Hi all, although I've lurked on this web site from time to time in the past, I decided to join today. I have an especially nasty problem.

I imported my Expedition (via military car sales) to Korea with zero miles and every mechanical problem (few and far between actually) has been solved by an independent mechanic near the US military base where I work. About ten years ago my 97 Expedition ignition switch (the one on the steering column) broke. Charlie the mechanic took the whole thing apart, put it back together and it worked; until yesterday. I inserted the key and the ignition assembly turned freely, internal gear (obviously) broken again. This time though, the Theft sensor collar that interfaces with the ignition switch was a total loss. Charlie the mechanic told me to order the Theft sensor, but I'm not even sure that's the correct nomenclature for the collar-sensor circuit board (SN F6DF-15607-BA)-cable (F6DF 19A482 J4YBC)-muti-pin connector. If someone can steer me in the right direction, I can send pictures of the components so as to make it more clear what I'm trying to describe. That's Part 1.

Part 2. Charlie the mechanic said there would probably be issues with the new sensor interfacing with my keys. Can someone tell me what steps are needed to install the Theft sensor and successfully interface with my keys. Do I need new keys?

The VIN on my faithful Expedition is 1FMFU18L1VLB44029.

Appreciate any help I can get.

 

The PATS antenna coil is designed to pick up the chip code in the key. Since you're not changing the key or any onboard modules, your existing keys will continue to work as before once the antenna is replaced.

 

Thanks, Alloro. I contacted Lakewood Fordland.com through their FordPartsOEM.com and spoke to Chip Davis who has the part in stock and will be shipping it to me next Monday (if all goes well). He also volunteered to research what I might need to program the sensor to the key. What I remain curious about is how does the sensor "know" my key is the right one? Is there a "master sensor" in the Expedition separate from the anti-theft sensor and the key that validates the relationship?

I have no idea how many people might happen to read this post, but I'd like to plug for more USA web sites to add APO AP, APO AE, and APO AA in the drop down box to select a State, so folks like me serving overseas with the US military can get products through the mail. Over the past 10 years, I've spent a small fortune ordering things from Amazon; sure wish I'd bought stock back in the day. I guess most people don't know that the US military mail system is an extension of the United States Postal Service. It is NOT the same as international mail; but there are some funny rules. People sending packages to APO AP, like here in Korea, have to fill out a customs declaration form - maybe that's why some merchants don't want to bother with us, or they don't want to bother with USPS. Automobile parts/components are completely duty free and all other merchandise is too "in reasonable quantities". Nobody knows quite what is and is not "reasonable quantities".

Lucky for me there are a few like Chip Davis at Lakewood Ford and others around the country that are willing to help a guy like me. I've been in the US military and a Defense Department civilian overseas for the past 40 years, but my heart is in Colorado Springs (finally retiring in two years). One of these days I 'll stop by Lakewood Ford and say howdy to Chip Davis.

 

There is no need to reprogram anything if all you're doing is replacing the antenna ring (transceiver) around the ignition cylinder. They are all the same for any given year an model, they are not unique to any particular set of keys.


In your vehicle, there is a PATS module that communicates with the PCM to give it permission it operate the engine. Later models moved the PATS module function into the instrument cluster and the system became more complex. The PATS module stores the unique key IDs that have been programmed in.

 

I'm not sure if the explanation projectSHO89 provided is reassuring or not. What are PATS module and PCM? The part removed from the truck is "the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder" but also more. The ring is connected to a bundle of wires leading to an enclosed processor/circuit board (?) with another bundle of wires leading to a multi-pin connector. The nomenclature you're using is confusing to me, so I can't be sure we're talking about the same thing. I enclosed the photographs in my earlier post, because I don't know proper names. Sorry if my questions validate Twain's maxim.

 

Passive
Anti
Theft
System

and

Powertrain
Control
Module

The part shown in your images is just the receiver and does not contain the key code. It requires no programming. It only receives the code from the key and sends that code off to the PATS. The PATS then determines if it is a correct key. If it is the PATS allows the engine to start, if not it doesn't. All of this happens in less than the time it takes you to turn the key to Start.

 

The part you showed is most correctly called the "PATS Transceiver" module although Fords parts system will probably give it a fancy name. It consist of the antenna (ring around the ignition cylinder) plus the small electronics module that interfaces the antenna back to the PATS module, which is buried somewhere up under the dash.

In general, the numbers stamped on assemblies are not the part number of the item. Those are engineering numbers and any Ford parts counterman should have the cross-reference available to convert that number to a service part number.

You're over-thinking this in the desire to get it right. All you need is to procure the correct repair part and have Charlie install it. Done. No programming.

 

alloro & projectSHO89,
Thanks for 'dumbing' it down for me; I needed that. I'll follow up with Chip at Lakewood Ford to purchase the part and hopefully be back on the road in a week or so (Priority mail takes 5-7 days). Much thanks!

 

Our pleasure I'm sure!