2001 Mercury Mountaineer Remote Start

There are three different versions of the PATS system that Ford has. For two of them, DEI makes a bypass module that doesn't require a key. Unfortunately, you have the third system which DEI (and most other bypass module companies) doesn't make a bypass for. You can find a bypass module at www.bypasskit.com that works with your vehicle that doesn't require a key. They are expensive, over $40. I think the model number is PKU-F2. Typical bypasses for other cars cost dealers less than half that. My shop has purchased blank Ford transponder keys from a key vendor and we sell them to customers. We use those keys (Uncut) to temporarilly bypass the Pats system. We make money selling them a key, and the customer saves money by not paying a dealer the $60+ that a dealer will typically charge. Keeping the key in the vehicle up under the dash is not that bad of an idea if done properly. My shop breaks the metal part of the key off so if it was found by a thief they couldn't just start the vehicle and drive away. It is also taped up and totally out of view when looking under the dash area. On the other hand, the shop down the street from mine is totally different. They use bypass modules that require a spare key for almost every vehicle with a transponder. They make no effort to make it hard to steal the vehicle. Numerous times we have looked under the dash of one of those vehicles and opened up the black box with the key in it and started the car. We always do it with the customer watching us. They are amazed how easy it would have been to steal their car. Less than 15 seconds and I could be driving down the street.

If your that worried about it you can source out a bypass for your vehicle that doesn't require a key. They would then just need all the keys you have for your vehicle in order to program the bypass, but no keys would be in the dash. Assuming it's a ford dealer they should be able to get these parts for you. Go talk to the parts counter guy and see if he has any in stock or can order one for you. The ford bypass part numbers are as follows: 1L3Z-19G365-AB 1L2Z-19G365-AB 1S4Z-19G365-AB (Focus, Escape, T-Bird) You will need either the 1L3Z or the 1L2Z. The information I have lists the 2001+ mountaineer as needing the 1L3Z and the 2002+ as needing the 1L2Z bypass. The following pic will help you choose the right one for your vehicle: By the way, another option would be to get a key make sure it is programmed to the vehicle and will start and run it, then just cut the key apart or grind it down and have them put the head of the key in the box. This way nobody can take that key and use it in the ignition. I've never needed to put the key in the dash on a ford/lincoln/mercury so there is definately other options available. Good luck, Mike