98 Explorer cranks doesn’t start security light flashing

[Mbrooks420]

Does he have spark if it does or if it doesn't see if there's power going to the coil

With the fast flashing theft light, and PATS codes there’s no point in doing this test.

 

[Redlines2525]

Does he have spark if not see if you have power going to coil

Yes it has spark its the PATS not allowing it to.start.

 

[J_C]

The transceiver and/or wiring is the only thing I'd get for now, unless the junkyard is an obscene distance away and then I might pay the extra to get the ECU from same model year, same engine vehicle depending on distance vs price. It is probably just the transceiver or wiring to it at fault.

If you really want to put getting the vehicle running on hold and work on other things, that's up to you. You could pull the door panel off and check for power in and out of the mirror switch, in case it's the switch itself, but I try to avoid getting electric components from a junkyard if a new one is inexpensive and in this case the switch (dorman aftermarket part) is only $17 on Rock Auto.

Radio is a whole other can of worms depending on what's wrong, whether just the CD changer and if it's even worth bothering to have a 23 y/o CD changer working today. Again you can probe for power, and in that case or the mirrors, there are wiring diagrams linked in my sig below.

 

[Redlines2525]

The transceiver and/or wiring is the only thing I'd get for now, unless the junkyard is an obscene distance away and then I might pay the extra to get the ECU from same model year, same engine vehicle depending on distance vs price. It is probably just the transceiver or wiring to it.

If you really want to put getting the vehicle running on hold and work on other things, that's up to you. You could pull the door panel off and check for power in and out of the mirror switch, in case it's the switch itself, but I try to avoid getting electric components from a junkyard if a new one is inexpensive and in this case the switch (dorman aftermarket part) is only $17 on Rock Auto.

Radio is a whole other can of worms depending on what's wrong, whether just the CD changer and if it's even worth bothering to have a 23 y/o CD changer working today. Again you can probe for power, and in that case or the mirrors, there are wiring diagrams linked in

 

[jr230]

Welcome to the forum!

The PATS light normally blinks slow (even with no key inserted) and then blinks rapidly if the right key chip is not detected when you try to start it. Is this what is happening?

There is a lengthy topic on this forum linked below, or you can program in keys (starting with none or only 1 since the owner's manual method requires 2) using an ELM327 based OBD2 dongle (for example a BAFX on amazon) linked to a windows host device (like a tablet or laptop, USB, wifi, or bluetooth linked depending on dongle and host connection capability) to run Forscan app. Forscan also has an android app but I think only the windows version can program keys and "might' require the full license which you can request on Forscan's site.

Solved - Everything you wanted to know about PATS.

Antitheft and Alarm Systems: Description and Operation ANTI-THEFT The passive anti-theft system (PATS) uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a driveaway theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user. The PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key...

www.explorerforum.com

How to program PATS using FORScan v2.3.* - FORScan forum

There may be newer related topics on forscan's forum, or even youtube videos showing the process.

While this does require the OBD2 dongle, I would highly advise getting one if you don't have one because this can save a lot of money and gray hair in making an older vehicle more cost effective to keep running well. Forscan is the preferred app, has far more Ford specific features than more popular OBD2 dongle apps like Torque.

If it won't reprogram the keys at all, it could be that your PATS transponder module in the steering column, or the wiring to it is damaged. You can take the column cover off and inspect it but if nothing obvious is seen, then it becomes more apparent when trying to program the keys, that it can't see them to program in at all.

There are other potential faults like bad wiring, connector to, or the ECU itself but these are less likely, so basically I've mentioned things in the order I would try to resolve this.

If the programming attempts don't work, another useful resource is the wiring diagrams linked in my sig below. Keep in mind that some parts like the transponder, might be very inexpensive from a junkyard or junkyard pull on ebay/etc, but pretty expensive to have a dealer do for you or even buy the part new.

Before I towed it to a dealer, I'd call a few locksmiths as some will be mobile, have the ability to come on-site and program in keys, but be sure to mention that it's a '98 with PATS2, doesn't recognize ANY keys currently so they know they have to have a dongle or scan tool/appliance to program the keys instead of just doing what is in the owner's manual or cloning a working key. Depending on the area, this service is roughly $200... bound to be cheaper than a dealer + tow charge.

i have a 04 it lost key program and with only 1 key it made it difficult if 2nd key doesent work it will need reprograming and possably new ke chip. from what i went threw even the garage needed to use a locksmith so try it first. a ford dealer can do it but you pay at least 2x plus tow but call locksmith to make sure they have scan tool its an expensive one lokks like if this is the only problem thats a nice low milage explorer

 

[Redlines2525]

i have a 04 it lost key program and with only 1 key it made it difficult if 2nd key doesent work it will need reprograming and possably new ke chip. from what i went threw even the garage needed to use a locksmith so try it first. a ford dealer can do it but you pay at least 2x plus tow but call locksmith to make sure they have scan tool its an expensive one lokks like if this is the only problem thats a nice low milage explorer

