I remember reading that someone got a few keys cut for thier 97-03 truck that were not programmed and used one that WAS programmed to tape/adhere to the inside of the steering column so that the PATS system recognizes the key as present but the actual key being used is not programmed. This thereby eliminating the extreme cost of replacing a key if lost.

My question is this... When I worked for Volvo, I know that if you left the key in the ignition of any car 99+ for longer than xx minutes without starting it, it will "stop looking for they key" as its security immobilizer will override it thinking its an attempt at theft or a error. With our trucks, will perminantly having a key present cause the PATS system to "stop looking for they key signal"?

 

How many Pats keys do you have?
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...pats-info.html

I bought a third programmed key from my dealer for $25.

 

I only have one... wich is why I am wanting to do this so badly. My wife almost lost this only key the other day and when I called my dealer, they told me it would have to be towed there and then have two new keys made. All in total (inc towing) was going to be close to $300 and I cringed. Luckily I found this key.

I just got one key made from the dealer this afternoon for $20 and they looked at me like I had two heads when I told them I didnt need it programmed. haha.

 

Hmmm .... looks like, in the Ford PATS system the RFID subsystem is inactive until the ignition is in the "Start/Run" positions.

"A small electronic device, a transceiver, is mounted to the bottom of the steering column. It has a loop of wire that goes around the lock cylinder. When the key is put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to the run position, the transceiver sends out a small electronic signal to wake the key up. The key sends out a preset signal to the transceiver. If the transceiver recognizes the key, it will allow the car to start. If the key is not recognized, the car will not crank (if equipped that way) or it will crank but not start. In either case, the theft light will flash rapidly. All keys must be programmed into the PATS system. At the time of this article, the only scanners that can do this type of programming are the factory scanners ..."

So, presumably, yer idea *should* work; PATS surely cannot detect where that RFID chip actually is (either in the key itself or taped beside the loop antenna)

MGD

 

Imma give it a whirl and see what happens.

Thanks for the input. To see that some have done it gives me reason to attack it.

 

Lenn get back to the forums

 

^ I'm everywhere, man! Haha.

 

Yes it should work. When I had a remote starter there was a spare key in the unit under the dash with a loop around the key cylinder. It was left in all the time.

 

Last question... How far down up the plastic part of the key is the transponder? I wanna put a key inside a holder under the truck somewhere but the key itself is too big. I want to cut it down so that I can adhere the transponder portion to the ring area and then use the actual metal key portion as a spare.

 

I can assure you that there is no adverse effect to the PATS system for leaving a PATS key permanently affixed to the antenna ring. I would, however, recommend removing the ring from the cylinder, zip-tieing the key into the ring, then securing the whole thing up under the dash way out of the way.

Ahem... Don't ask me how I know this...

The PATS bypass modules used in remote starters inductively couples the PATS system antenna to the antenna coil that is placed around the hidden hey. The key's transponder is 'tickled' only during the starting sequence when the vehicle PATS system needs to interrogate the RFID tag.

 

If you look at your key you will see a cover on one side of the key head. I think the chip is located under that inside the head.

I just bought two keys at Walmart for $1.67 each cut to match my one programed chip key. They are 24R blanks and have a small rubber head, no chip. I wouldn't destroy the only good complete key I had. If I ever sell the truck I would be able to give the new owner a good working key in case they did not want the security bypass. I am still not sure how I will place my one working key inside the steering column to trick the system on start up. Hopefully it will become clear when I remove the cover and locate the loop.

 

Most competent locksmiths now carry the tools to program an extra key. They are a lot cheaper than the dealer. If you have a tuner or a chip you can have the PATS disabled in the tune.

 

You need the Key 1 and Key 2 programmed for your truck if you are having PATS work done at a dealership, if not they will have to make a new one. If you can get another chipped key for it (like if you lost the keys but found them after you got new Ford keys made) then you can code the old keys to your truck even though it has been reprogrammed. Put the key in, turn it forward for 3-5 seconds, roll key back, put in 2nd key, roll key forward for 3-5 seconds then roll it back and after that just repeat the same process on any keys you want to code to the truck. You cannot do this with a programmed key and cloned key, they have too both be programmed keys to start the process.

Or what you can do is just cut a coded key open and tape the "chip" as close to possible to the transmitter and any key that will fit the truck will start it...

I went to have my PATS system reflashed yesterday at Bartow Ford because I installed a new gauge cluster in the truck, well to do the reflash you have to have both keys or they can't do it. I had to have them make me a new key, which was only 30 bucks on top of the 93 dollar reflash. The Ford Tech doing the reflash yesterday told me how to do both of the things I posted above...

I have left the keys in my truck for along time. It has never caused any problems...