2002 Mountaineer does not recognize key

[bbj]

after driving for a couple of hours, I stopped at a store and returned to car in 15 minutes. The key does everything except make the starter turn over and I get the fast flashing PATS light. Does this require and official For/ Mercury dealer to fix?

 

[EXPLORER04]

Yes the key has to be reprogrammed. This is usually done by the dealer but there are some locksmiths who have the unit to do it. Try a locksmith as they come to you instead of towing to a dealer