PATS Key System Programming

Many Ford trucks, vans and suvs use PATs (passive anti-theft) keys.  These keys prevent someone from copying your key to a blank and using the blank.  There is a small chip in the key which the vehicle must recognize before it will start.

The PATs key is used on the following Ford family trucks and suvs:

1998-up F-150
1998-up Expedition
2000-up Excursion
1998-up Explorer
1998-up Ranger
1998-up Lincoln Navigator

1998-up Mercury Mountaineer

Additionally, PATs can be found on the follow Ford family cars and mini-vans:

1998-up Contour
1997-up Crown Victoria
1999-up Escort
2000-up Focus
1996-up Mustang and Taurus
1998-up Windstar
1998-up 2000-up Lincoln LS

1998-up Lincoln Mark VIII, Lincoln Continental and Lincoln Town Car

1997-up Mercury Grand Marquis
1998-up Mercury Mystique

1996-up Mercury Sable

Following are the instructions for programming a blank key (you must have at least one working key for this procedure).

The PAT

1. Make sure you have both keys.
2. Turn on car but don’t start. Watch “theft” indicator untils it goes out.
3. Turn off and repeat procedure with second key.
4. After “theft light goes out, insert new key and turn on.
5. Wait until the theft indicator goes off and then turn off switch.
6. Wait thirty seconds. New key is now programmed into security module. Repeat for any other keys.





1. Erase any old codes by entering the factory code.(buttons will light up)

2. Press 1/2 button within 5 seconds.

3. Press 7/8 and 9/0 buttons at the same time within 5 seconds.



To set new code:



1. Enter factory code (numbers will light up)

2. Press 1/2 button within 5 seconds.

3. Enter personal 5 digit code(decide beforehand) within 5 seconds of each previous one.

To unlock all the doors,press the 3/4 button within 5 seconds of the driver door unlocking.

To lock all doors and set alarm system,press 7/8 and 9/0 at the same time.

To disarm or reset a triggered alarm,just enter personal or factory code.



Do not set a code with five of the same consecutive numbers. It’s too easy for thieves to figure out.



Deactivating and Activating Autolock



To deactivate the “autolock”:

With all doors and tailgate closed but NOT locked,and ignition OFF.

1. Enter 5 digit code

2. While holding 7/8 button in, press and release the 3/4 button.

3. Release 7/8 button

The horn will chirp once if the “autolock” was deactivated

or two times if “autolock” was activated.



To reactivate the system,repeat steps 1 thru 3



Alternate Method To Deactivate And Activate Autolock



Do steps [1] through [5] (below) within 30 seconds or you’ll have to do it over. If you have to do it over, wait 30 seconds between attempts.

Close all doors securely.



1.Turn the ignition key to ON.



2.Press the power door UNLOCK control THREE times.



3.Turn the ignition key from ON to OFF.



4.Press the power door UNLOCK control THREE times.



5.Turn the ignition key back to ON .The doors should lock and unlock.



6.Press the power door UNLOCK control. The horn should chirp ONCE to confirm successful switching of the autolock system.