I'm confused..I have a 2000 Ranger with keys that have "chips" in them or something that needs to be programmed only by Ford
Do I also have some sort of remote starting option?

My mechanic is trying to get the truck to start - checked battery and replaced the starter...still nothing. He thinks it has something to do with the Anti-theft features
Anyway to disable it?

 

If they are anything like GM vehicles (and I would bet they are), the "chips" in your key are actually nothing but resistors. Insert the proper resistor value into the circuit to bypass it. I know this from a remote starter installation I did on a friend of mine's Camaro a long time ago. It had those "chips" in the key and it had to be bypassed to make the remote start work. Your ranger would not have remote start as a factory option. Try talking to a local car alarm dealer and see if they can offer some help with what resistor to use and where to put it.


Andy Cunningham

 

You probably have the transponder rather than the resistor "chip". Someone else that knows more than I should be along to help you out. Homer?

 

It's a transponder key. I've seen many posts about people wanting to disable the system (myself included), but so far there seems to be no easy way.

If the engine turns over, then the fault is not in the key or PATS system. If nothing happens when the key is turned, then the problem might be in the PATS.......

One thing to try is to remove the negative battery cable for 15 minutes and reconnect. This resets the computer parameters, and might allow it to start. Worth a shot.....

PATS This was not a "Better Idea From Ford", in my opinion.

 

I put a Ford remote starter on mine and had some initial problems. Based on that experience, I would say that the PATS system does NOT prevent cranking, but will prevent starting. In other words, the engine will crank if you have a properly cut regular key, but will not fire unless the PATS system reads the proper pellet. The remote start has a special interface module with an antenna ring that is placed behind the key receptacle on the steering column.

I agree that you probably do not have a remote start. The PATS is complicated and you might very well have to go back to a Ford dealer.

 

If the theft light is flashing rapidly when cranking it would be PATS malfunction. If it glows and goes out normally on key cycle you have a starter system problem.

You may have some kind of aftermarket alarm setup installed which over rides the start system. You would have to bypass that system if you cant reset the alarm.