My thoughts are really just a SWAG. I am running the list of items needed to start a PATS truck, and that seems to be it.
I know I have to be missing something here. ?

 

Sorry to hijack your thread but I was trying to find out when Ford started using the PATS keys? I just purchased a 98 F150 and it doesnt seem to have one. I'm going to get remote start and need to know if I need something besides the kit.

 

I think 99. I don't know what you might need though. Ask who ever your buying the remote starter from. btw Welcome to the site

 

No, it don't work like that on OEM Ford and Power Code remote start systems if properly installed...

Even if you "break the ignition" truck will cut off if brake pedal is pressed or if engine rpm's reaches 3 time idle speed...

Now if you can drive the truck and never hit the brake pedal and don't let the RPM's go over 1500, you're good to go....

 

Thanks; It seems like a great site for info.

 

My remote starter works the same as the Power code system. If I hit the breaks it shuts of to. Once the truck is running and the ignition is in the on position the PATs is out of the loop from my results. You can test this for yourself Just go but a steel key for your truck and start it the same way I did mine. After it's running pull the PATs key away and drive your truck, You'll see at this point the PATs key isn't needed. My Viper is installed properly and cuts out just like the Power Code System does. The thing is those remote starters bypass the PATs to start the vehicle, after it's running all you need to do to drive it is turn the ignition to the on position. If the brake pedal and or the gas pedal are not pushed before the ignition is put in run it won't cut off. Get a steel key and have it cut for your truck you'll see. I was a little shocked myself.

 

You are correct, WITH a Pats or Reg Steel key it will be drivable, BUT when most thieves "break the ignition" they don't put a key in (also wrong or blank key would just make it harder to break) and on OEM Ford and Power Code remote start systems (not sure about viper) the systems have a "Key In Sense" this tell the system brain if a key is present in the ignition and this condition must be met also to keep the truck running, now keep in mind this is what I was told by a Power Code installer... I needless to say have never tried it out.... but I do know for a fact it does have a Key In Sense wire as I installed my own system....

 

I'm not sure about the "Key In Sense" on my Viper system. If I remote start my truck and then put the key in the ignition it is still in the remote start mode until one of two things happen.
1, The remote starter times out, and at this point if the key is on it will continue to run, whether it be a steel key or a PATs key.
2, You push on the break pedal and it take the remote starter out and your running with the ignition in the run position.

Here is what I was thinking when I tested this , and this is a long shot
You don't need a PATs key once the truck is running, just the ignition to be in the run position and if your truck is running from the remote starter and a thief gets inside and breaks the ignition and is able to turn it to run, even without a key he can drive it away.
Sorry for all the ands and the long sentence and I know this would be a long shot, but it's possible

 

Oh, it would be driveable no question if the "Key In Sense" does kill the engine.. I have wondered about that myself..and can't test it out

You can check to see if the Viper System has a "Key In Sense" just put a key in the ignition, not turned on, just stick it in... close the door... then try to remote start... mine will not remote start if the brains senses a key in the ignition, meaning it has Key In Sense, this feature is also used to not let the starter motor ingage to prevent starter grind...

 

OK, I just tested it and I do have it. But this is what the test reviled.

1, With a PATs key in the ignition (not turned, just pushed in there) It wouldn't start. Everything light up like it would if you truned the key to run but not start.

2, When I put my steel key in the ignition the same way it did start.

That tell me the "Key In Sense" is using the PATs to tell if it's in there.

Why I think this is, is because it's using the PATs for the PIT STOP function (or what ever it's called). So when you go the the 7-11 and get out leaving it run in the remote mode it doesn't try to restart it sensing the key like you said. It doesn't know if it's running or not, just that there is a key in the ignition and thinks it is.

 

Strange.... My truck will not start with either key (Pats or Steel) in the ignition, but I installed my system and I had to hook up the "Key In Sense" wire on the OEM Ford Gold System to the "Key In Sense" wire coming from the ignition switch..So it wired in. I know my system is actualy looking at the key, when I installed rhe system, I tested the wire, it grounds out when key is in the ignition