Ford Quick Tips: #52 Identifying Ford PATS System Malfunctions 

Thank u Brian! Helps us understand which direction go. It's cold here in LA. Probably warmer where u r. Fords loss was our gain! Great two channels!!

thanks man. i know i inspired this video with all my questions about my ranger. it does help me in the direcrion i need to go now. only thing that baffled me was that i had fuel pressure at the fuel rail. but when i turn on the key my fuel pump dosent turn on. so changing out the fuel pump now. lets hope this is the only problem. again great video an have a merry Christmas an a happy new year

I have a 2003 Merc Grand Marquis that worked perfectly before being parked overnight - for some time I have been wanting to use the touch pad on the drivers door for entry - so next morning I punched in maybe 20 combinations and one worked !...I probably hit on the factory setting....I was so proud that I could now use the keypad as it was intended to unlock/lock/trunk.......when I went to start the car and turned the key - I got all the chimes but no crank and the interior lights and headlights dont go dim when key turned to "start"......I know the battery is fully charged and good condition......I followed your instructions to check for PATS malfunctions and found that the slow blinking was unchanged when the key was turned 'ON" or to "start".....same blinking as before inserting key. I put a screwdriver between battery and solenoid posts on the starter and it cranked fast - no start even though key was "ON"......any thoughts on this - I have only 1 key just got this car a month ago and has been sweet till now. Can you help ?

I was having theft light and all dashes in mileage for 2000 Expy. The ground from battery to firewall was junk, painted firewall and oxidation. Cleaned and protected with dielectric grease and all good now. Just rolled 277,000 miles.

Great information as always Brian.

Thank you for your videos I check Battery at 12.6 volts starter relays I was getting weird codes service theft system U1000 I had broken 4 gauge black wire that connect from alternator to frame of vehicle thank you again for your video

Great Video Tutorial Once Again !!! You´re Still Number One FordTechMakuloco !!! Thanks a Lot My Friend !!!

GREAT VIDEOS FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE NOT UP ON THE LATEST IN NEW TECH WARE ... IAM FROM THE OLD SCHOOL ... POINTS ... DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR ... CONDENSER .... HAVE NOT WORKED ON ANY OF THE (NEW) VEHICLES AS IAM MANY YEARS PAST THE LEARNING STAGE AND I CAN NOT AFFORD THE NEEDED TOOLS TO DO SO ... BUT I DO LIKE VER MUCH WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY IN THE VIDEOS AS IT GIVES ME SOME KNOWLEDGE WHEN I GO TO THE LOCAL SHOP TO GET MY VEHICLE FIXED WHENEVER IAM NOT ABLE TO THE REPAIRS MYSELF ...

Great Video! Super Helpful. Thanks Brian.

I watch this channel because both me and my wife have a Ford. My wife has a 2008 Edge and I have a 2014 F-150 with the Ecoboost engine.

Holy. Crap. Man, I don't know why this video isn't more at the top. Thank you for this video and info. You saved my Dad and I a relentless quest of replacing parts. We already changed the starter (which is the most ridiculous starter I've ever had to replace), as well as the battery.

Good information, thank you Brian!!!

thanks for showing 2009 ford focus videos i now have that car.no issues yet.i tested it.

Hey, I know this video is a little old but I have a 2009 ford F150 with this same problem but the 74 to 81 (PCM involved) fuses are not lighting up with a test light. is it possible that the PATS is stopping those fuses from lighting up?

Hi, thanks for your video, I have a Ford ecosport and the car won’t crank but there is a notification on the dashboard say “steering lock malfunction service now” i try turn the steer to right and left but it unlocked. I don’t know what to do

Just a quick question, my 2014 f150 lariat is having issues with starting using the key with a fob that has a fresh battery in it, no issues with a key that doesn't have a fob. How do i disable the pats so the key with the fob will work or not work to determine if the fob is bad or if the ignition is bad.

I'm really glad to know how to tell if it's working properly or not now. Thanks!

thanks for that info. but i have an other issue, i have the same keys as in the video. One of my keys remote function does not work but the same key still works starts and runs my Escape.

Hi i got a ford freestyle and when i am driving or in a stop the pats system light blinks and the car shut down, and then i turn on the car normal again, and that happen sometimes, do you know what can be the problem? I replace the pcm because the mechanic say that was the problem, so i replace the pcm but i still have the problem. Any suggestions about that? Thanks have a great day

You get the question a lot. Well, I think that speaks volumes.

