chart Anti-Theft - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS).

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

A PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) no-start can involve a vehicle no-start due to the Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) not cranking the engine or allowing electric drive. If the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) anti-theft indicator does not prove out and one (or both) of the previous conditions are present, it can be due to a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) concern. If the anti-theft indicator proves out, and the vehicle does not start, it is probably not a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) concern. Refer to Computers and Control Systems Information. If the anti-theft indicator does not illuminate at all, it can be an IC (Instrument Cluster) concern.

Encoded Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Keys

PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) uses a special ignition key, called an Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) key that is larger than a conventional ignition key. It contains a permanently-installed electronic device called a transponder and also has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter integrated into the keyhead. Each transponder contains a unique encrypted identification code which is one of a very large number of combinations. The addition of this transponder to the key makes it an "encoded" key. The PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) portion of the IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) key does not require batteries and should last the lifetime of the vehicle. The transmitter portion of the IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) key does have a battery. Each IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) (PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System)) key must be programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster) before it can be used to start the vehicle. A maximum of 4 IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) keys can be programmed to start the vehicle and also operate the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) functions. If more than 4 IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) keys are programmed, the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) portion of the additional IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) keys does not operate and the SJB (Smart Junction Box) (and the IC (Instrument Cluster)) sets a memory full DTC B1138. These additional keys start the vehicle, but does not operate the RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system. If additional PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) keys are desired, a standard PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key (a non-IKT (Integrated Keyhead Transmitter) key) can be used. There are special diagnostic procedures described that must be carried out if a new PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key is necessary. Refer to Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment or Key Programming Using Two Programmed Keys .

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Transceiver

The PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) transceiver is located under the steering column shroud and communicates with the encoded ignition key. During each vehicle start sequence, the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) transceiver reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends data to the IC (Instrument Cluster). The IC (Instrument Cluster) validates the code, and if it is the correct code, the IC (Instrument Cluster) sends a message to the TCM (Transmission Control Module) to allow the eCVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) to start the engine and sends a message to the PCM to allow the fuel injectors to operate. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Transceiver .

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Operation

The PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) function is controlled by the IC (Instrument Cluster). With this type of PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System), there are parameters that need to be reset if either the IC (Instrument Cluster) or the TCM (Transmission Control Module) (or both) is replaced. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset .

When the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key is turned to the ON or START position, the IC (Instrument Cluster) initiates the key interrogation sequence by sending a voltage signal to the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) transceiver. The transceiver then uses its antenna to bounce a signal off the transponder in the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key. This process "reads" the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key identification code and sends the key identification code back to the IC (Instrument Cluster), which interprets it and determines if it matches one of the stored key codes. If it does match one of the stored key codes, the IC (Instrument Cluster) sends messages to the TCM (Transmission Control Module) to allow the eCVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) to crank the engine or enable electric drive. If it does not match one of the stored key codes, or it is only a partial key read or no key read, the IC (Instrument Cluster) does not allow the eCVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) to start the engine or enable electric drive. The anti-theft indicator in the IC (Instrument Cluster) flashes (or may glow steadily) and the IC (Instrument Cluster) stores one or more DTCs. All elements of PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) must be functional before the vehicle starts. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle cannot start. If the IC (Instrument Cluster) must be replaced for any reason (PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) concerns or any IC (Instrument Cluster) concerns), the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) keys must be programmed into the new IC (Instrument Cluster). Refer to Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment .

PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) is not compatible with non-Ford 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 can also cause no-start concerns. Remote start systems must be removed from the vehicle before any PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) -related no-start concerns are investigated.

PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) disables the vehicle from starting if there is:

- a damaged PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key.

- a non-programmed PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key.

- a non-PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key (key has no electronics).

- damaged wiring.

- a damaged transceiver.

- a damaged IC (Instrument Cluster).

- a damaged TCM (Transmission Control Module).

