1999 Automatic 5.4L FX4 Super Cab

This is too weird. So I bought this truck about a month ago. It came with one key that looks like a copy of the original and one of those Autopage, tiny-cell-phone-looking "clickers" (the silver one with the Porsche on the screen and the remote start).

Anyways, I find this whole system to be incredibly annoying in general. The alarm goes off easily and I don't know how to stop it, it only locks/unlocks the driver door, and it's generally just really loud and annoying.

So I was looking under the steering column where this whole system is installed to see if I couldn't just take it out and what that would require, and I found (no lie) an original Ford key electrical-taped to a wire. And not just taped up for a quick getaway, but like wrapped and wrapped around this wire. It didn't seem to be attached to anything in particular though, so I untaped it and tried to start my truck with it.

It cranked and cranked, but wouldn't start. Then I tried using my original (the copy) key that I had and same thing happened, or rather, didn't happen. Same thing with another copy I had made at Wal-Mart that worked earlier too.

Now my truck just won't start. When I try to start it it flashes the red "THEFT" light at me. I looked in the manual and apparently there IS a chip in the keys for this year of F-150? Why was my other key working? Why does nothing work now? Can anybody help me out with this lunacy?!

 

They have a PATS anit theft system. The key that was under the dash probably wasnt programmed. Not sure why after you tried that one, that your original one doesnt work now?
I'm not to familiar with it, but I know there is a process to reprogram your key. I don't know how to help about your alarm system either as in most cases they are programmed over the factory settings. You would be better off to let a profession uninstall it and make sure its set back to the factory setting. Sounds like you might have had a remote entry system stock, if you can find the programmer, they are easy to program. It will lock and unlock both doors if programmed correctly.

Let me try to find how to program the key. Until then, is there a name brand on the alarm system that is installed?

Here you go, read this.
http://www.fordf150.net/howto/patskey.php

 

Sounds like someone before you jerry rigged a bypass to the PATs key system because they either wanted to use a back up key without the chip or they needed it for the remote locks. Either way its not a very efficient setup.

 

hook the battery for a few minutes then hook it back up

 

The key that you removed was programmed for the PATS system. It was there to fool the system. When you removed it no PATS. I'm not sure why it would not start when you used that key, they may have done something to allow the key to stay under the dash. If it was me- I would reinstall everything the way it was until I research it more. There are chips in these keys and there is a transceiver in the ignition. The installer/ previous owner may have tampered with it, and removed it from the ignition to relocate it where he could tape the key.. Pretty uh rigged up if you ask me.

 

Ok, I tried unhooking/hooking back up the battery. That didn't work.

I attempted that process for making a new key etc. (it's in the manual also) and it only works if you have two originals which I don't have. My "original" is just a copy of the metal part with the ridges--no chip.

I suppose this means I just need to take it to a dealer then? I'll probably call one tomorrow. I have no way of getting it over there though, unless I get it towed. It still won't start.

 

Also, without the correct PATS key, would it make sense for the truck to crank, but the engine not start? Or would it not even turn the starter? Because the starter cranks, but the engine doesn't start.

And I tried placing the key back up under where it was and starting it with my usual key, but nothing happened. I have no idea how this thing was rigged up. The previous owner before me was crazy. I found marbles (yes MARBLES) inside the door panels, Legos under the carpet, and now a key taped to a wire?! Crazy crazy.

 

Whatever autopage system you had was probably a remote start.

What your installer/PO did was make a home made immobilzer bypass. Directed Electronics part number 556U. Not incredibly hard to make, and works pretty well, albeit ugly when done incorrectly. By disconnecting this, im sure the starter kill on that alarm is now engaged, which is why your not being able to start the truck. If i were you, i would take it to a 12v installer before I would take it to a dealer and see if they can fix it. Make sure its someone whose comfortable troubleshooting hack job alarm/remote starts. As a general idea, we charge $80/hr for something like this. Usually can get it figured out in under 2 hours. Your dealership will probablly want to charge to you reprogram PATS plus two new keys plus remove the alarm plus replace whatever harness is tapped into = $$$$

Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

Yeah there's a box up under the dash that looks like this 556U part, only it says AUTOPAGE on it. It's got a whole bunch of wires connected into it on all sides. The remote start on this stupid fob isn't working either. It does it's whole thing and cranks the starter, but it won't start the engine. Honestly, I'd really love more than anything to just get this truck back to factory specs with a regular key fob and automatic locks that work on BOTH doors. How would I find a "12v installer" around me? If I can't how much would this realistically cost at a dealership to get done?

 

If I remember right, yes. With an incorrect pats key it will turn over but not start.

 

The 556u would only have two wires; one with a ring that goes up around the ignition cylinder, and then data wires to connect it to the main brain. The part you are seeing with many wires is the brain itself.

Id say at a dealership ($90/hr usually) youd be lucky if you got it under $500 or $600.

Does your truck have stock power locks?

 

Yeah it does, but they don't work. Like I don't have an original Ford fob and the U-L buttons on the doors don't work either. But the Autopage clicker locks/unlocks the driver's door only. I'm guessing they installed the system to override the original locks? Or the locks stopped working and that's why they got the system? Whatever the case, these systems are super annoying. I have a buddy who had one on an old Chevy he had. He hated it too.

So what do I do with it? I just want to get it working again but I don't want to spend a fortune trying to do so.

 

Rip it out! Or have someone do it that knows what they're doing, so they can put it back to stock properly. Taking it out should only cost time/labor; unless the stock setup was broken or removed, or if you want to put in a new, non-jacked up alarm with remote start.

I don't know where you live. Search the yellow pages for Car Audio & Alarm shops? If you can't find a good 12V installer, there's always Best Buy, but you'll probably pay more there than a local guy.

Good luck!

 

Im actually cheaper then the 3 ma and pa shops around me.

OP, what is your location? I can try and find someone around you to recommend at a BBY if your interested.

 

in other news, i dont think they had the FX4 package out in 1999, i could be wrong tho.