Section 124 (Anti-Theft Systems - Passive - BLACKWOOD & F150 Pickup): Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood and 2002 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting ANY repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS - BLACKWOOD article or AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS - F150 PICKUP article.

Vehicle protection Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) is designed to prevent vehicle theft. The system is passive in that it does not require any activity from user. System uses radio frequency identification technology to verify if proper ignition key is being used to attempt to start vehicle.

During each starting sequence, encoded ignition key is interrogated by vehicle anti-theft electronics. If ignition key identification code matches code programmed into anti-theft system, vehicle is capable of starting. If ignition key identification code is incorrect or missing, vehicle is prevented from starting.

Encoded key communicates with PATS transceiver module which is located behind steering column shroud. During each vehicle start sequence, transceiver module reads encoded ignition key identification code and sends data to instrument cluster. Instrument cluster uses Standard Corporate Protocol (SCP) module communications network to communicate with Powertrain Control Module (PCM). PCM then determines if engine will be enabled to start.

Vehicle protection PATS consists of anti-theft indicator (THEFT) light, transceiver module, encoded ignition key, instrument cluster and SCP module communications network.