- IC (Instrument Cluster) and TCM (Transmission Control Module) parameters mismatched.

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) PIDs

Monitoring the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) PIDs can be very useful in determining which diagnostic steps to follow. Viewing the MASTERKEY (verifies if the key is programmed) PID with both keys determines if the key is a programmed key and also proves-out the transceiver, circuitry and the IC (Instrument Cluster). A master key is any key that is programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster). Viewing the MIN_KEYS (minimum number of keys) PID (this PID does not change) determines the minimum number of keys that must be programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster). There must be at least 2 keys programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster) in this type of PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) before the vehicle starts. Viewing the N_KEYCODE (number of keys programmed) PID determines if the minimum number of keys have been programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster). If the N_KEYCODE PID reads 0 or 1, additional key(s) needs to be programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster) in order to meet the minimum of 2 keys. If the N_KEYCODE PID reads 0 or 1, and the MASTERKEY PID reads Not Present, that particular key must be programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster). If the N_KEYCODE PID reads 1, and the MASTERKEY PID reads Present, that particular key is already programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster). If the IC (Instrument Cluster) is replaced, the parameters in the IC (Instrument Cluster), and the parameters in the TCM (Transmission Control Module) need to be reset.

When the parameters are reset, it clears (erases) the TCM (Transmission Control Module) ID from the IC (Instrument Cluster) and the IC (Instrument Cluster) ID from the TCM (Transmission Control Module). Make sure to cycle the key at least once, then turn the key to the ON position and make an attempt to start the vehicle for 3-5 seconds before attempting more procedures. If only a TCM (Transmission Control Module) parameter reset occurs (if a TCM (Transmission Control Module) is replaced), the ID stored in the IC (Instrument Cluster) does not match the ID being sent by the TCM (Transmission Control Module), and can cause a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) -related no-start. Carry out the parameter reset in order to resolve these concerns.

If the TCM (Transmission Control Module) ID PID (the scan tool displays the TCM (Transmission Control Module) ID as: PCM_ID) reads Stored, the IC (Instrument Cluster) has a TCM (Transmission Control Module) ID stored. If it reads Not Stored, a parameter reset of the TCM (Transmission Control Module) can resolve this concern. If the PCM_VFY PID reads No, and the N_KEYCODE PID reads 2 or more and the MASTERKEY PID reads Present, the IC (Instrument Cluster), and the TCM (Transmission Control Module) need to have their parameters reset. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset .

If the PCM_VFY PID reads No, and the N_KEYCODE PID reads 1 and the MASTERKEY PID reads Present, or if the N_KEYCODE PID reads 0 and the MASTERKEY PID reads Not Present, a minimum of 2 keys need to be programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster). Refer to Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment .

If the MASTERKEY PID continues to read Not Present after programming, this can indicate a damaged key. The SPAREKEY PID is defaulted to ENABLE. With the SPAREKEY PID displaying ENABLE, the IC (Instrument Cluster) accepts more than 2 keys (up to a maximum of 8) being programmed into the IC (Instrument Cluster) using Key Programming Using Two Programmed Keys . It can be toggled to DISABLE if the customer wants to disable the customer spare key programming function. Refer to Key Programming Switch State Control to change the state of the SPAREKEY PID. This switch state control affects the Key Programming Using Two Programmed Keys procedure.

In summary, for the vehicle to start, the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) PIDs and their correct state are:

NOTE: The TCM (Transmission Control Module) ID PID in the IC (Instrument Cluster) is displayed by the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool as PCM_ID

- N_KEYCODE must read 2 or more

- MASTERKEY must read Present

- PCM_ID must read Stored

- PCM_VFY must read Yes

Unlimited Key Mode

This system contains a feature called unlimited key mode (PID UNL_KEY_MODE). This feature allows a customer to program more than 8 keys to their vehicle if they request it. 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, but no other keys from outside can be used to operate the vehicles. 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 .
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