Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
PATS prevents the engine from starting by disabling the starter relay and fuel injector operation. If an unprogrammed key is used or if there is a PATS system concern, "STARTING SYSTEM FAULT" is displayed in the message center and the engine will not start. PATS cannot disable an already running engine.