Anti-Theft Indicator

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Milan, 2009 Lincoln MKZ, and 2009 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Replacement of the passive anti-theft system (PATS) transceiver does not require the PATS keys to be programmed into the instrument cluster (IC) again.

NOTE: Make sure any aftermarket remote start systems have been removed from the vehicle before any PATS-related no-start concerns are investigated.

NOTE: A minimum of 2 PATS keys must be programmed into the IC before the vehicle will start. They do not need to be integrated key head transmitter (IKT) keys. Either 2 IKT keys, or 2 standard PATS keys, or a combination of an IKT key and a standard PATS key will be sufficient for the vehicle to start.

NOTE: If the IC or the PCM is being replaced (or both), the parameters must be reset in both modules or the vehicle will experience a PATS no-start. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset .

NOTE: When using a standard (non-IKT) PATS key to start the vehicle, an IKT key (from another vehicle) on the same key ring may possibly be programmed into the vehicle for remote entry functionality, resulting in the IKT key being able to operate the lock and unlock functions of the vehicle (but the IKT key can not start the vehicle). This should not cause a PATS no-start of either the first or the second vehicle, but the IKT key may be able to operate the lock and unlock functions of both vehicles. The IKT key will be able to start the original vehicle to which it is programmed and will not be able to start the second vehicle. At this time, it will be necessary to carry out an Integrated Key head Transmitter (IKT) Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment procedure and then to make certain the IKT key for the second vehicle is removed from the key ring in order to prevent this issue from occurring again. Also, if an IKT key is used to start the vehicle, the vehicle will only read the IKT in the ignition lock cylinder and will not read the second IKT on the key ring. Using an IKT key to start both vehicles, rather than standard PATS keys, will prevent the second IKT from being programmed into the first vehicle.

NOTE: Some Fusion and Milan vehicles built with a 2.3L engine may exhibit an intermittent crank no start along with a PATS light flashing during cranking and various codes stored in memory. The root cause has been found to be related to radio interference due to a shopping cart anti-theft device installed at some store parking lots. Refer to all Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) that pertain to the concern and follow the procedure(s) outlined.

PATS uses a visual anti-theft indicator located in the IC. The indicator proves out for 3 seconds when the ignition key is in the ON or START position under normal operation. If there is a PATS concern, this indicator either flashes rapidly or glows steadily when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. PATS also flashes the anti-theft indicator every 2 seconds when the ignition key is in the OFF position to act as a visual theft deterrent. Refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC), MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES article for additional information on the anti-theft indicator.