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PATS Thread - Program Your Own Keys & Other Useful PATS Info

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  #1  
Old 01-16-2010, 04:33 AM
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PATS Thread - Program Your Own Keys & Other Useful PATS Info

The following will be covered:
1. PATS System
2. Purchase a PATS key for "Cheap"
3. Programming a PATS Key
4. Programming a Remote/Fob/Clicker
5. Programming the Door Keypad
6. Using a Fusion Key Instead

1. PATS System
PATS stands for "Passive Anti-Theft Security". It is Fords answer to car theft.

Inside each key, there is a little RFID chip. When properly programmed, your trucks PCM reads and recognizes the RFID inside the key.

Without the proper RFID signal, the ignition system WILL NOT WORK. Motor won't even turn over...basically makes the vehicle one big paperweight. This makes it alot harder to steal a late-model Ford.



2. Purchasing a PATS Key
You have 2 options here.
2a) Buy one from the Dealership. Can run $50+ quite easily
2b) eBay! I have bought many many PATS keys from $5-10 shipped over the years. They are plentiful.



3. Programming a PATS Key
There are 2 ways to program a PATS key.
3a) You have 2 PATS keys that already are programmed = FREEBIE!
3b) You only have 1 PATS key programmed = Costly
Unfortunately, you must visit the Dealership, or a properly equipped Locksmith. They will have to connect a special tool to the PCM and perform the key programming for you. Roughly costs $40-50 (1/2 hour labor) for this service.



4. Programming a Remote/Fob/Clicker
No requirements here.

Simply have all the clickers with you in the truck and go to town. Extremely easy. If you don't have a clicker, eBay is your friend as usual




5. Programming the Door Keypad
Again, super easy to perform...if you have the OEM Factory code. If not, you can visit the Dealership and drop some $$$...or look on the rear wall of the cab. There is a lock control module with the code printed on a white sticker. here is a link.



6. Using a Fusion Key
So if you are like me, the key + clicker can be somewhat cumbersome.

luckily, the Ford Fusion key/clicker will work with our trucks. It is a combo unit that uses the same key & clicker frequencies.

I love the one I have for my Expy & Mustang.

To use one, follow the seperate programming instructions above for the key and clicker. You have to program each portion induvidually.
As for purchasing one...eBay!!! Notice a trend?

These keys are not quite as cheap as a normal PATS key however. But the going rate seems to be about $30 roughly. To me, highly worth it.
You go from this:

To this:



Hope this clears things up. If you have any questions, please ask.
 
  #2  
Old 01-16-2010, 06:37 AM
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Good thread, Ill have to give this a try.
 
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Old 01-16-2010, 08:55 PM
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Great stuff Tylus! Thanks a bunch! I need to do the door keypad thing, so this will really help.
 
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Old 01-16-2010, 09:19 PM
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Well presented instructions.
Sticky Time!
I've posted this same info several times over the years.
Put it in the Articles.

I tried to rep you, But you know how it is.
I've got to spread the loving around first.
 
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Old 01-17-2010, 09:03 AM
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do you have a trusted seller on ebay you use?
 
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Old 01-17-2010, 12:28 PM
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  #7  
Old 01-17-2010, 01:56 PM
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do you have a trusted seller on ebay you use?
I've found the vendor "mykeyless-1" on ebay to be reliable, I've also used "keys_star" with great results. Both include instructions as described in the listings. There are others like the one shorebird mentioned above.

Just look up their records if you question their trustworthyness.

Also, I use PayPal, beside protecting your card, it offers some degree of "buyer protection".
 
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Old 01-25-2010, 05:53 PM
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The RFID thing in the key is really interesting, does my 04 have this? Is the chip in the key itself or the fob?
 
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Old 01-25-2010, 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Hummah Zach
The RFID thing in the key is really interesting, does my 04 have this? Is the chip in the key itself or the fob?
the chip is in the key and yes that is the way all fords work that have pats
 
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Old 01-25-2010, 08:35 PM
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thats awesome, another reason to be proud to own a Ford
 
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Old 01-26-2010, 06:25 AM
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Nice write up


....now, tell me how to program a factory key fob, to work with my aftermarket car starter and we're all set.
 
  #12  
Old 01-26-2010, 11:59 PM
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sorry, I had forgotten about this. glad to see the other guys answered the questions
Originally Posted by pohlmeyr
do you have a trusted seller on ebay you use?
I've bought once from a seller that Bridge mentioned...but mostly I just find the best price.

and then I read their feedback. 95% or better only for me...and if they aren't 99%, I read a few pages into their feedback and see why.



to be honest, most of the eBay keys are probably China knock-offs...but they work, and I've been using them for almost 10 yrs now without any issues. So IMO you probably should be too worried about it.
 
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Old 01-27-2010, 10:02 AM
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The Fusion Key will work with my 04 f150
 
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Old 03-14-2010, 04:00 PM
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any key fob that will support two ford vehicles?
 
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Old 03-14-2010, 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by jfaaborg
any key fob that will support two ford vehicles?
Fobs can only be matched to one vehicle at a time.
You can take a fob from one vehicle and match it to another but it will no longer work for the previous vehicle until it is again matched it.
 


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