jcleary82

I have an 02 gt with 78k on it. My cluster has been acting funny so I ordered a replacement one off of ebay with a little over 79k. I received it today and was excited to put it in only to my surprise my car will not start now. The theft light is flashing and thy car will only crank and not fire up. Is there anything i can do to avoid having to take it to a dealer? Please help.

dawson1112

unfortunately the gauge cluster is tied into the pats system of the car, you will likely need to take it to a dealer to have it reprogramed. I don't know why ford did it like this, but I assume it is to keep pple from changing clusters to a lower mileage unit.

The PATS system is one of the biggest consumer rip offs of all time. I have seen cars that wont start after simply jacking it up and changing a tire. I wish they would have included a default reset that could only be performed by the owner, but ford decided that they need to make money at the dealer garage.

I really believe you will need to see a dealer for this issue, as the Pats module, cluster , and PCM are tied together with your key. Each one must have that key programmed into it.

jcleary82

Yeah, I was just hoping there was a way to do it myself or bypass the system. I ended up taking to the local ford dealer and had it done. Had to have a second key made to do it though. All in all, cost less than $60.00 to get it all done. Not bad if you ask me! Lol considering the stupid key was $40.00.

dawson1112

You got off light then my friend. Glad that you got it though. Still wish there was a default user way of resetting it with the key.