I know this issue has been posted a hundred times, but most are prety old. Does anyone have a definitive answer on how to get rid of the PATS and have the truck start all the time? 2000 Ex, 6.8 150,000 miles.
I have, had the truck a year and have, had nothing, but problems. The truck has been at the Dealership for a month while they try to fix it. Most the times the truck will start, then it won't. Nothing is throwing a code, the only thing is that they said, was that there is a large discharge on the battery went it won't start.
If anyone has the answer please help, a case of beer to the person, I don't care were you live, I will make it happen.

P.S. I have spent days online reading, and watching youtube videos.

 

The only symptom you've mentioned is the large eletrical discharge.
When you say "it won't start" more info is needed - does the engine turn over, does it sputter, will it sputter with starter fluid sprayed when cranking?
What is the system voltage with everything off, high beams on, or cranking?
Why do you think the PATS is bad, is the light indicator not pulsing properly?
For a 2000 Ex the starter function is not disabled by the PATS, it provides a GO-NO GO input to the computer (PCM) to indicate a valid key is being used to start the vehicle.
Is 12v getting to the plugs and injectors with key-on?
The PCM will complete the plug and injector circuits to ground at the appropriate times.
The PCM will not fire the injectors unless all run conditions are met - PATS passes, crankshaft sensor sees engine turning, etc
The IAC can get clogged which controls all airflow into the engine at idle, if it is sticking shut sometimes the engine may not start.

 

Do you have an aftermarket alarm system installed?

 

Here we go. Bought the truck after it had been sitting for 6 months outside during the winter. Took awhile to get it jumped. Got it started, drove it to Autozone new battery. Drove it 100 miles down the road stopped to put gas in it it would not start. Alarm light flashes rapidly. Nothing does not try to start, nothing. Have truck towed to Ford dealership. They reflash the key and I pay for a new key. Drive it home runs no issues for about a week. Drive it to store truck won't start same thing alarm light flashing. No start. Truck towed to house. Jump online read some stuff, replace all fuses and relays. Truck starts everytime for about 4 months. Go to start nothing. Back to dealer they replace reciever in the steering column. Truck starts, for awhile. Loan truck to daughter, won't start same as before. Tow truck brings it to the house guy gets in not thinking, it starts. Go to take it back to dealer won't start. Towed to dealer, starts. Told no codes, only thing they see is large discharge. Truck starts then won't start. Told dealer I want it fixed, untill then they can keep it. Thinking next time it starts it gets traded in for a burb. I want the system gone, or the truck goes. There you have it. Everything. Conclusion. When it does not start it does nothing, but light flahes rapidly.

 

Ok, crank, no start on this one.

"Same thing" as in, crank, no start? Or did it crank this time?

Crank or no crank with the no start?

Last two you referenced in your post, same question..crank or no crank?

Stewart

 

Alarm light....Nothing....No start....Would not try to start.

You will do better if you use accurate terms. Is "alarm light" the factory THEFT light in the cluster or an alarm light from an aftermarket system? As for the other terms you used for it not starting; you need to specify that the starter motor doesn't crank, or cranks and doesn't start.

If it has an aftermarket alarm, even if not being used, that would currently be my first guess at being the problem, but more info is needed.

 

Yes, terms like it cranks but does not start.

or turn key and no crank will help.

I think if there is no cranking at all that would imply something other than pats.

 

I had a similar problem on my 02 explorer. The PATS Transceiver had gone bad. There was a rapid flash of the anti-theft light and the engine would not crank at all. I replaced the PATS Transceiver (also called a HALO) and the problem was resolved. In the explorer it was located in a ring around the ignition key switch. Not sure where it is on the 2000 X, but I would start there.

 

Sounds to me like you have an issue with your PCM losing power/ground. I have a Banks programmer for my truck and when I change tunes, I get the same thing. Fast blink of the 'theft' light and nothing on the key turn. What I do is leave the key in the run position for a minute or so, or until the theft light blinks slow, then turn it off. After that it starts and everything is fine. Your issue is intermittent but this may be a bandaid until you find the culprit.

Check all the grounds and maybe replace or at least clean them. If you lose PCM ground, it could be resetting PATS. Hope this helps.

 

Maybe Check into your pcm to see if it is chipped.
IE a chip tuner installed, sometimes the contacts get loose and cause problems. Removing it if it has one may help.

othewise....I agree with the antenna for the pats system being a place I would start.

 

No alarm system, will not crank, no cranking. No click.

 

Light which is mentioned, is the alarm light in display. Turn the key to run. No sound.

 

I have a Ford PATS chart which indicates the 02 Explorer has a type E PATS..
The type E system has a "starter interrupt" function so your Explorer is working fine.
According to the chart our 03 Expedition is also type E with starter interrupt.
I just tried to start the Exped with our Excur key which is only one pin different and gets confusing when I grab the wrong key .
The anti-theft indicator blinks fast like it should when I turn the key to Run because the wrong key is inserted.
When I insert the correct key and turn to Run the anit-theft indicator light is lit solid for 3-4 sec and goes out.
However, with the wrong key inserted the engine cranks and doesn't start.
I thought the "starter interrupt" would prevent it from cranking ???

Anyway, back to the OP's issue.
The PATS in all Excursions, according to the chart, is type B with no starter interrupt present.
The OP is seeing the anti-theft light blink rapidly which is indicating PATS is not recognizing the key as a valid key.
But, the engine should crank?
Question for the OP - is the anti-theft indicator blinking rapidly when the ignition switch is turned to Run?
Then, when the ignition switch is turned to Start and the engine doesn't crank what is the system voltage?
Maybe, the "large battery discharge" is confusing the PATS and not allowing the starter to be engaged.