Anti-Theft Indicator

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the instrument cluster (IC) or the PCM is being replaced (or both), the parameters must be reset in both modules or the vehicle will experience a passive anti-theft system (PATS) no-start. This will occur even if the vehicle is not equipped with PATS. PATS vehicles and non-PATS vehicles have parameters in the IC and the PCM and they must be reset whenever either (or both) module(s) is (are) replaced. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset .

NOTE: Replacement of the PATS transceiver does not require the PATS keys to be programmed into the IC again.

NOTE: Make sure any aftermarket remote start systems have been removed from the vehicle before any PATS-related no-start concerns are investigated. If the remote start system is a Power Code® system, make certain it is not the cause of the no-start. Removal of the system may be necessary.

NOTE: Make sure to determine if the vehicle is equipped with PATS before following any PATS-related diagnostics. PATS is optional on this vehicle. Check the anti-theft indicator to determine if the vehicle has PATS or not. If it is equipped with PATS, the anti-theft indicator will flash approximately 5 times after the key has been turned off. If it is not equipped with PATS, the anti-theft indicator will not flash with the key turned off. Refer to Pinpoint Test F: The Anti-Theft Indicator Is Always/Never On .

NOTE: A minimum of 2 PATS keys must be programmed into the IC before the vehicle will start.

PATS uses a visual anti-theft indicator located in the IC. The indicator proves out for 3 seconds when the ignition key is in the ON or START position under normal operation, then it will go out to indicate the PATS is functional and the vehicle has been enabled. If there is a PATS concern, this indicator either flashes rapidly or glows steadily when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. PATS also flashes the anti-theft indicator every 2 seconds for 10 seconds and then turns off when the ignition key is in the OFF position to act as a visual theft deterrent. Refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC) AND WARNING CHIMES article.

If the vehicle is equipped with PATS and the key is in the OFF position, the anti-theft indicator will flash every 2 seconds for 10 seconds and then turn off and stay off. With the key in the ON position, the anti-theft indicator will prove-out for 3 seconds, then go out to indicate the PATS is functional and the vehicle has been enabled.

If the vehicle is not equipped with PATS, the anti-theft indicator will not flash with the key in the OFF position. If the vehicle does not have PATS, the anti-theft indicator will prove-out for 3 seconds, then go out to indicate the vehicle has been enabled when the key is turned to the ON position.