PATS Bypass on F-150

Passlock system is an effective all-electronic theft detterent system which shuts off fuel delivery if the vehicles ignition lock or starter switch is tampered with or changed in any way.  

This electronic system consists of the following components: 

1. a passlock cilinder with a sensor and a magnet.

2  a paslock ignition/starter switch witch transmits an R-code to the IPC to signal the beginning of a start cycle.

3.  a module in the instrument panel cluster  (IPC) which reads and accepts or reject a voltage drop (R-code) transmitted to it when the lock cilinder is released from the crank position to "on".

If all the above criteria are succesful then the IPC will send a GO or a NO-GO output to the PCM in order to continue running (enable fuel). 

If you insert a coded key in the ignition lock, this will recognise it as a "true" key and this ignition lock will sent a signal to the passlock ignition/starter switch.    This ignition starter switch will then send an R-code to the module in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).   This IPC will then send a signal to the PCM to enable engine fuel delivery.

It is almost impossible to bypass this system, without expensive computers and knowledge.    How these car are stolen are usually because the thief has broken into a house and stole a key.  Other than that it is almost impossible, or you have to be a very skilled computer freak, but then again, you would not be stealing cars, but rather be a millionaire with all that knowledge.  Simple as that.   This pats system is not an alarm system.    

If you can start the car and it dies immediately (because of fuel delivery) then you have PATS problem.   

Your only solution:

Take the car to the dealer and if you are lucky then your keys have lost all their codes.  They will reprogram all the keys again.   (200 dollars).

Worst case scenario:  They have to replace the whole pats system (very expensive)

Even worst case scenario:   You fried the PCM.    (but I dont think so)

Even more worst case scenario:  they have to replace the whole PATS system and a new PCM.

If you can start the car and then it shuts off, then it is PATS related.   But if you cannot even crank the starter, then it might be something more dramatic like the PCM in combination with PATS.

Your only solution:   Let the skilled technicians at Ford dealer look at it. 

Keep us posted with what the Ford people say.

I trully hope that it is just key prgramming

I could be wrong, but to my knowledge that is how PATS works.   

Keep us posted with your findings

Try these steps for programming a new key. It's s shot in the dark before calling the tow truck:

for Ford keys (Later 1998-newer Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special dealer equipment. There are two ten minute delays involved while this device erases all existing key programming and sets up the vehicle computer to accept new key codes.  Two new keys should be ready because the system requires a minimum of two keys in the program. After the first two keys are programmed, additional keys can be entered individually by following the instructions for adding duplicate keys (below).

**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed**

1. Insert and existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.

2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE SECOND.

3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON (RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove the key.

4. Insert the new key before TWENTY seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it the ON position for at least ONE second and turn back to OFF.

5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.

6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 5

i've heard that if you power up your no 1 coil by running an acc. power wire to it. it will also power up all the rest and then you can start your truck. the reason you cant start your truck is because pats is still working fine.

ive also heard that if you first remove the bcm or gem whatever fuse  then turn your ign. switch to run position and then replace the fuse it skips the pats procces. all this info. ive received from car thieve thugs that come to my car audio shop and claim to steal tons of trucks like yours. then again these same jokers claim they can still steal any car our shop secures. im yet to see just one. good luck!

Also, you don't mention if your truck's under warranty still or not.   If it is, put all the crap back so it looks absolutely factory and then call them from your cell phone and tell them that you just got stranded at some store while out and you need to have it towed into the dealership.

Even if you're not under warranty, you're much more likely to find a place that's going to be sympathetic and cut you a break.  If they know that you were jerkin' around in your garage, you're screwed - they're going to put it to you.

And not to add salt to the wound, but I just (yesterday) put a PATS bypass in my F150 and it took all of about 5 minutes.  I was actually suprised at how easy it was.

Good luck, please post your results in the event that someone has this problem again.