The truck has been sitting for the last 6 weeks & when I went out to start it the battery was very weak so I left it on a charge for a few hours. When I went back to start it & it wouldn't start (turns over). I shot some starting fluid in it & it fired up briefly. Thats when I noticed the theft light was flashing with the key turned on. Goes for a minute then pauses with the secondary/spaced flashes. Tried the second key with no luck. I travel for weeks at a time & I usually give it a start when I return from travel & it starts right up. I've had the truck for less than a year & appears to have been well maintained by the 2nd owner I bought it from. Checked the fuel fuse & others & all are good. Fuel pump sounds good & I don't know the history on the fuel filter. Fuel relay hasn't been replaced. Any suggestions other than taking to dealer/locksmith for the PATS fix? Started fine about 6 weeks ago & now all the sudden it has the theft light flashing. Thanks.

 

Mine did this, turned out to be my performance chip attached to the computer. Out it came, fired right up. That is to say if you also have a chip. Otherwise, I'd say take your ignition cylinder out and clean it or replace it, sounds like that or the PATS deal.

 

It looks like I may have the following issue, based on the flashing sequence - 1:6 Faulty link between PATS module and EECV Go to dealer. I found the below PATS info on an Explorer site. Still looking for a do it yourself fix vs. taking it to the dealer for now.

Everything you wanted to know about PATS.

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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. Each encoded ignition key contains a
permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder
contains a unique electronic identification code, with over 72 million billion
combinations.
Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into the vehicle powertrain control
module (PCM) before it can be used to start the engine. There are special diagnostic
procedures that must be carried out if new encoded ignition keys are to be
configured.
The encoded key is larger than a traditional ignition key. The key does not require
batteries and should last the life of the vehicle.
The transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key. This module is
located behind the steering column shroud and contains an antenna connected to a
small electronic module. During each vehicle start sequence, the transceiver module
reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends the 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 engine enable. The PCM initiates the key interrogation sequence
when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to ON or START.
The PATS function uses the PCM to enable or disable the engine. All elements of 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.
PATS uses a visual theft indicator located on top of the instrument panel. This
indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to ON
or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS problem, this indicator will
either flash rapidly or glow steadily (for more than three seconds) when the ignition
switch is turned to ON or START. PATS also "flashes" the theft indicator every two
seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual theft deterrent.
The 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. Remote start systems must be
removed before investigation of PATS-related no-start issues.

The PATs key is used on the following Ford family trucks and suvs:

FORD: 1996-2001 MUSTANG, TAURUS
1998-2000 CONTOUR
1998-2001 CROWN VICTORIA
2000-2001 FOCUS
2002 THUNDERBIRD
1997-2001 EXPEDITION
1998-2002 EXPLORER
1999 F-250 LD
1999-2001 F-150, RANGER, WINDSTAR
2000-2001 EXCURSION
2001 ESCAPE
LINCOLN: 1997-1998 MARK VIII
1998-2001 CONTINENTAL, TOWN CAR
2000-2001 LS
1998-2001 NAVIGATOR
2002 BLACKWOOD
MERCURY: 1996-2001 SABLE
1998-2000 MYSTIQUE
1998-2001 GRAND MARQUIS
1999-2001 COUGAR
1998-2002 MOUNTAINEER

Additionally, PATs can be found on the follow Ford family cars and mini-vans:

1998-up Contour
1997-up Crown Victoria
1999-up Escort
2000-up Focus
1996-up Mustang and Taurus
1998-up Windstar
1998-up 2000-up Lincoln LS
1998-up Lincoln Mark VIII, Lincoln Continental and Lincoln Town Car
1997-up Mercury Grand Marquis
1998-up Mercury Mystique
1996-up Mercury Sable

Following are the instructions for programming a blank key (you must have at least one working key for this procedure).

The PAT

1. Make sure you have both keys.
2. Turn on car but don't start. Watch "theft" indicator untils it goes out.
3. Turn off and repeat procedure with second key.
4. After "theft light goes out, insert new key and turn on.
5. Wait until the theft indicator goes off and then turn off switch.
6. Wait thirty seconds. New key is now programmed into security module. Repeat for any other keys.


1. Erase any old codes by entering the factory code.(buttons will light up)
2. Press 1/2 button within 5 seconds.
3. Press 7/8 and 9/0 buttons at the same time within 5 seconds.

