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Pats System Hates Me

4.6K views 21 replies 9 participants last post by  ict_Lx  
#1 ·
My PATS hates me. I started having problems with it in the beginning of July, but the problems stopped when I switched back to using the original Ford key instead of the copy. Then two weeks ago it gave me trouble leaving my job at the bar. Then it messed up for my friends mom while she was driving it last week and on me today. It always starts after messing with it for a while but it's starting to be a real pain in the butt. Is there anyway to get around or fix the PATS system without buying a chip or tuner?
 
#5 ·
Originally posted by Wodinator@Aug 17 2005, 09:02 PM
A crowbar through the window ALWAYS get through PATS (or any other locking feature for that matter.)
Well thats not the idea... but the idea is... that the car can't be started and driven away. You obviously can't do anything against a theif armed with a tow truck.
 
#8 ·
If you're talking about running the car by disabling PATS, then yes, it can be done. Look into remote starters; they require a device that you wire into your ignition so your key doesn't have to be in the car when you start the vehicle. I assume you're talking about a special piggyback or reprogrammed PCM when you say "chip," and I'm under the impression that these bypasses do not become part of the PCM itself (but you'll have to check). I would imagine that somebody just sells the bypass device.

Otherwise, you will need to fix it. There is no way to bypass it without a chip to trick the computer.
 
#9 ·
Originally posted by sfontain@Aug 18 2005, 07:28 AM
If you're talking about running the car by disabling PATS, then yes, it can be done. Look into remote starters; they require a device that you wire into your ignition so your key doesn't have to be in the car when you start the vehicle. I assume you're talking about a special piggyback or reprogrammed PCM when you say "chip," and I'm under the impression that these bypasses do not become part of the PCM itself (but you'll have to check). I would imagine that somebody just sells the bypass device.

Otherwise, you will need to fix it. There is no way to bypass it without a chip to trick the computer.
Thanks, that's what i was wondering. I guess that I'll start saving my pennys...
 
#10 ·
Originally posted by sfontain@Aug 18 2005, 07:28 AM
If you're talking about running the car by disabling PATS, then yes, it can be done. Look into remote starters; they require a device that you wire into your ignition so your key doesn't have to be in the car when you start the vehicle.
Do you know what that "device" is? It's a KEY. Yes, you put a spare key inside the remote starter, and it uses the chip on the key when it needs to start the car.

Hopefully the box the key is in is strong enough that a thief can't get the key out.....

(Some varieties don't require a spare key, instead they have the chip built in and you teach the car computer about that chip, much like any other spare key's chip.)

But none of them bypass pats in the sense of disabling it. They work with it.

Anyway to reply to the original poster, just buy a new key - you can get them pretty cheap on ebay, then take them to a locksmith - a GOOD one - you only get one chance at cutting them.

Program the car to the key, I don't remember how off the top of my head, but it's probably in the manual. Not sure how to de-program the old key, so either destroy it, or save somewhere as an emergency spare.
 
#11 ·
Originally posted by astc+Aug 18 2005, 06:04 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (astc @ Aug 18 2005, 06:04 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-sfontain@Aug 18 2005, 07:28 AM
If you're talking about running the car by disabling PATS, then yes, it can be done. Look into remote starters; they require a device that you wire into your ignition so your key doesn't have to be in the car when you start the vehicle.
Do you know what that "device" is? It's a KEY. Yes, you put a spare key inside the remote starter, and it uses the chip on the key when it needs to start the car.

Hopefully the box the key is in is strong enough that a thief can't get the key out.....

(Some varieties don't require a spare key, instead they have the chip built in and you teach the car computer about that chip, much like any other spare key's chip.)

But none of them bypass pats in the sense of disabling it. They work with it.

Anyway to reply to the original poster, just buy a new key - you can get them pretty cheap on ebay, then take them to a locksmith - a GOOD one - you only get one chance at cutting them.