BRIAN NEED HELP!!! installed a dual battery isolator on my 04 150 5.4. After I installed everything the pats light was flashing and It wouldn’t crank at all. I hooked everything up without the isolator (the way it was before I started) and it cranked and started no sweat. All I messed with were aftermarket battery cables. I didn’t touch the stock wiring at all. What’s messing with the PATS?!?!?

Excuse me Sir. I have a question hope fully you can help me I bought a 2002 Lincoln town car but in the ignition lock cylinder doesn't have the black plastic (transponder) my guess and every time when I lock the car doesn't star but if a leave the car unlocked the car start right away so please help me what I can do about it ?

I always watch your vidoes when having a ford issue

Whats the cause if the security light flashes but doesn't speed up? It still stays at that same constant rate? My expedition sometimes randomly doesn't want to start.

Does the system lock the key not to turn to the start position? Have a 2008 ford escape that light is blinking fast and the doesn't turn to the start position. Also the Cluster isn't illuminating when the switch is turned on

Couple questions, Will 2008 f250 flash theft codes like the older f150's? Will PATS shut down data comm with other modules? Have a truck that wont communicate with anything other than GEM and 4x4, fuses good. Trying to find the common denominator, not to sure where to start.

So is it posible to see anti-theft light blinking fast and engine will crank but wont fire(run). 1999 ford explorer xls 256,000 miles.

I'm a Locksmith, back in the day of the "older" PATS systems, say a 1998 Mustang. Those H72-PT Keys have a total of 72,000,000,000,000,000,000 combinations. The encryption rate is getting ridiculous. Most of the 2000-2011 Ford vehicles jumped to the 40 and 80 bit keys. But the new Fusions (2013+) and several other models are now 128 bit security. The old H27's, there's no encryption.

Thank you for Tip #52 ...that was very helpful

Hey Tech, I have an '05 F150 with 5.4 ltr. Oil consumption high, no oil leaks. 200,000 miles. Any ideas? thanks, RC

Hello, I have a 2000 explorer sport and the anti theft light does not flash at all. I had the LED bulb replaced but nothing. No fuses blown. Can you help.

I bought a 2002 Ford Escape for my daughter, I was told that her husband had pulled into the gas station, refueled and went to start it, and it wouldn't. At this point when I got it, the battery was completely dead, so I just replaced it with a Duralast, afterwards, all it did was crank over (no start), fuel pump, sparkplugs were working, I did replace the crank sensor which was bad, also while in it I was told the timing belt didn't have much life, so it was replaced. My question is, would the PATS allow the cranking over, but won't let it start, it's sounds like it wants to start, I know my timing is correct, I did the screw driver in the #1 cylinder (TDC), locked both cams. Could the battery being replaced after being dead, could it have messed the key transponder, making it believe it the wrong one? I'm pretty sure the people that did the timing belt replacement did something wrong, now I have to go in and clean their mess up. I seriously would appreciate any help from either you or someone on here

Neither my regular key or my spare key work. Both of them still show the fast blinking light. Do I replace the immobilizer? And if I do do I have to get the keys reprogrammed

I have a 2008 Ford Taurus, and it has this issue. i got it from a used car dealership over a year ago and it started doing this the day after i got it. they only gave me 1 key. i’ve tried everything to stop it but the thing is sometimes it will work and sometimes it won’t. when it won’t i will put the key in 3 position and then run position like 3-6 times really fast and then put it in the 1 position and then start it and usually it will turn on. but if it turns on the abs light and the parking break light stay on and the speedometer/temp gauge won’t work along with the A/C. what should i do? i read something about the PCM relay and then maybe the key. should i get a new key? i spent 5k on this car and i just need it to be reliable. please please help.

this is where im stuck! i have new keys that where programmed but im still having this issue. The car can sit without power and then will crank but it losses the communication. is it the PCM> 2008 Ford focus

Would the pats light not flashing at all from the beginning mean the system has malfunctioned

just what i was looking for, needed this info

Is the 2006 ford focus havve that issue if so will doing the ground thing work

Not sure if you’re still monitoring this post. 09 Fusion with 2 Ford keys. Both keys operate the lock/unlock correctly (new battery in both). One key will start the car….the other won’t. When inserting the “won’t” key into the ignition the PATS theft light flashes rapidly and a no-crank, no-start condition. The cluster does show the mileage and I do NOT have the dashes. You mentioned in your video that the dashes indicate that the key and car are not communicating…but as I said, I do not have the dashes. I did not check the batter ground because the other key still works. Would this be an indication that the coil in the key is not responding to the signal from the car? Is there a way to check this visually or with a volt/Ohms meter? Important to note that I did go through the process of reprograming with the turn-on/off 8-times method but that seems to only program the locks. And I did read about how to program a key but you need two additional working keys to program a third…so that doesn’t help me. Any advice or direction?