To set new code:

1. Enter factory code (numbers will light up)
2. Press 1/2 button within 5 seconds.
3. Enter personal 5 digit code(decide beforehand) within 5 seconds of each previous one.
To unlock all the doors,press the 3/4 button within 5 seconds of the driver door unlocking.
To lock all doors and set alarm system,press 7/8 and 9/0 at the same time.
To disarm or reset a triggered alarm,just enter personal or factory code.

Do not set a code with five of the same consecutive numbers. It's too easy for thieves to figure out.

Deactivating and Activating Autolock

To deactivate the "autolock":
With all doors and tailgate closed but NOT locked,and ignition OFF.
1. Enter 5 digit code
2. While holding 7/8 button in, press and release the 3/4 button.
3. Release 7/8 button
The horn will chirp once if the "autolock" was deactivated
or two times if "autolock" was activated.

To reactivate the system,repeat steps 1 thru 3

Alternate Method To Deactivate And Activate Autolock

Do steps [1] through [5] (below) within 30 seconds or you'll have to do it over. If you have to do it over, wait 30 seconds between attempts.
Close all doors securely.

1.Turn the ignition key to ON.

2.Press the power door UNLOCK control THREE times.

3.Turn the ignition key from ON to OFF.

4.Press the power door UNLOCK control THREE times.

5.Turn the ignition key back to ON .The doors should lock and unlock.

6.Press the power door UNLOCK control. The horn should chirp ONCE to confirm successful switching of the autolock system

Troubleshooting:

The engine does not start and LED remains off.
1. Check PATS system fuses
2. If alarm is fitted check if LED functions for alarm: if not check cigar lighter fuse (also used for LED)
3. If not go to main dealer

Engine does not start: LED flashes rapidly Leave ignition on until the LED starts to flash a 2 digit code: (sequence- pause-sequence)
Check the following codes:
Code flashes:
1:3 Key code not received. Is key screened by other keys or objects? Try different key: if okay then first key is faulty. If not go to main dealer
1:4 Partial code only received. Try again. If not okay use different key. If not go to main dealer
1:5 Key not programmed into PATS. Program key as above using master
1:6 Faulty link between PATS module and EECV Go to dealer .
For more information and troubleshooting tips:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=234975

 

I knew this person (name will remain anonymous) who had a problem with his odometer and decided to buy another speedo cluster on eBay to replace the one that did not work. He swapped them out and turned the key to make sure it worked but neglected to try starting the truck until almost 2 weeks later. Truck wouldn't start and the theft light was just a flashing away as the engine just turned over and over. Anyway, long story short, I.. eh, I mean he repaired the odometer in his original cluster and put it back in and wah-lah, the truck started right up. Of course no one else would ever do such a thing like this crazy person I know........

 

Had this happen to me before. After some experimentation, I found that if I locked the truck with the remote by pushing the "Lock" button twice (and the horn beeps), then unlock it, again with the remote, it seems to reset the PATS system so it'll "see" the key again and start like it's supposed to.

 

Using the remote to lock or unlock should have zero effect on the PATS system since the PATS system has nothing to do with entry security.

 

Having the same issue with my Expd. Replaced battery, now no start. Talke to edge and they tried to set Evo to program back to stock. Evo will not communicate with computer. Going to dealer this week.

 

Glen, iv'e seen this before.
Your in for a reflash of the PCM so bring along 2 keys to complete the job.
Question is do you want to have this happen all over again after you pay the dealer for the work?
Your programmer vendor cannot reset anything because he has no original build info to populate correctly the lines in the program that have been mutilated
For some reason they don't understand this point.
Besided this, the programer should have never altered the data that was damaged because it's not part of the performance changes you normally make.
Tell dealer you got into the trouble using a programmer so they don't waist your money looking for an issue that is not there except for the program mutilitation.
Sometimes we have to put tail between legs and accept it.
Good luck.

 

That was my feeling also. I should have left the programmer alone until the truck was running properly, and then checked to see if it was working, or showing an error code. LESSON LEARNED. If it wasn't for the gears and tires I wouldn't bother with the programmer. Acciording to the dealer they can adjust for teh tires, but not teh gears as they were not an option on the Expd, and the Expd uses a different program than the F150 due to the AWD.

 

Finally got the truck sorted I hope. Ended up being a fried computer. Dealer wanted 1300 to install a Ford unit, or 850 to instal a reman from Orielly's. A little research ended up they were charging me 650 for the computer, claim their price was 450. I ended up buying it myself for 250, and taking it to them. They just called and told me it was ready. They were able to program for gears, but not tires.

 

My theift lite gives a code 1:2 so what does this mean? the motor turns but will not start and theift lights flashes fast. Please help