2001 TO 2004 PATS and key swap

[429CJ-3X2]

I think I know the answer to this, but I want to confirm before diving in. I just bought a 2004 Sport Trac to replace the 2001 with the bad engine. I only got 1 key with the new truck. It appears to be a factory key. I went to ACE Hardware to get another key made. When they tried to program the new key, their machine gave a message that it needed to be updated before it could program the key. I left while they tried to sort things out. They called this morning saying they've been told the machine is as up to date as possible. If they still can't program it, can I swap the PATS receiver and ignition cylinder from my 2001 to the 2004 so I can use the keys from the '01?

 

[429CJ-3X2]

My problem seems to be resolved, but not as I expected. I had a non-chipped key made yesterday for unlocking the tailgate and doors. Before I went back to the store (Do-It Best, not Ace, my apologies to the store) I tried the key without the chip in the tailgate and door. It worked perfectly. As I got into the truck, I put that key in the ignition just to try it. The truck fired right up, I dropped the chipped key in the cupholder, and started for the store thinking I probably had the original key in my right hand as I started the truck. Got to the store, shut the truck off, and put the chipped key on the floor behind the passenger seat. Truck started again. I put the chipped key in the bed and tried again. Started right up again. Went into the store, and their programmer read my original key, but wouldn't program the new one. They even tried a second chip insert which didn't work either. They had programmed 2 or 3 keys this morning, and the programmer work for them. It just doesn't like something about my key. I left my original key at the counter, went back to the truck and started it with both keys that weren't programmed. Apparently, there's a chipped key hidden somewhere near the PATS receiver. The theft light still blinks, so PATS must be working. I'll look for a hidden chipped key to confirm that's what's allowing the truck to start, and decide if I want to leave it there or not. As is, I have 3 keys that'll start the truck.

 

[410Fortune]

That is odd
The key must be in the halo (ignition cylinder) for the pats system to read it
Is it possible the pats has been disabled on your new 04?

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Maybe, but the theft light blinks like it should and goes out when the truck starts. Doesn't that indicate PATS is working?

 

[410Fortune]

It does yes or at least pats is “happy”

 

[J_C]

Either there is a key chip in the steering column, or an aftermarket security system (with remote start) where the chip is located, or a custom tune that eliminates PATS was flashed to the PCM.

 

[410Fortune]

Either way saves you money on keys nobody stealing 04 sport tracs anyways when they can just remote hack a Kia

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Saves big bucks! If they had been able to program the new key, it would have cost around $85. They sold me the key without the chip insert for $5 plus tax. Can't put it on a keychain as is, but it was already cut and starts the truck. The plain key was $6.35 with tax.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Auto theft, or security in general, isn't a big concern around here. I generally don't lock my vehicles, and when I do it's to protect the contents. My wife leaves the key in the ignition of her '98 Escort at home, and maybe sometimes when she's out and about, but then she could probably leave it running and not worry about it being stolen. We live 2/3 of the way down a two block long one-lane deadend street on the outskirts of town, so that's a factor. There's no foot or bicycle traffic, and the only vehicles that go by are the neighbors and deliveries. The street ours connects to is a busy one, but none of the side streets in the area go anywhere, so there's not much traffic on them either.

 

[410Fortune]

Sounds like heaven!

 

[429CJ-3X2]

"No, it's Iowa" - to quote Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

I think there is a remote start system on the truck. I haven't looked too hard, but there is a small transmitter/receiver with a 3" antenna, a button, and 6 wires coming out of it on the sun visor. The wires run down inside the pillar trim, and there's a small box about 1 1/4" square that's wired into the power distribution box. The transmitter/receiver has 2 red lights that light up briefly when the truck first shuts off or when the button is pushed. It looks like the wires should disconnect from the transmitter/receiver, but I couldn't get the plug pulled out to test if the truck will start with an unchipped key with them disconnected. I'm going to leave everything as is for rear of screwing something up or creating a bunch of unecessary work for myself.

 

[J_C]

Even if you don't mess with it, eventually the remote start add-on could become problematic, and the older it gets, the harder it might be to find information on it, so I would try now to get its specs, installation manual, etc to have for the future.

There are a couple details that I apparently overlooked. Keys don't need programmed, unless they are making you a clone key which duplicates the ID of the chip in the original. You are better off having a normal key instead of a cloned one, because IIRC some clone keys need a battery, and if you instead have two, unique ID, normal keys programmed into the vehicle, this allows you to use the owner's manual method of programming additional keys yourself.

Original style chipped keys may be only $15 or so on Amazon, ebay, etc. then you can get them cut locally, and then if you don't have a second unique key already programmed into the vehicle so you can use the owner's manual method, then you can use an OBD2 dongle connected to a windows host (laptop, etc) running the extended license version of Forscan app to program keys into the vehicle.

An example original style that "As Far As I Can Tell", is compatible with your vehicle and a major brand is Ilco H92, $13 on ebay but might be cheaper elsewhere:

ILCO H92-PT FORD TRANSPONDER KEY | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ILCO H92-PT FORD TRANSPONDER KEY at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[429CJ-3X2]

They were cloning the only original key I have.

 

[J_C]

Yes, I'm just letting you know that a non-clone, chipped key can be had for $13 plus a couple bucks to cut it, then programmed with Forscan which is free for the required windows (host system) version, just have to contact Forscan to get an extended license trial to do it.

However, I'm not quite sure what snags you might have due to having what seems to be another chip in the remote start module. I mean if you intend to keep it hooked up. Do you have the fob to use for remote start or is it essentially useless at this point? I mean it can't be providing much in the way of security features if it now allows anyone with a screwdriver to pop the ignition cylinder lock to start the vehicle... maybe a proximity alarm?

 

[429CJ-3X2]

It's useless to me aside from being able to start it with a regular key. As I said, theft of the truck is not much of a concern around here.

 

[J_C]

Yes but if it ever starts giving you problems, you may end up wanting to remove it and then you need chipped keys or a PATS delete service for the PCM.