The "Chip" Key

[imp]

What year did the chip key enter service? I owned a '96 Ex, and do not think it had that feature yet. My '99 later, I can't be sure at all. My understanding is that, several different "disable" schemes were used, such as "crank engine, but disable injectors". Several of those were patently ridiculous, as they allowed cranking forever, until either the battery or starter crapped out.

My current Ex, a 2004, simply disables cranking (I think). Any info appreciated! imp

 

[1998Exp]

What year did the chip key enter service? I owned a '96 Ex, and do not think it had that feature yet. My '99 later, I can't be sure at all. My understanding is that, several different "disable" schemes were used, such as "crank engine, but disable injectors". Several of those were patently ridiculous, as they allowed cranking forever, until either the battery or starter crapped out.
My current Ex, a 2004, simply disables cranking (I think). Any info appreciated! imp

PATS started in 1998. I have one of those, and indeed, the starter is not disabled by PATS. My guess is that they didn't bother, because a thief could hot-wire the starter very easily, while ignition and fuel injection must be timed properly by the PCM. Don't know how starter-disabling PATS works in newer models - perhaps there is a CAN link to the starter itself.
Incidentally, when I purchased the vehicle, two years old at the time, I found an aftermarket 'immobilizer' hidden under the dash that was spliced into the starter wire. The gizmo was controlled by a radio-operated remote. PATS was a novelty at the time, and someone made a few extra bucks selling this thing to the naive first owner, "to protect his $30,000 investment". To add insult to injury, they drilled a hole in the plastic panel under which it was hidden, for an LED to indicate 'arming' - and to make it easy for a potential thief to spot where it is... I just pulled the thing out and re-connected the original wire.

 

[koda2000]

I don't have a problem with the Explorer Gen II PATS system (98-01) or the way it works. Compared to vehicles than can be stolen by popping out the ignition or using a shaved key, turning off the fuel injectors is an easy way to stop someone from stealing your vehicle. So what if the starter still cranks the engine as long as it wont start? Keep in mind we're talking about 20 year old tech here. I don't know how the newer Explorer anti-theft system works. As far as your comment about "cranking forever, until either the battery or starter crapped out" if someone is dumb enough to do that while trying to steal a vehicle, or when having a PATS issue, that's a different issue.

 

[imp]

@koda2000 "As far as your comment about "cranking forever, until either the battery or starter crapped out" if someone is dumb enough to do that while trying to steal a vehicle, or when having a PATS issue, that's a different issue."

Perhaps I should have approached it differently. What if the owner was trying to start his own vehicle, and for whatever reason, not aware of the PATS system at all, cranked away, failed to start, and so was led on a futile and fruitless search for the reason? I would not necessarily call him dumb, maybe average is a bit softer word, and many folks I talk to actually are unaware still of the PATS feature, much less how it works.

After studying the issue, researching and experimenting a bit, I STILL don't follow the reason why my 2004, which had 2 original working factory keys, only allows one key to start the engine, after removal of the original PCM, short use of a replacement PCM (with it's own 2 keys), and original PCM reinstalled, now stuck with one working key. What if I had started the engine using it's OTHER key, would the one now working not work? ??? imp

 

[koda2000]

@imp Maybe "dumb" was too strong a term, but if an engine isn't starting after 10 seconds or less of cranking, something is wrong. There could be lots of reasons for this and not only PATS, including but bot limited to...

Bad fuel pump
Bad crank position sensor/connection
Low fuel
SOHC V6 having jumped time
Faulty ignition coil
Weak battery
Blown fuse(s)
Cooked PCM

BTW, if it's PATS related the anti-theft light flashes quickly, rather than it's normal 2 second blinking.

I've experienced most of these conditions at one time or another. Never once did I crank the starter long enough to burn it out or to flatten the battery.

 

[imp]

@koda2000 "Never once did I crank the starter long enough to burn it out or to flatten the battery."

Of course not, and neither would I. Please be tolerant of those having lesser technical (or even common sense) "smarts", as I have come to realize over the years that the majority of folks faced with automotive difficulties are basically "lost". Most tactful way I know to say it. I hate the concept in force nowadays used to bilk those poor drivers depending on wheels to get to work. imp

 

[Mbrooks420]

I've never had a PATS issue, but did try to start the truck with a cut, unprogrammed key. The theft light flashed light crazy, and the issue would be very obvious. If you lack the common sense to not run your starter until it fries,that might be a lesson that costs you.