So I've had my explorer for about almost a year now. Just recently my boyfriend and daughter went to store the other night and everything was working FINE AND DANDY I mean it has its kick when I put it in R but I know what that means already but again they went to store and my turned ignition off went inside then BAM! NO CRANK OVER but lights dashboard turn on I've read its something to deal with the PATS SYSTEM? Is their a way to override this? I don't want to go to dealership. Can SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME OUT HERE
You need to pay attention to the red security light reflected in the bottom edge of the windshield. Surely you've noticed it before? Under normal non-running conditions, it flashes on, then off, every 4 or 5 seconds. Inserting a key in the switch and turning to "ON" position, not start, if PATS system is preventing starting, that light will flash on and off continuously very rapidly. If PATS is working properly, the turn ON will cause the light to illuminate full on brightly for about 10 seconds, then turn off, or on brightly until key turned to START, at which time the engine will crank and the light will go OUT.
If the light reveals PATS is preventing starting, as outlined above, possible causes are:
PATS Transceiver not functioning. It is connected to the car's wiring system by a tiny, fragile connector located under the lower steering column shroud, which may be taken down by removing screws from below.
The connector and wires should be checked. Defeating a non-working PATS system is difficult, as it disables the PCM (computer) preventing starter, ignition, and fuel systems from operating.
