How to program a replacement PATS key |
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Please keep in mind....
This and
other how-to articles are provided for informational purposes only.
Perform the procedures at your own risk. FordF150.net is not
responsible for any damage that may occur as a result of performing
procedures outlined in any article. Please be sure to read and
understand the entire article before doing this.
These instructions will save you a lot of money. The dealer wants
at least $50 just to do this simple procedure.....
To start off, I'll explain a bit about what a PATS key is, what
it does, and why this might concern you.
PATS is an acronym that stands for Passive Anti-Theft System
(Ford also calls this SecuriLock). It is also called a transponder
key. It is a security feature found on most (if not all) new Ford
products, and what it does is disable your vehicle's starter unless
your specially programmed key is used to start the vehicle. There is
a computer chip inside of the key, and without that you will NOT be
able to start the vehicle -- even if you have a regular (non-PATS)
key with the correct cuts, it will not work.
For convenience, I'm also including a list of other vehicles that
these instructions apply:
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Ford Contour
‘98–up
F-150 ‘98-up
Ford Crown Victoria ’97-up
Ford
Escort 99-up
Ford Excursion ‘00-up
Ford Expedition
‘98–up
Ford Explorer ’98-up
Ford Focus ‘00-up
Ford
Mustang ’96-up
Ford Ranger ’98-up
Ford Taurus
’96-up |
Ford
Windstar ’98-up
Lincoln Continental ’98-up
Lincoln LS
’00-up
Lincoln Mark VIII ’98-up
Lincoln Navigator
’98-up
Lincoln Town Car ’98-up
Mercury Grand Marquis
’97-up
Mercury Mountaineer ’98-up
Mercury Mystique
’98-up
Mercury Sable
’96-up |
NOTE: These instructions may apply to more or less
vehicles than those listed above. I cannot confirm that these
procedures work for every year and model listed. See your dealer if
to confirm this.
On-Board Programming Method "B"
for Ford keys (1996 -early 1998 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)
If you want to initiate a new master key....
1. Insert new key into ignition cylinder and turn it
to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on the dash will
flash for fifteen minutes.
2. When the security light stops flashing, you have
FIVE minutes to start the next step. Turn the ignition cylinder
OFF and then back to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on
the dash will flash for fifteen more minutes.
3. When the security light stops flashing, you have
FIVE minutes to start the next step. Turn the ignition
cylinder to OFF and then back ON (RUN) position. The dash will
flash for fifteen more minutes.
4. After the security light stops flashing the third
time, the new key has been programmed into the vehicles computer
and will operate the car. It has replaced ALL the previous
electronic key codes and is the ONLY key programmed into the
vehicles computer.
If you want to add a key....
1. Insert an existing key into the ignition
cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) and back
to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key and, within 15 seconds,
insert the new key and turn it to ON (RUN).
4. The security light will light up for two seconds
to indicate success in programming the key into the vehicle.
5. Don't attempt to start the vehicle with any key
for at least 1 minute.
On-Board Programming Method "C"
for Ford keys (Later 1998-newer Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)
If you want to initiate a new master key....
1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special
dealer equipment. There are two ten minute delays involved while
this device erases all existing key programming and sets up the
vehicle computer to accept new key codes. Two new keys
should be ready because the system requires a minimum of two keys
in the program. After the first two keys are programmed,
additional keys can be entered individually by following the
instructions for adding duplicate keys (below).
If you want to add a key....
**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If
you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to
get it programmed**
1. Insert and existing (working) key into the
ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to
OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE
SECOND.
3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN
seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON
(RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at
least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove
the key.
4. Insert the new key before TWENTY
seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it
the ON position for at least ONE second and turn
back to OFF.
5. The security light will light up for
THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has
been successfully programmed.
6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1
through 5
As a precautionary measure for all of the above procedures, you
should wait at least one minute after you have performed this until
you start your vehicle.
That's it! If you need help, check out our forums.
