Owner's manual & information on PATS are needed.

[Rock Ape]

Hi there,
Just bought a 2004 V6 XLT with only 37k on the clock so really happy with that. Got a bit of a whine on the rear end on acceleration but been reading about it and seems quite common. Deal will fix under warranty though.

I am trying to obtain a copy of the owners handbook for the car (original in Japanese) but my local Ford dealer wants over NZ$200 for a copy. Is there somewhere I can get one a bit cheaper?

Thanks

 

[IZwack]

Owner's manual for download from Ford Fleet:
Dead Link Removed

 

[celly]

Just about every Explorer manual known to man can be found on eBay for around $15. I had to bite the bullet when I got my '99.

 

[Rock Ape]

Thanks guys, that's fantastic. Just saved $200 at the stroke of a key! BTW, I note that my Explorer came from the dealer with one set of keys and no remote. I presume that there should be a remote to lock and activate the immobiliser. Are these available aftermarket?

 

[celly]

Thanks guys, that's fantastic. Just saved $200 at the stroke of a key! BTW, I note that my Explorer came from the dealer with one set of keys and no remote. I presume that there should be a remote to lock and activate the immobiliser. Are these available aftermarket?

Remotes can also be had on eBay and are pretty easy to program. One set of keys, huh? That blows, because it takes two keys to program a third and is easy to do yourself (if you have two keys). Pretty pricey to get a locksmith or dealer to do it for you. Do NOT lose that key, whatever you do.

 

[Rock Ape]

Hi Thanks for the info. I don't quite follow your reference about needing two keys to programme the third. My key is just a key - it has no buttons or anything on it to programme anything. I literally have one ignition key and a fuel cap key.

 

[celly]

Hi Thanks for the info. I don't quite follow your reference about needing two keys to programme the third. My key is just a key - it has no buttons or anything on it to programme anything. I literally have one ignition key and a fuel cap key.

If it's like most Explorer keys (late model Explorers anyhow), there is a microchip inside the key. It won't start without the chip in there and the chip needs to be programmed using two other "chipped" keys. Dealerships and locksmiths have a way around that necessity, but they charge mucho $$$ to do it. The key blanks themselves are overpriced too. I score mine for cheap on eBay, had them cut for free at Walmart and programmed them myself using the other keys I already had.

That's how it works in the 2nd gen anyhow (With PATS equipped vehicles). You drive a 3rd gen. Not sure how the keys and anti-theft system works on the '04, but I'm pretty sure you use a "chip key" as well. Others may be able to chime in. It might be different for Explorers sold overseas as well.

This is some text I snagged from an eBay auction for a "2004 Explorer Key" (sounds to me like you've got PATS):

INCLUDES EASY TO FOLLOW PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS (If You Already Have 2 Existing/Working Keys To Your Vehicle).
* WITH ONE OR NO WORKING KEYS TO YOUR VEHICLE (Your Automotive Locksmith Or Dealer Will Have To Program It For You).

Included Programming Process (IMPORTANT):
To Add/Program A New Key, You Are Required To Have 2 Working/Already Programmed Keys To Your Vehicle. You Existing 2 Working
Keys Initiate The Programming To Add A 3rd Or 4th Key. Without 2 Working Keys, You Will Need To Have An Automotive Locksmith With
The Required Programming Scan-Tool Add This Key To Your Vehicle. IF YOU HAVE 2 WORKING KEYS Or Remote Keys, The Instructions
Which Will Come With Your Purchase, Will Guide You Through The Easy. Step By Step Programming Process Which You Can Perform On
Your Own, Without Any Tools, Technical Knowledge, Get Dirty Hands Or Even Sweat Over It.

You don't actually use "buttons". It's a sequence you use involving turning keys on and off in the ignition. You do that with the first two keys and you have a short timeframe to put in the third which "learns" the code from the truck itself. The keys look like normal keys, but the chip is hidden under the black plastic.

 

[celly]

More PATS info here.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I've renamed your thread, and moved it into the stock 2002-2005 section.

 

[Rock Ape]

Thanks a lot guys - heaps of useful stuff. I just got a call from the dealer to say that he's located the other set of keys AND a keyless factory entry remote so thats really good news. I presume that now I have two keys I can programme a third as described above (thanks Celly). I imagine that if a buy another remote then that can also be programmed.

 

[celly]

Thanks a lot guys - heaps of useful stuff. I just got a call from the dealer to say that he's located the other set of keys AND a keyless factory entry remote so thats really good news. I presume that now I have two keys I can programme a third as described above (thanks Celly). I imagine that if a buy another remote then that can also be programmed.

That's great that the dealer found a second key. Definitely get yourself a blank or two off eBay, get them cut and then do the programming. It's very easy to do. This is how it works on my '99 (copied and pasted somewhere on the web a long time ago):

PATS Key Programming
------------------------------
**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed**
1. Insert and existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE SECOND.
3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON (RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove the key.
4. Insert the new key before TWENTY seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it the ON position for at least ONE second and turn back to OFF.
5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.
6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 5


Glad to be of service.

 

[Rock Ape]

Your a star Celly. Thanks.

 

[mattyboy]

if the battery was disconnected would the pats system loose it's key programming????

I was at the marina took the battery out to help jump the boat put the battery back . the stereo, lights all work but it will not start the key does not do anything.

have flashing lights on the dash and up by the rear view mirror???

is this something I can do or do I need the dealer?

I had two sets of keys that work but only had one set with me

 

[BigRondo]

That's great that the dealer found a second key. Definitely get yourself a blank or two off eBay, get them cut and then do the programming. It's very easy to do. This is how it works on my '99 (copied and pasted somewhere on the web a long time ago):

PATS Key Programming
------------------------------
**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed**
1. Insert and existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE SECOND.
3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON (RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove the key.
4. Insert the new key before TWENTY seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it the ON position for at least ONE second and turn back to OFF.
5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.
6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 5


Glad to be of service.

Just verified Celly's instructions with the ones in my manual for my '02. It appears that the instructions are the same for both. Good luck Rock Ape.

 

[BigRondo]

if the battery was disconnected would the pats system loose it's key programming????

I was at the marina took the battery out to help jump the boat put the battery back . the stereo, lights all work but it will not start the key does not do anything.

have flashing lights on the dash and up by the rear view mirror???

is this something I can do or do I need the dealer?

I had two sets of keys that work but only had one set with me

I have disconnected my battery several times and my keys still work. Sorry I'm not much help. Maybe try searching the forum for the symptoms I guess.