PATS problem
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PATS problem
I am new to the forum, and this is my first post. I have a 97 Expedition and having a PATS issue. I'm a youtube mechanic, so please bear with me. This past summer, I replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter as I had a no start problem. Turns out, the chip in the key was missing, but the pump needed to be replaced anyway. I did not have another key, so I purchased a new chipped key, and cycled through the reprogramming if it. Everything worked fine until the cold weather hit. It seems that when the temp drops below 40 degrees, I can't start the vehicle. The theft light flashes, and i've read this is PATS related. Once the temp rises above about 40, it starts no problem. Anyone else ever have this problem? Thanks in advance for any response.
Fleet Owner
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I've had the no start when cold problem, but it turned out to be excessively worn spark plugs. The original owner never changed them at 100K miles like they were supposed to so mine had 140K on them. I changed all 8 and had no issues since. I don't remember if the theft light flashed or not.
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I've had the no start when cold problem, but it turned out to be excessively worn spark plugs. The original owner never changed them at 100K miles like they were supposed to so mine had 140K on them. I changed all 8 and had no issues since. I don't remember if the theft light flashed or not.
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Seems a bit illogical that worn plugs would cause a flashing anti theft light. Really weird that this only happens when it's cold though. Perhaps something going on with the pickup coil when it gets cold? Does it crank when this happens? Not sure how the 1st gen behaves when not recognizing the key, but mine, which is a '05 2nd gen, does not crank if it the theft light blinks.
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Seems a bit illogical that worn plugs would cause a flashing anti theft light. Really weird that this only happens when it's cold though. Perhaps something going on with the pickup coil when it gets cold? Does it crank when this happens? Not sure how the 1st gen behaves when not recognizing the key, but mine, which is a '05 2nd gen, does not crank if it the theft light blinks.
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I hooked up my new scan tool, and got DTC code P1260. Doing some research found there are only a handful of Ford authorized brands for the transponder keys. Article said if you don't use one of those brands, problems can arise. Mine is not on that list. Bought 2 for $20 of a brand that is authorized, so will post if that solves the problem. Seemed odd though that when I ran the alternator test, the vehicle started. Is that normal, that the scan tool could bypass PATS to start the engine?
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Fleet Owner
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I hope not since that would render the PATS useless for any car thief with a scan tool.
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With a bluetooth dongle and FORScan on a laptop, basically the only thing standing between a thief starting a PATS vehicle is a 10 minute waiting period to get security access to the PCM.. 
Apart from hot wiring the ignition of course..
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From: St Louis
PATS never inhibited the fuel pump. It's always inhibited the injectors and, depending on the model and year, the starter motor itself. Certain years did not inhibit the starter. It's best to consult the PATS Job Aid that Motorcraft Service published and look for the specific vehicle in question.
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PATS never inhibited the fuel pump. It's always inhibited the injectors and, depending on the model and year, the starter motor itself. Certain years did not inhibit the starter. It's best to consult the PATS Job Aid that Motorcraft Service published and look for the specific vehicle in question.
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So, I solved the problem. I found a post somewhere on the internet that said to try to use a blowdryer on the steering column. Sure enough, after using the blowdryer for a few seconds, it fired right up.There is a part (transceiver?) that attaches to the ignition cylinder. I got one from a wrecking yard and replaced the existing one (sidenote: apparently they no longer make this part). The car started up. It fits into the ignition cylinder with a small plastic piece holding it in and attaches via a connector further down the steering column. Have had no problems in over a month.
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JV04736
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
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Dec 20, 2006 09:04 PM