Antitheft and Alarm Systems: Description and Operation

Anti-Theft

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

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

- Anti-theft indicator (located in the Instrument Cluster (IC))
- Encoded ignition Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) PATS key(s) (the key contains a transponder and a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter)
- Encoded (the key contains a transponder) ignition PATS keys (not factory-equipped, but can be used in place of IKT keys)
- 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.

The vehicle is equipped with 2 IKT PATS keys. The IKTs operate as a standard PATS key with an RKE transmitter incorporated into the keyhead. The IKTs require batteries for the RKE transmitter to operate. 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 IC set a memory full DTC B1138. These additional keys start the vehicle, but do not 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.

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Function

The PATS function is controlled by the IC. The 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 initiating 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 concerns or an IC concern), the PATS keys also must be programmed into the new IC. Refer to Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) 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 does not 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 does not disable a running vehicle.

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

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 can also cause 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) Remote Starter

Vehicles may be equipped with a remote start system that is a dealer-installed but 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 Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators for MyKey(TM) system checks and system warning displays.

Refer to MyKey(TM) Programming MyKey(TM) 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.

If unlimited key mode is enabled, a maximum of 4 IKT keys can be programmed to the vehicle for RKE functionality. If more keys are required, they should be standard PATS keys. If more than 4 IKT keys are programmed to the vehicle, the SJB and the IC set DTC B1138 and only 4 IKT keys have RKE functionality, however, all of them start the vehicle, if programmed correctly. Refer to Spare Key Programming - Unlimited Key Mode Unlimited Key Mode.