Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Transceiver
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The PATS transceiver is located under the steering column shroud and communicates with the encoded ignition key. During each vehicle start sequence, the PATS transceiver reads the encoded ignition key ID code and sends data to the IPC. The IPC validates the code, and if it is the correct code, sends a message to the TCM to enable the engine and the electric drive.