Dealing with pats
12-05-2008, 12:36 AM
#3
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NE
Posts: 71
No well not really, kind of. I broke my key, it was my only key. I have a key that doesnt have a chip, and I am trying to start the car using that key, but holding the old key with the chip right next to the key without a chip. They theft light flashes about once a second. Is there any way of telling my car I am not stealing it, any way of just disabling the pats?
12-05-2008, 03:55 AM
#7
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
Have you tried the old key in other positions? The PATS antenna is circular and surrounds the lock mechanism, holding the old key next to the new may be shielding the RFID signal.
As other's have said, some have reported that taping a key inside the steering column surround has tricked the system.
You will need to permanently mount it (the old key) in whatever position you find works, as it is also needed to run the car not just start it...
As other's have said, some have reported that taping a key inside the steering column surround has tricked the system.
You will need to permanently mount it (the old key) in whatever position you find works, as it is also needed to run the car not just start it...
12-05-2008, 04:26 AM
#8
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NE
Posts: 71
I now have the rfid chip outside of the broken key and am holding it close to the ignition. How long is the range on it? Either way, the theft light blinks once a second or something close to that and I don't think it will start while that is going off.
12-05-2008, 06:54 AM
#9
Resident Ford Troll
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Delaware
Posts: 6,717
Call SCT, tell them your car battery died while trying to update your tune, and tell them your PATS is not letting you start the car.. They should be able to send you a tune to bypass the PATS system, and it can get you on your way until you fix the problem. My friends 99 had the issue I just described and he can now start and drive his car again...
12-05-2008, 09:36 AM
#10
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
Flashing rapidly (2 or 3 times a second) or constant on indicates a problem...