Thanks to everyone who replied.
I put the new transceiver in, did the relearn on all PATS system components, cleared all keys & reprogrammed it and it learned both keys.
It started right up immediately since the PATs light was no longer flashing

 

[1998Exp]

Well done! Now, when you fix the CD drive inside the radio or the 6-disk changer, let us know. Both failed in mine and I was planning to upgrade to something 21st century instead. But who knows, perhaps one day this 98 Limited will become a collector's item and need everything original inside to commend a good price

 

[Redlines2525]

Well done! Now, when you fix the CD drive inside the radio or the 6-disk changer, let us know. Both failed in mine and I was planning to upgrade to something 21st century instead. But who knows, perhaps one day this 98 Limited will become a collector's item and need everything original inside to commend a good price

Just want fix the power mirrors probably going to toss the OEM radio

 

[Mbrooks420]

Aftermarket with CarPlay/Android auto is the only way to go. These radios typically have failed displays by now, and having one repaired is almost as much as a full replacement with something navigation capable, and having bluetooth.

 

[joney]

Aftermarket with CarPlay/Android auto is the only way to go. These radios typically have failed displays by now, and having one repaired is almost as much as a full replacement with something navigation capable, and having bluetooth.

you're starting to convince me to get android auto (could use the GPS) ! Hoping the Google Maps it uses is reasonably accurate.
Did you put one in your 98?
And still, if anyone wants my stock multi-CD disc changer, you're welcome to it, just tell me how to disconnect it and it's yours for shipping cost. (I'm keeping my stock radio/cassette/single CD unit that's connected to it)
Edit: nevermind! Android Auto irrelevant in this case. (Not putting in a different radio or entertainment screen!)
I can just use the GPS on the phone, can't really connect it to the car as is.

 

[Mbrooks420]

you're starting to convince me to get android auto (could use the GPS) ! Hoping the Google Maps it uses is reasonably accurate.
Did you put one in your 98?
And still, if anyone wants my stock multi-CD disc changer, you're welcome to it, just tell me how to disconnect it and it's yours for shipping cost. (I'm keeping my stock radio/cassette/single CD unit that's connected to it)
Edit: nevermind! Android Auto irrelevant in this case. (Not putting in a different radio or entertainment screen!)
I can just use the GPS on the phone, can't really connect it to the car as is.

I don’t have any factory radios in any of my cars. I gutted the Kia a few weeks after getting it. Stock radios are garbage as far as sound and features go, and I won’t have any of that.

 

[J_C]

Aftermarket with CarPlay/Android auto is the only way to go. These radios typically have failed displays by now, and having one repaired is almost as much as a full replacement with something navigation capable, and having bluetooth.

Well... this is a DIY oriented forum, to repair you just need different tools and parts sources. I don't mind my stock radio, am fine with FM on short trips or for longer I have a lighter outlet powered digital player that transmits over FM to it, can play back from a mSD card or source input from bluetooth. Navigation I haven't needed in it for a good 15 years, just isn't my first pick of vehicle to take on long trips.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I can’t handle FM tuners. I’ve never heard one that didn’t sound like poor radio quality sound. To be fair there’s a fair amount of FM being utilized here.

 

[J_C]

My FM picks up pretty good, probably due to proximity to several Cincinnati station towers. AM on the other hand, has had a buzz, maybe ignition noise, in it for years but it wasn't there when new, yet I don't care because I don't listen to AM.

 

[joney]

Well... this is a DIY oriented forum, to repair you just need different tools and parts sources. I don't mind my stock radio, am fine with FM on short trips or for longer I have a lighter outlet powered digital player that transmits over FM to it, can play back from a mSD card or source input from bluetooth. Navigation I haven't needed in it for a good 15 years, just isn't my first pick of vehicle to take on long trips.

Can you give me some info on the digital player? Still wanting to keep the stock radio, sound system is good but there aren't any decent radio stations around here! So many of the aftermarket HUs have a touch screen but that's a deal breaker for me. Even tried the cassette adapter, doesn't work because no pause function in the stock HU, just cycles back and forth looking for a cassette track to play

 

[Mbrooks420]

Can you give me some info on the digital player? Still wanting to keep the stock radio, sound system is good but there aren't any decent radio stations around here! So many of the aftermarket HUs have a touch screen but that's a deal breaker for me. Even tried the cassette adapter, doesn't work because no pause function in the stock HU, just cycles back and forth looking for a cassette track to play

Plenty of aftermarket radios are still manual buttons.

 

[J_C]

Can you give me some info on the digital player? Still wanting to keep the stock radio, sound system is good but there aren't any decent radio stations around here! So many of the aftermarket HUs have a touch screen but that's a deal breaker for me. Even tried the cassette adapter, doesn't work because no pause function in the stock HU, just cycles back and forth looking for a cassette track to play

Amazon no longer sells the simple one I have, but the fancier ones have dropped in price too. Many have a mSD slot so you don't need a phone to use them (but most can do that too over bluetooth and also serve as a hands-free phone mic and speaker for calls). Here's some examples, though you might want to look for youtube video reviews of any you are considering:

Amazon.com : FM MP3 car