Good video but it didn't help with my issue for some reason. Ford Freestar 2005. I get the fast flashing lights and error codes P1000, ecm fault 2, and B1680. Any ideas? All help appreciated.

Help..... please......... 2011 f250 with gas 6.2l the security light is not coming on. Tried a new ford BCM. Will let us program one key and not the second one. Even before replacing the BCM the security light never illuminated.... and idea? Getting a code B10DA.

What if the theft light goes out when you turn the key on but comes back on and stays solid while cranking with no start?

Let me start by saying your videos are great and helpful okay my problem is no crank no start pats light flashes like normal and when i turn to the on position it stays on doesn't go out or change its speed it just flashes as normal doesn't flash fast no change in light on dash . I'm lost lol thanks

Merry Christmas Brian. Any advice for a remote start on a SEL 07 Fusio? Mine came without this module installed. Any way to calibrate sun sensor thar runs the auto lights? Thanks.

Makes sense, we had a set of keys cut and programmed the same keys you have in the video that are aftermarket and our Raptor cranked ran for 20 seconds and shut off. According to you it makes sense to go buy the dealer transponder key and the dealer factory key that supposed to come with out Raptor and it should fire right up and not stop after they have been programmed. Will try it out and let you know. thanks for your video if it works Ill give you a shout out...

PATS started yesterday out of nowhere. Four times, it would start, but immediately shut off. Today, its now 'crank, but no start.' Tried second key that my son carries with him...no change. This problem started after i replaced O2 sensors, plugs n wires. Also had codes read and cleared them out. 02 F150. Checked fuses related to pcm and pats....all good. Im assuming its gotta be the key, key fob not talking to pcm?

haVe any insights on programming key fob for a ford 2019 Taurus pushbutton start, I have tried several and none have worked. I have three programmed keys already but I have one more that I would like to get active. Without going back to the dealership

Got two codes: b10d7-51 and b10d7-87 on my 2017 Escape. Everything is working fine though. Any suggestions?

merry Christmas.

Will a tripped intertia switch trigger the anti theft? My brother in law crashed my sisters car in a curb and busted the wheels and after i fixed everything im having anti theft issues trying to start car

How can I tell when I am going to program a ford if its Pat's or not ???

Very helpful

can a theft light flash rapidly when you have a bad battery or a bad fuel pump driver module? i checked all power to the pcm and added new ignition key module too.

Hello Brian I have a 2005 fx4 5.4 3 valve f150 it is acting up big time when I turn the key off the cluster will power back up break light and abs lights will come on faintly at the start the full on radio will stay on truck will beep constantly and interior lights including cargo light will come on and off it acts fine while truck is running except for the break light and abs light stays on I've replaced the bcm and had the pcm re flashed by Ford they found a plug for the cam poison sensor on bank two was off they plugged it back in since then the truck is misfiring on take off and sluggish and wasn't before it was plugged back in I've tried to plug my obd2 reader in but truck won't Connect to it and did before it was re programmed I'm at a dead end right now I live in Canada and the truck is from Florida would that create a problem with the programming done hear at ford Canada please help I've seen lots of your videos and I believe you are the for whisperer lol

Hello to all, I'm currently stumped on my 09 F150 4.6 3V intermitten crank but no start. I have used the forscan tool to run checks and so far no codes other than some ABS and TPMS. When I had it running, I checked for misfires and nothing, I changed out the MAF. Checked the fuel pressure, it jumps up to roughly 60 and will drop down and hold at 35psi. I have checked the reported fuel pump fuse under the hood. I also changed out the IMRC cause it was stuck open. Any suggestions where I can start looking next? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Having problems with my 2001 mercury please help

If i had a used pcm cluster key out of a wreacked car .can i use those parts in my car and will it work and bypass pats.....if ibused thos parts in my car i wontvgave to program anything together right???? Anyone know this answer ...99-04 mustang 4.6 ...

