Hey All,

I've programmed several PATS keys over the last 10 years but am having trouble with the latest one.

2001 ST, followed the usual procedure but the new key will not start the vehicle.

Any suggestions?

CMOS

 

It sounds like you've programmed more of these than I have so I have to start with the basic questions. Did you perform the steps outlined in the owner's manual or go off of memory from a different model and year? Second, what indications do you get when trying to start the Sport Trac using the new key? Does the engine crank? Do you get a flashing or solid "Security" or "Theft" indicator in the instrument cluster?

-Rod

 

After attempting to program the "new" key, when inserted in the ignition I do get the blinking "Theft" indicator light (which I do not see with the original 2 "good" keys.)

I was going off memory as far as procedure, but I did check the procedure in the manual and I was indeed doing it correctly.

Thoughts?

CMOS

 

Based on the 2004 Transponder Guide, 7th edition from Ilco, it appears there was a transition in mid-01 for the model of transponder key with the Explorer and Sport Trac. Is the key you're trying to program an OEM key for the build date of the vehicle or a generic aftermarket key?

-Rod

 

OEM. Bought it from a local Ford dealership.


CMOS

 

Be careful trying the new key that will not work. I found out the hard way that trying the non programmed key too many times in a row causes the PATs to totally disable the vehicle. Requiring a trip to the dealer or having a smith do a reprogram on the vehicle.

 

I thought that only caused a 15 minute or so disable....

-Rod

 

I was not that fortunate, it cost me $120 to learn.

 

I was looking at the owner's manual steps from Fleet Ford and noticed a timing requirement in steps 1 and 3 which could be pretty easy to overlook. Were you making sure you kept the ignition in the On position for at least 1 second?

"1. Insert the first previously programmed coded key into the ignition and turn the ignition from 3 (OFF) to 4 (ON) (maintain ignition in 4 (ON) for at least one second)."

and

"3. Within ten seconds of removing the first coded key, insert the second previously programmed coded key into the ignition and turn the ignition from 3 (OFF) to 4 (ON) (maintain ignition in 4 (ON) for at least one second but no more than ten seconds)."

I was actually searching the owner's manual for information related to the number of attempts before it locks out the ignition and to see if there was a time associated with that. I found nothing. It does seem like that could be important information for the vehicle owner to be aware of.

-Rod