Program the car to the key, I don't remember how off the top of my head, but it's probably in the manual. Not sure how to de-program the old key, so either destroy it, or save somewhere as an emergency spare. [/b][/quote]
You just brought up an interesting point. I hadn't even thought that the key itself was possible damaged. I just assumed that the system was screwed up. Off to ebay I go...
 
#13 ·
Originally posted by sfontain@Aug 18 2005, 06:09 PM
When you program new keys, the old key is "de-programmed." I was under the impression this isn't a key problem, though? So have you had this same problem with a second key?
And I'm retarded. I have had the problem with two different keys. Logic would suggest that the system is screwed up.
 
#14 ·
Originally posted by Ict_Lx@Aug 18 2005, 05:14 PM
And I'm retarded. I have had the problem with two different keys. Logic would suggest that the system is screwed up.
No your not retarded, let me explain two instances of a PATS failure that I dealt with at the dealer.

Both cars were towed in due to a no start.

The theft light was flashing like the heartbeat of a humingbird, and other the same, when all diag was completed and the system reset on both,.... both vehicles fired up like nothing was ever wrong,...

Ok here comes me with a deer in headlights look, I fixed both and didn't know what the crap I did. :D

Found out by calling the Ford hotline to ask the customers if they were parking in or around high tension power lines and or some sort of electronic equipment, and the answer was yes from both customers, one worked for Alabama Power, and the other to one of the local cable stations.

Seems when ever they parked their car or drove under/around these high powered systems, there was enough RFI in the air to make the PATS go wicky wacky, for lack of better terminology, :lol2: the RFI caused both cars, systems to go blank or something, and had to be reprogrammed, and the customers were both directed to avoid those parking spots/routes thru their original path, and both had come back for regular maint, .. etc:

No more problems with the PATS getting stupid.

Ford issued a TSB or a SSM on that shortly after our experience with the odd problem, and evidently other dealers had the same type of problem, cause Ford don't issue a SSM unless IIRC at least 10 complaints hapened, or a certain # more for a TSB :dunno:.
 
#15 ·
I have a high tension power line tower in the parking lot of my work. What did ford do to address the actual problem? Seems like if they issued a TSB or an SSM that they would be working to correct the issue.
 
#17 ·
Thanks Robert!
Some very good info to know!! :thumb:
 
#19 ·
Well... I know this isn't a great solution but you *could* just attach your key to the car's transponder and then do something like put a small cardboard box around it wrapped in wire. Get a non-PATS key made up for a couple bucks and you're on your way. Probably not your ideal solution though. :D
 
#20 ·
The problem could lie in the transponder (whatever its called) itself, or the wiring to it. It's also possible that the electric field from the power lines is interfering with the signal from the key. I guess you should try parking farther away from the power lines to see if problem goes away, or nearer to the power lines to see if it gets worse. You can always roll or push the car away if necessary to start it.
 
#21 ·
Originally posted by Ict_Lx@Aug 18 2005, 06:14 PM
I have a high tension power line tower in the parking lot of my work. What did ford do to address the actual problem? Seems like if they issued a TSB or an SSM that they would be working to correct the issue.
Ford basicaly instructed us to instruct customers to stop parking/driving by/thru/around these high powered RFI systems.

They may have come up with something new by now, but when ya got 40kv floating overhead, aint much Ford can do about it.
 
#22 ·
Originally posted by Robert L+Aug 19 2005, 07:38 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Robert L @ Aug 19 2005, 07:38 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Ict_Lx@Aug 18 2005, 06:14 PM
I have a high tension power line tower in the parking lot of my work. What did ford do to address the actual problem? Seems like if they issued a TSB or an SSM that they would be working to correct the issue.
Ford basicaly instructed us to instruct customers to stop parking/driving by/thru/around these high powered RFI systems.

They may have come up with something new by now, but when ya got 40kv floating overhead, aint much Ford can do about it. [/b][/quote]
There has to be something better than Ford saying to avoid certain areas. Also, it's screwed up at different places than by the power lines....like at IHOP at 3 am <_< . I'll just save up and get a tuner. I wanted one anyway, this just gives me more of a reason to get one.