So here is the situation....

I lost my 2nd key, then I got a new blank to replace the one that I had lost. So I took the truck to the Ford dealer and had an old friend reprogram the old key and the new key for FREE, so now I have two keys that work perfect with my PATS system. But even though I fixed the spare key problem, my remote start no longer works on the truck. I spoke to my friend at the Ford dealer and he said that a key or just the chip might be taped to the underside of the column close to the PATS sensor to over-ride the system when the remote start is used. I have looked for that under the column and have been unable to find any sign of a key or a chip. What I would like to know is if I could program the remote start as the 3rd key without a key (no turns of the ignition cylinder), if you know what I mean? Any and all input with this matter would be greatly appreciate, also if anyone has any further information on where a PATS override for the remote start may be located in the truck that would be great.

 

I also attempted to use the remote start not thinking and the truck would just turn over several times for about 30 seconds and then finally stopped. I thought that I would not be able to start the truck with a key because the system may have thought that the vehicle was being stolen and then shut the ignition system down, but that was not the case. I jumped in the truck and turn the truck over with out issue, but when I sit in the truck without the engine running and the key in the run position the THEFT light blinks about once every 2 or 3 seconds. So how do I fix this STUFF?

 

ok theft light blink every 2 to 3 seconds is normal operation. if it blinks rapidly like 5 times a second then you have some problem like a non recognized key or other pats issue.

if you have 2 programmed working keys try using key 1 to start truck after it starts shutoff and use key 2 to start truck when it starts shut off and hit the remote start button and hopefully it does everything it needs to fast enough and the pats will think the "third key" is being used.

 

Ok, Mr. Bentwrench I will try that but what if the remote start is recognized as a non system key. Will the PATS system go into a lock down? Let me know what you think?

Thanks,

Jason

 

Sounds like your dealer friend erased all stored PATS keys from the PCM, then programmed the two in hand back into the system.

You will need to locate the hidden bypass module and see if it is one with a key. If so, remove the key and properly program it into the system. If not, you will need to locate the instructions for programming it.

Reassemble and you should be okay.

Steve

 

yea like he said see if its the kind that has the hidden key, problem with that is sometimes they are not cut. you could get it cut then use the 3 key cycle method to program.

the worst thing that happens is you theft light starts flashin real fast and you wont be able to start truck with the good keys. if you just wait a few moments like 30 secs tops then use a "good" key the truck will start again and theft light will do its flash once every 2 or 3 seconds thing. just watch the theft light when you put key in and turn to run if it flashes slow every 2 to 3 seconds then it isnt in theft mode.

oh and in above post where i say to shut off and hit remote start button make sure you pull key #2 out of ignition first before hitting button.

 

Thanks guys,
I am going to attempt to perform what Bentwrench suggested beings that I have already looked for a key or a module with a chip ------ NONE WERE FOUND TO EXIST UNDER THE DASH OR AROUND THE IGNITION CYLINDER ------ So wish me luck and I will get back to you with any update on Friday night or Saturday.

Have a great week and thanks again

 

Just so you know, if it is the factory remote start like the silver or bronze series, the ring around the key is a loop ( like an inductive loop like remote amp meters have ) and it is under the steering column head. The wires lead to a module, that is the PATS bypass system.

This is what mine looks like when I ordered the factory remote start for my truck. p/n on it is 1L3Z-19G365-AB. This would be real hard to see anywhere. If you look under the steering column cover, it would be 2 red wired twisted together, leaving the key cyclinder.

 

Thanks for the info Bentwrench, the procedure above worked like a charm. The remote start now works like a CHARM!!

Thanks again guy!

 

I just bought 2 key fobs off eBay that went to a 1998 F150. I just bought a 1998 F150 and I was hoping to program them in. When I turn the key on and off 8 times really fast, nothing happens. I have done this in my wife's car, a 1999 ZX2, and the at the 8th turn, the door locks operate and put it into program mode. I haven't seen a THEFT light show up on the instrument display at all. On the title I got on the truck it says it re-passed the anti-theft (PATS) check. Could the PATS system be unplugged? I am currently using a normal key to start and drive the truck, i.e., it isn't a PATS key. Does anybody know where the PATS module is located so I can see if it is hooked up?

 

smoovsnag!!!!

My truck(98 xlt) does not have any PATS, although it does have security. Any chance yours is the same?

 

I don't really know. I just bought it and it was a stolen recovery. I was thinking the guy that put it back together might have gutted the PATS system so he could get a ket that would start it. Next to where the High Beam indicator light is I can see the word "Theft", but it never lights up and is more than likely the same part no matter what options you get on a F150. Coming out of the steering column area toward the fusebox area, there is a "Black Primary" wire. This is I take it from some sort of aftermarket job and I guess I'll have to pull out some of the underdash area to trace what it goes to. I kinda enjoy a good puzzle like this. I'll have to take a few pictures of the truck and post links to them on here or something. I figured it would be easy to program the key fobs but I guess the factory ones are useless without the PATS system installed. Where would the PATS module/box be located on a 1998 F150?

 

I am 89% sure that PATS Keys were added with the Digital Odometer ( HEC ) as this is where the key info is stored at. Trying to find the thread that Jeff set me straight on it, but not having much luck at the moment.

You could have a Passive Anti Theft system, without having the transponder keys ( large heads vs the old school key ).

For the addition of the keyless entry fobs, it is possible that you do not have the correct module in the truck to start with. Which Trim level do you have ?

Also In '98 I don't know if the XLT had every thing installed and ready to go, like the post 99's do.

If you try to enter programming mode, and nothing happens it is more then likely not there for the key fob keyless entry.

Sorry it may not be be there, and might require something like a silver level remote start to get the keyless entry fobs.

That is all I can find at the moment, I'll post back if I can find the threads on the topic.

 

Mine is the XLT trim package. Would a Chiltons or Haynes manual have any info on this or is it not worth the cash. I have heard of CD's containing the manual data in a searchable format and was wondering if they are worth it as well.

 

Stick with the Ford brand manuals, they are much better then the others.

I got mine from Helm Inc. but some have said that they are on eBay.

Good luck