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PATs key issue

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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 01:11 PM
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PATs key issue

Ok I have a audivox Prestige remote start and alarm installed on my 2000 Excursion. I had to disconnect the batteries to do some work on things. Got it all done reconnected the batteries now the vehicle isn't reading the key and thinks its being stolen. (red theft light is blinking) is there any way to trick the system into reading it again. Avoiding having to make another key or do tow it to the stealership for a simple fix.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 01:32 PM
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Well, the zero cost solution is to remove the PATS module from the key and secure it close to the ignition key switch (make sure it is in a location that can be received by the computer) inside the steering cowling.

You should be able to replace the PATS holder into your key after you are done, but if you have damaged it during the removal process, just get some JB Weld putty from The Home Depot and repair the damage.

I've done this for a different reason on all my vehicles, I needed more keys. It was nice for me because then I can just pay 99 cents to get another key that will both unlock and start my vehicles.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 01:35 PM
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Many systems have a default time limit that the batteries may be unhooked before the system must be reprogrammed in order for it to work. I had a Ravelco put in my truck a few months ago and I had to reprogram my alarm because the tech had the battery disconnected for too long. Do you have the owner’s manual for the system and did you try and reprogram it. You can always give them a call and they can walk you through it Audiovox : Prestige : Remote Start Systems<O</O
 
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 01:44 PM
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I did some similar research a few months ago for a friends car that had an audiovox installed and was doing the same thing. To reprogram the computer to recognize a key, there was a procedure. Put the key in, turn it to on, leave it for 10 minutes (or until the security light quit doing it's thing.) Turn it off for 5 seconds and repeat. At the completion of the third time, the computer should learn the key and allow the vehicle to start.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 03:17 PM
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The PATs little key was installed into the remote system when I purchased the vehicle, so a regular key was working but I guess the truck needs to relearn the system like jeffreyt is saying. Do you have a walk through or any more details on how to do this?
 
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 04:19 PM
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no, not really. I looked around a little, but without being sure of how your system is, I don't know what's applicable.

What i was talking about in the last post was for chipped keys. In order for the computer to learn a code from a key it isn't familiar with, you insert the key and turn to on, wait 10 minutes, turn off 5 seconds, turn on 10 minutes, turn off 5 seconds, turn on 10 minutes, off 5 seconds, then start the car. The car has now learned the new key.

With your X, i'm not sure this would work or not. I've never done the procedure, but i've read it for cadillac and for a pontiac. both had the same procedure, but i'm not sure what ford's is. I'd give it a try and see.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by jeffreyt
What i was talking about in the last post was for chipped keys. In order for the computer to learn a code from a key it isn't familiar with, you insert the key and turn to on, wait 10 minutes, turn off 5 seconds, turn on 10 minutes, turn off 5 seconds, turn on 10 minutes, off 5 seconds, then start the car. The car has now learned the new key.

With your X, i'm not sure this would work or not.
It won't. That's not how the Ford PAT's system for the Ex works.

Originally Posted by Oelfke
The PATs little key was installed into the remote system when I purchased the vehicle, so a regular key was working but I guess the truck needs to relearn the system like jeffreyt is saying. Do you have a walk through or any more details on how to do this?
You need two working PAT's keys to program a third key.

Stewart
 
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Old Oct 9, 2012 | 06:13 AM
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Originally Posted by jeffreyt
no, not really. I looked around a little, but without being sure of how your system is, I don't know what's applicable.

What i was talking about in the last post was for chipped keys. In order for the computer to learn a code from a key it isn't familiar with, you insert the key and turn to on, wait 10 minutes, turn off 5 seconds, turn on 10 minutes, turn off 5 seconds, turn on 10 minutes, off 5 seconds, then start the car. The car has now learned the new key.

With your X, i'm not sure this would work or not. I've never done the procedure, but i've read it for cadillac and for a pontiac. both had the same procedure, but i'm not sure what ford's is. I'd give it a try and see.
Gonna need to get someone that has an IDS scan tool to override the PATs system. Does anyone know if local auto stores carry these to come out an fix it vs. towing it to the stealership.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2012 | 07:19 AM
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read this: http://www.obd2.com/support/reprog/d...learn_pats.pdf

Looks like my procedure would work for '96 to '98 fords, but '98 and up requires a Ford Module Programming Application. i'd give it a try anyway just for kicks and giggles, but i like kicks and giggles, especially when they save me $$$...
 
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Old Oct 9, 2012 | 07:23 AM
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Pretty sure the parts stores just have basic plug and play scan tools for reading codes. It may vary from store to store though...
 
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