My 2001 F-150 is at the dealers with a "won't start" problem. The security light keeps flashing and shuts down the ignition system. They want $600+ to replace the "instument cluster"? I'm no ace mechanic, but this doesn't sound right to me. Anyone know if the system can just be disarmed? I'm willing to pay to get it fixed, but does this sound like the right fix? Thanks for any help..Sluggo (Chris)

 

I'm not 100% sure, but I'm with you. It doesn't make sense for that problem to be cause by an instrument cluster. It sounds more like a PATS or Security System malfunction. Good Luck!

 

guess where the PATS module is?

A: instrument cluster (HEC)


although most of the time the transciever in the column will fix a no start pats problem. But im not there, so i would assume they have diagnosed it to be a bad pats module.

 

Sluggo -
Is the truck available for you to do some further diagnosis or is it still at the dealership?

 

Got my truck back from the dealer last week along with a bill for $900. This was to replace the instument cluster to correct a problem with the security system keeping the truck from starting. The truck's now sitting in a parking lot with the same problem. When I turn the ignition on, the "theft" light flashes rapidly, the engine cranks fine, but won't fire! Any ideas..besides gasoline and a match! Thanks, Sluggo (Chris)

 

pats transceiver. its about $70. btw, $900? a cluster is only $360 retail.

 

Sluggo -
Turn the key on and wait for the THEFT light to stop flashing rapidly (about a minute). Then it will blink out a two-digit code and repeat it ten times. Post the results.....

 

I appreciate the replys..the dealer just told me that they can't get the truck to malfunction! When I get it back..if it acts up again..I'll post the code I get after the theft light stops flashing. As for the price of the part..I called another dealer for a price and they quoted me the same $618 (list price) as my dealer charged. I also checked on ford-outlet.com and can get the same (oem) part for $271! Pretty healthy mark-up, huh? There must be a way to disable this system! If it was a Rolls and I lived in Boston..OK, but it's a pickup in upstate NY! Hell..we leave the keys in them up here! Thanks, Sluggo (Chris)

 

Nope

 

i have the same problem but something i noticed is that the battery light stays on after i take the key out and that the fan blower stays on.

 

Well, at least something is working!
I suspect the 'theft' light started flashing rapidly as soon as you paid the bill!

 

did they check for codes when you took it back? it should have something in memory of the pcm and pats (hec).

 

do you think my problem is related to the PATS or the key less entry since the keyless entry doesnot seem to work but i have started the truck a few times although it took me some time to do it.

 

pats is an independent system, really need to check for codes.

 

I'm assuming that you've checked the "gas shut off switch"?
With the switch off, the engine cranks but it will not start.