Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
No communication with the powertrain control module (PCM)	Fuse(s) Circuitry PCM	REFER to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK .
No communication with the instrument cluster	Fuse(s) Circuitry Instrument cluster	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
The anti-theft indicator is never on - no 3-second anti-theft indicator prove-out	Instrument cluster	REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
The anti-theft system does not operate correctly - the vehicle cranks but the anti-theft indicator flashes rapidly at key ON	Incorrect powertrain control module (PCM) calibration Instrument cluster PCM	REFER to MODULE CONFIGURATION for PCM calibration. TEST the system for normal operation. If the condition returns, REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
The vehicle does not start- the anti-theft indicator does not prove out and flashes rapidly	Passive anti-theft system (PATS) transceiver Unprogrammed key Controller area network (CAN) not connected/failure Instrument cluster Powertrain control module (PCM)	GO to PINPOINT TEST I .
The vehicle does not start- the anti-theft indicator proves out for 3 seconds as normal, vehicle does not crank	Circuitry Starter motor Powertrain control module (PCM)	CARRY OUT starter motor diagnostics. REFER to STARTING SYSTEM .
The vehicle does not start- the anti-theft indicator proves out for 3 seconds as normal but the engine does not remain running	Powertrain concern	CARRY OUT powertrain diagnostics. REFER to the INTRODUCTION - GASOLINE article.
The vehicle starts and runs for longer than 1 second, then stalls	This is not a passive anti-theft system (PATS) issue. PATS never disables a running engine.	CARRY OUT powertrain diagnostics. REFER to the INTRODUCTION - GASOLINE article.