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) 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 either Intelligent Access (IA) keys or Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) keys.
The vehicle can be equipped with either conventional PATS (standard) or with IA with push button start (optional). The conventional PATS vehicle uses an IKT key and the IA with push button start vehicle uses an IA key. The IA key uses radio frequency signals to be recognized by the PATS as a valid, programmed key before the PATS allows the vehicle to be started, using the push button start.
Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Function
Vehicles Equipped with Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) Key
NOTE: When using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and the PCM parameters are reset at the same time.
This vehicle is equipped with 2 IKT PATS keys. The IKTs operate as a standard PATS key with a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter incorporated into the keyhead. The IKTs require batteries for the RKE transmitter to operate. The IKT battery is not necessary for the PATS operation. 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 and the SJB (and the IPC) sets a DTC B1138 (Memory Full). These additional keys start the vehicle, but cannot 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.
The IKT key PATS consists of the following components:
- Anti-theft indicator (located in the IPC and depicts a vehicle with a padlock covering part of it)
- IKT key(s) (the key contains a PATS transponder and a RKE transmitter)
- PATS transceiver
- IPC
- PCM
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.
The PATS function uses the IPC 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 IPC sends a message to the PCM to not allow fuel injector or starter operation. If the vehicle starts and stalls, or the engine does not start at all, check the anti-theft indicator operation in the IPC and if flashing or glowing, retrieve the DTCs from the IPC and the PCM and follow the PATS diagnostics.
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 cause no-start concerns. Remote start systems must be removed from the vehicle before any PATS-related no-start concerns are investigated.
PATS disables the vehicle from starting if there is:
- a damaged IKT key.
- an unprogrammed IKT key.
- a non-encoded (non-PATS) key (a conventional key or one that does not have any electronics).
- damaged wiring.
- a damaged transceiver.
- a damaged IPC.
- a damaged PCM.
Vehicles Equipped with Intelligent Access (IA) Key
The vehicle is equipped with 2 IA PATS keys (Rotunda numbers are 164-R7030 for the mechanical key blade and 164-R7028 for the IA key, less the mechanical key blade). The IA key and mechanical key blade cannot be purchased together as a single unit. The IA keys operate as an electronic PATS key (there is no conventional key shank) and contain a transponder that allows the owner to access and start the vehicle without using a standard key. The IA key must be located somewhere in the vehicle for vehicle starting. A maximum of 4 IA keys can be programmed to operate the vehicle. If more than 4 IA keys are attempted to be programmed, the additional IA key(s) cannot function in any way.
The IA key requires a battery to operate the RKE functions. If the IA key battery fails or is low on charge, the IA key cannot be used to start the vehicle unless it is placed in the backup transceiver slot.
NOTE: The list below does not include the door handle antenna and the rear fascia antenna as they are not used for starting the vehicle. Refer to Locks for information on these components.
PATS consists of the following components:
- Anti-theft indicator (located in the IPC and depicts a vehicle with a padlock covering part of it)
- IA key
- Front console antenna (located in the front of the floor console)
- Rear console antenna (located in the rear/bottom of the floor console)
- Rear seat antenna (located under the middle of the rear seat cushion, attached to the floor pan)
- Backup transceiver (located to the right of the glove compartment, bolted to the RH lower instrument panel finish panel [glove compartment liner])
- Remote Functions Receiver (RFR) module (located above the headliner, near the driver side sun visor area)
- Remote Function Actuator (RFA) module (located behind the glove compartment)
- PCM (located in the engine compartment, under the RH cowl)
The PATS function is controlled by the RFA module. PATS uses the RFA module to carry out all of the PATS functions such as receiving the identification code from the IA key, sending a signal to the PCM to control the starter and fuel injectors enable, and initiating the key interrogation sequence when the ignition state is changed to ON or 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.
The PATS function uses the RFA module 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.
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 can cause no-start concerns. Remote start systems must be removed from the vehicle before any PATS-related no-start concerns are investigated.
PATS disables the vehicle from starting if there is:
- a damaged IA key.
- a damaged IA antenna (of the 3 used for starting the vehicle).
- an unprogrammed IA key.
- a non-encoded (non-IA) key (a conventional PATS key or one that does not have any electronics).
- damaged wiring.
- a damaged backup transceiver (only if the IA key is in the backup transceiver slot).
- a dead battery in the IA key (backup transceiver slot may be used to start the vehicle in this case).
- a damaged RFR module.
- a damaged RFA module.
- a damaged PCM.
Backup Transceiver
The backup transceiver and its associated backup transceiver slot are located in the glove compartment. This slot allows the IA key to be placed in close proximity to the backup transceiver for starting purposes. If the vehicle does not start normally, place the IA key in the backup transceiver slot and attempt to start the vehicle.
It is not recommended to leave the IA key in the backup transceiver slot as this decreases the security of the system.
Intelligent Access (IA) with Push Button Start Ignition Modes
The IA feature does not require a conventional key to enter or start the vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, the operator activates one of the ignition modes using the brake pedal and the push button start (START/STOP switch). The ignition modes and how they are achieved appear below.
Vehicles with IKTs were originally equipped with IKTs manufactured by Huf. Replacement IKTs made by Strattec will work correctly, but may look and feel different. It is recommended that IKTs be replaced with the same manufacturer's keys. Rotunda will supply matching keys by the same manufacturer if they are ordered by vehicle.