Hi - How do I reset the PATS system on a 2014 Ford E250 Van? It cranks but it won't start. Thanks

Anyone know where the anti-theft light is on a 2011 F-150 Platinum? My friend has this truck with a no crank, no start scenario. So far, checked all fuses.

hi i have a 2009 ford escape hybrid and the theft light start flashing rapidly and after that it falshes a code 16 do you have any idea about that ? thank you

2012 f150 no chime when door is open key in ignition unless i put pressure on key have a code not throwing a light though b10f1 is this ignition switch issue or cylinder lock

I bought a 2007 Ford focus had to the column tore out I went to the junkyard and bought a new steering column that came with the key but it's not the one that come with the car how do I get the car to run around the anti-theft

I suspect I’m having trouble with my PATS, even though my 2007 Expy has been stripped down to a roller/camper (removed front end, powertrain, drivetrain, dash, seats, etc) that I plan to tow as a sleeper/camper. I decided to NOT rewire everything, since the fuses/relays in the BJB and SJB give me about 99% (still no SJB power to 5A “radio” fuse #28 for some reason) of what I want (window operation, lights, etc) with just a few jumpers. I hear the internal relays clicking on/off in the SJB which I assume is the PATS going haywire, but not sure how to disable. I may expose the PCB of the SJB and see if I can solder something to kill the annoying clicking sounds. Any pointers?

Got a f250 2007 no signal to the crank is this how they disable the truck?

Hi. I just reprogram by adding another fob but now the engine wont start and there’s constant flashing light. I tried to set it to on position and left it for atleast 10mins then turned on still wont turn. I have only 1 original key. Any way i can fix this? Thanks

I bought a 2005 mustang with flood damage. Everything electric works. However, that anti theft is flashing fast. Had locksmith out and the keys would program to car but would stopw working as soon as you took them out. There is a ...b1600 and b16001 code, meaning pcm...is it really the pcm or could it be the ignition ring or pats module. There is No corrosion anywhere and I opened pcm and it looks flawless.

05 Sport Trac. battery replacement, all normal prior; start, crank, and ran. Now theft light is on solid when I put the key in. No cluster lights, no crank. I did have a brand new key and cylinder lock in the car, in the passenger seat at the time, because the original was a little sloppy. Not terrible, but the truck only came with 1 key and it wasn't original. Could it have tried to read the new key? But like I said, it did crank, start and run on the previous battery. I changed the battery cause the one I had on it was for my boat and I couldn't close the hood. I did a major tune up and needed a stronger battery. The battery I put back in it has 11.6V in it. That should be enough to crank under normal conditions shouldn't it?

Where do I go from there on the focus im not familiar with ford's pats systems

i have an '06 F150 that has a starter interrupt, i turn the key, i hear the switch click in the dash, but relay never clicks, and its extremely frustratingly intermittant, i dont have a "theft" light, i just have a light next to the headlight switch that flashes when the key is off and out, any idea for software to diagnose this problem? i dont want to have to go to ford because i was quoted upwards of $600 for a key cut and programmed, and they cant cut just a single key, its apparently a whole set of new keys as the stealership only gave me a single key for the pickup when i bought it used

What if it blinks than when try to turn on it goes out but still wont start n then goes back to blinking when take key out. It only stops blinking when in the trying to start it position.

If you have a 2008 Ford Focus and you have no form of power in your dashboard in your roof light in your headlight and the car cannot start what could cause that

@FordTechMakuloco - Love all your videos!! I have a question, I have a 2012 F150 V8, and I keep getting a "Starting System Fault" error and then a "Service Advance Trac" I have read so many forums and I cant seem to pinpoint a fix. I've checked the fuses, the connection over by the passenger panel, Reset the battery. I even had the dealer tell me it was the stater and changed it and worked for about 5 days and now the truck wont start again. Any ideas?

enjoy your videos - there is a third condition with Ford PATS that I hope you can comment on. I have a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis that ran flawlessly until I parked it one night and next morning NO CRANK_NO START and the PATS light keeps flashing at the same rate - one flash every two seconds even with the key "ON".......does NOT flash fast as your video states yet there is no crank......I left the key "on" and jumped the starter from under the car - cranked great but it sounds like fuel pump and injectors are disabled so NO START what does your experience tell you ?......any suggestion appreciated...I had the key tested at a automotive locksmith and he said key was GOOD

My 99 navigator started acting up . Turn the key once the light flash no odometer reading turn again it will start. How can i tell if its my key or the pats module?

I have a question maybe some of you can answer does Pat's on the Ford affect the dome lights flashing or not my sister had a mirror replaced and after she left the mechanic shop her dome lights started flashing when she closed or open the door not sure if it's a short or if they activated Pat and if Pat's is activated it still starts and drives everything works normal it just the flashing lights when she closes her door or opens it anybody have any answers is Pat's attached to the dome light she also said that there was a buzzing sound at one time with the flashing lights anybody for any answers would be greatly appreciated

I have a 2009 focus standard transmission. When I turn the key to start car nothing happens. But if I put upward or downward pressure on the key it will start. I'm afraid I'm gonna break my key off in the ignition. What can be the problem ?thanks in advance. Ford is talking maybe 400 dollars to change ignition.

