Anti-Theft Indicator

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Replacement of the passive anti-theft system (PATS) transceiver does not require the PATS keys to be programmed into the instrument cluster (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.

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

NOTE: If the IC or the transmission control module (TCM) is being replaced (or both), the parameters must be reset in both modules or the vehicle will experience a PATS no-start. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset .

NOTE: When using the IDS, the IC and the TCM parameters are reset at the same time.

NOTE: The smart junction box (SJB) is also known as the generic electronic module (GEM).

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. 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 when the ignition key is in the OFF position to act as a visual theft deterrent. Refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC), MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES article for the anti-theft indicator.

PATS is active only for a few seconds when the vehicle is starting. It is not a PATS concern if the vehicle stalls after it has been running for a minimum of 3 seconds. PATS will not disable a running vehicle.

A PATS no-start may involve a vehicle no-start due to either the fuel injectors not operating or the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) not cranking the engine (or both). If the PATS anti-theft light does not prove out and one (or both) of the previous conditions are present, it may be due to a PATS issue. If the theft light proves out, and the vehicle does not start, it is probably not a PATS issue. Refer to the Introduction - Gasoline Engines article. If the theft light does not illuminate at all, it may be an IC issue. Go to Symptom Chart . A low battery voltage may cause the PATS to allow starter (the eCVT starts the engine) operation, but may keep the fuel injectors from operating.