Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Function

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the IC or the TCM (or both) is replaced, the parameters must be reset in both modules or the vehicle experiences a PATS no-start. Refer to PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) PARAMETER RESET .

NOTE: When using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), the IC and the TCM parameters are reset at the same time.

The PATS function is controlled by the IC . The IC is used to carry out all of the PATS functions such as receiving the identification code from the PATS key, controlling the Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) and initiating the key interrogation sequence when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle does not start. If the IC must be replaced for any reason (PATS concerns or IC concerns), the PATS keys must be programmed into the new IC . Refer to INTEGRATED KEYHEAD TRANSMITTER (IKT) KEY PROGRAMMING USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT .

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 does not disable a running vehicle or cause a running vehicle to stall.

PATS can cause a vehicle no start due to the TCM not cranking the engine or allowing electric drive. Always check for PATS DTCs from the IC and the TCM when a no-crank or no-start condition exists. If the anti-theft indicator does not prove out (it may be either flashing or glowing steadily), it can be due to a PATS concern. If the anti-theft indicator proves out, it cannot be a PATS concern. If the anti-theft indicator does not illuminate at all, it can be an IC concern. Refer to SYMPTOM CHART .

The PATS function uses the IC and the TCM to enable or disable the vehicle. All elements of PATS must be functional before the vehicle is allowed to operate. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle does not operate. If there is a PATS concern present, the IC sends a message to the TCM to not operate the vehicle. If the vehicle starts and stalls, or the engine does not start at all, check the anti-theft indicator operation and if flashing or glowing, retrieve DTCs from the IC and the PCM and follow the PATS diagnostics.

PATS is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from the exterior of the vehicle. These systems can reduce the security of the vehicle, and can also cause no-start concerns. Remote start systems must be removed from the vehicle before any PATS -related no-start concerns are investigated.

PATS disables the vehicle from starting if there is:

a damaged PATS key.
an unprogrammed PATS key.
a non-encoded key (a conventional key or one that does not have any electronics).
damaged wiring.
a damaged transceiver.
a damaged IC .
a damaged TCM .
IC and TCM parameters mismatched.