Test Ac: Theft Indicator Is Always/Never On (Excursion)

1. Turn ignition switch to ON position. If THEFT indicator is always on, go to next step. If THEFT indicator is not always on, go to step  3.
2. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) module 16-pin harness connector C264. PATS module is located under instrument panel, on center support. Turn ignition switch to ON position. If THEFT indicator illuminates, go to step  4. If THEFT indicator does not illuminate, replace PATS module, then go to step  5. See appropriate PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS article.
3. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Remove instrument cluster to gain access to instrument cluster harness connectors. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . Disconnect instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C. Disconnect PATS module 16-pin harness connector C264. Measure voltage between ground and instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C terminal No. 7 (Orange/Red wire). See Figure. If battery voltage is not present, go to next step. If battery voltage is present, repair short to power in Orange/Red wire between instrument cluster and PATS module. See WIRING DIAGRAMS . Retest system operation.
4. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Remove instrument cluster to gain access to instrument cluster harness connectors. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . Disconnect instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C. Measure resistance of Orange/Red wire between instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C terminal No. 7 and PATS module 16-pin harness connector C264 terminal No. 2. See Fig 1. Measure resistance between ground and instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C terminal No. 7 (Orange/Red wire). If resistance is 5 ohms or less between instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C and PATS module 16-pin harness connector C264, and more than 10 k/ohms between ground and instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C, replace instrument cluster. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . Retest system operation. If resistance is more than 5 ohms between instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C and PATS module 16-pin harness connector C264, or less than 10 k/ohms between ground and instrument cluster 12-pin harness connector C250C, repair open or short to ground in Orange/Red wire between instrument cluster and PATS module. See WIRING DIAGRAMS . Retest system operation.
5. Check for corrosion, pushed out pins and harness connectors that are not connected correctly. Repair any damage found and reconnect any loose harness connectors. Retest system operation. If problem still exists, replace PATS module. See appropriate PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS article. Retest system operation. If problem does not exist, system is operating correctly at this time, clear any DTCs. Retest system operation.

Fig 1: Identifying Passive Anti-Theft System Module 16-Pin Harness Connector C264 Terminals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.