2006 PAT will not allow me to start car

[PeaPicker46]

I went to start my car and it was dead. Recharged battery after I found out my door had been somewhat ajar for about 5 hours. The dash lights work and the headlights come on but I can not get it to turnover. Called AAA and he said looks like it might be a PAT issue. How do I fix this myself, if possible. My car is a 2006 Ford Explorer
Thanks

 

[D Hook]

I would replace the battery first. A marginal battery will cause all kinds of weird things to happen.

 

[07LTDDSM]

I would replace the battery first. A marginal battery will cause all kinds of weird things to happen.

I second that. Its always best to work the cheapest/easiest fix first.

 

[Flag Gibby]

You don't necessarily have to replace it. Just have it checked by someone like Autozone that does it for free and then replace it while you are there if they say that it is no good. If for some reason the PATS is locked up then I would think that disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes and then connecting it back up might get it reset properly. If you are using the same key that you always do on the vehicle then it should work even if battery power is lost since it (the car key chip ID) is stored in long term memory not impacted by power loss.

 

[swshawaii]

SECURILOCK PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (Pages 117-119)
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/06expog2e.pdf

Anti-theft indicator

If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock system, the indicator will flash
rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position.

 

[PeaPicker46]

I had it towed to a Ford Dealership and they say the battery is fine, however they are telling me that the censor that tells the "system that the key is the one programmed to the security code" seems to be the issue. However they also told me that after the car warmed up inside their building the car did finally start up. They are also telling me that it will cost $750 to replace the correct circuit board/chip (parts and labor) and that they are not sure if just becuase it starts now it means it will start all the time. So basically they are blaming it on the cold weather we have been having. Now I'm confused, its starts but will it start going forward all the time, $750 for a security reboot seems pretty high to me.

 

[D Hook]

If the dealer isn't certain that the problem is in the PAT sensor, I would want an agreement that if the problem comes up again, they remove the part and refund the money. I doubt they'd agree to that but that's the only way I'd agree to shell out that kind of money on a hunch.

If it were my Ex, I'd still replace the battery and also the positive cable. Those two items can be easily affected by temperature fluctuations. Positive cable may look good and be tight but people have run into corrosion down deep in the jacket where you can't see it. Cold/heat can cause the cable to not have enough "umph" to carry the amps needed to start the vehicle but enough to run the lights and accessories. That's what I'd do if it was MY Ex. YMMV.