Another problem with PATS

[whoathere]

So, I was installing a remote starter that I got for christmas yesterday, and couldn't get all of it finished because we need to bypass the PATS. Well, I am out there last night, and I started it just to make sure it would still start. I have a 2000 Explorer sport, and as far as I know, there is no factory alarm on it. It had the keyless entry, but I couldn't get it to work, not even the keypad on the door. So I bought my own alarm and installed it.

About 10 minutes ago, I walked out to the garage to try an start the explorer, no luck. It just turns over, and shows no signs of wanting to start. I noticed that when the key is in the on, or start position, the theft light on the dash blinks really fast, I have never noticed this before. Could it be that there is a stock alarm that has been engaged somehow? One more thing, we unhooked the negative battery cable for a few minutes, and then we put it back on, and the lights began flashing, as well as the interior lights, and the "dinging" inside the cabin was going off, it did this for about 30 seconds.

Any ideas?

 

[whoathere]

We are pretty sure the problem is because the PATS is engaged, and we need to find out how to reset it, or disengage it. Can someone with the owners manual check it out and see if there is a procedure for resetting it, mine is MIA. That would be a lot of help. Thanks.

 

[Jefe]

How did you attempt to disable PATS for the remote starter? The reason it won't start is because something is wrong with the PATS system. Count the number of times the theft light flashes when you try to start the car. it should be two sets of numbers (ie, 2 flashes followed by 7 flashes). That is the PATS error code. And does the theft light flash regulary when the car is off?

 

[whoathere]

We didn't try to bypass the PATS, there is a kit you have to by that comes with a module to bypass the PATS system, since I dont have it, thats why I gave up.

I just went out and checked it out. The light flashes regularly with the key OUT of the ignition. When I turn to the key to the ON position, it blinks very fast. When I try to start it, it continues to blink very fast. I have tried unlocking the door with the key and then starting, no help. I tried to leave the key in the ignition with it in the on position for 10 minutes, still no help.

 

[Rick]

Here ya go: http://www.explorerforum.com/owners_manual/2000.pdf

 

[whoathere]

Thank you very much, Rick. I didn't know those were available on the site. Well, after reading that, it basically says that you have to have it serviced by your local dealer. They want, $95/hr labor. Not including what parts will cost. This isn't sounding like too much fun.

 

[whoathere]

talked to a ford dealer from 2 towns over and they were very helpful. when the theft light blinks rapidly, it means the computer lost the key signature or whatever you wanna call it. I tried both keys and neither worked, so we have to get the keys reprogrammed and it should fix it. Should is the keyword there. I'll let you guys know the outcome tomorrow.

 

[00XLS]

I thought when you lose the key signatures, only the dealer can reprogram? I hope not in your case anyways, good luck.

 

[CDW6212R]

Part of alarm installs includes tapping into anti theft wires etc. Can you remove the fuses from the alarm wiring, to test. The PATS bypass module does wire into the wiring to substitute a key signal from the bypass module when starting. Hopefully the wiring that you have done so far is interfering with the PATS. IF so then get the bypass module from DEI, another programmed key, and carefully wire it in.

BTW, only let F.ord do any programming to get you two working keys. Do not pay them for any others, they can be done for free in a few seconds each. Always have three programmed keys, so that you never need Ford to program a lost key. For the bypass key, do not have it cut for the ignition, it only needs to be programmed. That way no one can find it and use it to start the vehicle. Good luck,

 

[whoathere]

Yea, we are taking it to the Ford dealership tomorrow to have them reprogram the keys. I hadn't messed with the anti-theft system at all. What happend is that I was testing voltage on the wires at the remote start module, and I shorted across the IGN 1 wire, adn the Start wire. It turned the motor over when I did that, but now the key wont work, and I had the key in the ignition in the ON position. So we think it just erased the program for the key. Ford said this was most likely the problem, but I'll have to wait til tomorrow to see.

 

[CDW6212R]

Sounds like a good diagnosis, shame to hear. Good luck at F.ord,

 

[whoathere]

Well, thats not the problem. They hooked it up to the machine, and she still doesn't wanna start. So now they tell us they have no idea whats wrong with it, and they started to take it apart and I left. So I guess, we are at the mercy of Ford right now.

 

[whoathere]

well they have had it for 3 days now. They ordered a new PATS system for it, and it didnt work. So they took it back off, and have no idea what the problem is. Now it is going to be sitting over there all weekend and the guy told us that they have no clue what the problem is. This really sucks.

 

[CDW6212R]

Sorry to hear that, I am looking at testing with a different PCM myself.

 

[Stic-o]

This sucks, and this should be a leason for everyone, don't "F" with the PATS system, in anyway!

I hate to see you bill from Ford buddy

 

[CDW6212R]

Agreed, that's why I haven't let them have mine... yet. I have a tech friend that might help me to swap PCM's if that would narrow down my error. Regards,

 

[whoathere]

Well, I guess there is some light at the end of the tunnel. The new PATS module that they ordered from Ford didnt fix the problem. So they pulled in another 2000 explorer and started to compare wires and all that to make sure everythin was connected and what not. The FIRST thing they did was pull the PATS module from the working explorer and put it in mine, and it worked. The car started just fine. So they ordered another module to put in my car. Which means that the module they received from Ford was bad. So I hope they don't try to bill me for all the time they spent installing a bad module, because something will hit the fan. I just hope that the module they get this time will be good so I can get my truck bad. Too bad they aren't open again until Monday.

 

[whoathere]

First off, Happy New Year to everyone, I've been sick for a few days, so I haven't been around, but Ford got the new module in Saturday, and they put it in first thing this morning, and called me at about 9:30 to let me know its ready. I was excited, yet my heart started racing when I asked what the total bill was. The guy said, well since we had some problems, you'll only be charged with 2 hours of labor. My total bill is 291.89. Now, thats quite a bit for something stupid that I did, but a lot less than I was thinking. Now I have enough money to get my overhead console!!! Have a good one.

 

[jakprince]

So did you get the remote starter working?Im thinking about putting one on a 99 but i dont want to run into the same thing you did.

 

[jakprince]

Do all 99's have the pats key or just some of them?