PATS description
I agree that since your engine runs briefly on starting fluid and that you have "disturbed" the alarm system that you may have a PATS problem. It would probably be cheaper to have a PATS qualified locksmith come to your house than pay to have your vehicle towed to a dealer and have them diagnose the problem. However, neither may take responsibility for the configuration of the alarm system removal and will probably charge you by the hour to investigate it. I still suggest that you try to determine (rather than just guess) if you have a PATS issue by checking the Theft flashes. Here's a description of PATS for your 2002:
ANTI-THEFT -PASSIVE
The passive anti-theft system (PATS) contains the following components:
theft indicator
encoded ignition key
PATS transceiver module
powertrain control module (PCM)
standard corporate protocol (SCP) communication network
Principles of Operation
The PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic identification code out of over 18 billion, billion combinations. The passive anti-theft system (PATS), also known as SecuriLock(R), uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a drive-away theft. This system is known as SecuriLock(R) in North America, Safeguard(R) in the U.K., and PATS in Continental Europe. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user. The SecuriLockr System (PATS) is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from outside the vehicle. These systems may reduce the vehicle security level, and also may cause no-start issues. If equipped the remote start system must be removed before investigation of PATS related, no-start issues. Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into the vehicle's powertrain control (PCM) before it can be used to start the engine. There are special diagnostic repair procedures described in this section that must be carried out if a new encoded ignition key is necessary.
This system contains a new feature named Unlimited Key Mode. This feature allows a customer to program more than eight keys to the vehicle if they request it. Each vehicle in Unlimited Key Mode is set up with a special Unlimited Transponder Security Key. This allows all the customer vehicles to share the same keys, but no other keys from outside can be used to operate the vehicles. For an individual customer, any randomly selected Security Key is acceptable.
The PATS transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key. The module is located behind the steering column shroud and contains an antenna connected to a small electronics module. During each vehicle start sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends data to the PCM. The control functions are contained in the PCM. This module carries out all of the PATS functions, such as receiving the identification code from the encoded ignition key and controlling the engine enable. The PCM initiates the key interrogation sequence when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. All elements of the PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle will not start. The PATS uses a visual theft indicator. The indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS concern, this indicator will either flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. The PATS system also flashes the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual deterrent.
The PATS will be activated and will disable the vehicle from starting if there is a:
incorrectly encoded ignition key
damaged encoded ignition key
unprogrammed key
non-encoded key (key has no electronics)
damaged wiring
damaged transceiver
damaged PCM
NOTE: The PCM disables the engine for 20 seconds every time DTC B1601 is set. The
ignition must remain in the run position for at least 20 seconds before an
attempt is made to start the vehicle with any encoded ignition key. Check the
PCM PID ANTISCAN for this unprogrammed key timeout status.
NOTE: Large metallic objects, electronic devices on the key chain that can be used to
purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second key on the same key ring as the
PATS ignition key may cause vehicle starting problems and record DTCs under
certain conditions. If a fault cannot be identified, examine the customer's key
ring for such objects or devices. If present, inform the customer that they need
to keep these objects from touching the PATS ignition key while starting the
engine. These objects and devices cannot damage the PATS ignition key, but
can cause a momentary concern if they are too close to the key during engine
start. If a concern occurs, turn ignition OFF and restart the engine with all other
objects on the key ring held away from the ignition key. Check to make sure the
encoded ignition key used by the customer is a Ford approved encoded ignition
key (Rotunda is the only approved encoded ignition key).
