PINPOINT TEST QD: DTC P1260: Passive Anti-Theft System: Introduction

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 28 other vehicles, including the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2011 Lincoln Town Car, and 2011 Lincoln Navigator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The passive anti-theft system (PATS) uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a drive away theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user. The PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic identification code. Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into the vehicle before it can be used to start the engine. DTC P1260 is stored any time the PCM disables the vehicle because of the PATS. This DTC can also be set when a new instrument cluster (IC) or powertrain control module (PCM) is installed without correctly programming either module even if the vehicle is not equipped with PATS. If a new IC or PCM is installed without correctly programming either module, the parameters must be reset in both modules. Refer to the appropriate Anti-Theft, Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset article to continue diagnosis.