My 2001 F150 PATS anti-theft system started flashing fast instead of the normal flash and would crank but not start. Had in a local shop for 2 weeks, then to the FORD dealer for 9 weeks, then they gave up as it started working properly some of the time, but the didn't know why or the exact reason.

Thanks for the 411 .. just got ford escape with the same problem. It's a friends car. Think I told you I was a Ford tech for over 20 years (started in 1987) intermittent no start with theft light flashing. I'll check it out as you described and tell you what I come up with. I've been out of the grove since 2010... No NGS here. Lol. You guys still using the old break out boxes??? Lol. If I'm not mistaken.. use to be a 109 pin box? What's it up to now?? 450? Lol. I would of been still working with ford but my back started giving out because of all the 3.8 headgaskets back in the old days and the 6.0 diesel work! Those heads weigh 500 a pop. Lol. Will always be a ford fan boy .. got my 1993 ford flareside and my 2000 exploder both with the 5.0's ... it amazes me what the new 5.0/5.2 motors are pulling for HP.

So what if both keys still make a theft issue. I have two keys but a fast blink for both keys. Starter and fuel pump is good. Redid all battery connections and factory ground. Need help.

1999 Ford F-250 heavy half ton, it cranks but no start, and the theft light flashes

I’m having pat’s issues now any advice

I have a 2007 ford edge and the pats system does not allow the engine to crank of fire. The pats system icon blinks constantly when the key is not in. once the key is it it goes solid and turns off but will not crank at all. What could it be? I have the battery absolutely disconnected right now and I figure I'll give it a day and see if it will crank tomorrow. please help.

I have 01 sport trac and it turns over but won’t crank Securty light blinks and when plugged up reads there is no pats what would cause that??

What if you have theft light at all when you should and blown fuse for pats system 2015 f350

having pats problem ,no communication to pcm or abs from dlc, can you help

can you transfer key, ring,(module) cluster pcm from one car to another and do no need program

positive we have a pats issue, cannot resolve it. no codes. at lite goes off like it should. correct key. will start in the early morning, but dont turn it off! wow. wont start until pats resets itself. how do i fix this?

My 12 focus will sometimes not turn over for a few seconds, maybe this Pats cou ld be the issue.

Had to buy a new battery. When new battery connected. Alarm immediately goes off. When I turn key. Alarm doesn't disarm. No codes on the code reader. But I have codes on my instrument panel has codes. Service advance Trac. Trailer brake control fault. Starting system fault. And key not interegated. Also there are 11 fuse housing don't have power. Fuses are good. Relay 38 housing clicks simultaneously with alarm. All relays and fuses good. Have tried every suggestion RU-vid has to offer. Still Nothing. 4 mechanics have tapped out because they can't diagnose problem. Any suggestions?

I have a 2006 Mercury Milan 3.0 6 speed. When key is turned on the theft symbol flashes fast for 45 seconds and the shows one flash followed by 2 flashes. What is a code 12 trying to tell me??? Also got this message from pay-pal. PayPal cannot process this transaction because of a problem with the seller's website. Please contact the seller directly to resolve this problem.

My 96 mustang gt starts,runs a few seconds and dies,theft light blinks fast.....no keyless entry on it,how do i fix it? I sure would appreciate someone helping me out with this.

What if my truck just have the dash light not the one on the custler?

Tq man

I need your help on this one. My '02 Excursion has a strange intermittent PATS issue. It will occasionally not recognize the key, but if I switch to my other key it'll work fine, and the key that didn't work will later work. I've been driving with two keys in the truck for a few years switching back and forth between them every time the system decides to not like one of them. My biggest fear is that some day the system will just crap out and leave me stranded.

I have a 2005 ford 500 . Has no communication with the ecm and the pats system . Any suggestions?

So what does it mean if I get the flashing light, sometimes, and when I do, it still starts. Until it doesn't. Then I have to call someone to re program the keys. That works. Again, sometimes the light is flashing.. still starts. Until it doesn't again. What's going on?

I changed my battery to my remote control and as soon as I did the car won’t start Help!!

I have a 5.4 that runs but it seems like it has no power also seems like it is running out of gas

I have a 08 Milan 3.0, I replaced the pcm with a matching key/cylinder and ring sensor, I’m getting the flashing theft light. I thought if I replaced the key with the matching pcm it would be fine, am I missing anything ? Any tips or help would be appreciated

So my car went from no problems at all, stopped at gas station tried to start back up and the car completely killing power to everything, dome lights, windows, radio, everything. I disconnected battery for several minutes and turn key back to “power mode” but not starting, it will power accessories but as soon as you turn key over to start it kills everything!?!? Any idea??