I was wondering if anyone here can tell me a little more about the PATS system pertaining to the transmitter keys for these trucks. I was curious to know if they're all the same and just need to be coded to the truck or if there are different keys for different modules in these trucks. I ask this because I am wanting to do the Forscan mod to enable the remote start on my truck. So I know that I'll need to get the 4 button remote start key to enable the system. But here's where my real question comes to play. A friend of mine has a C5 Corvette and recently bought a used aftermarket tuner for his car. It as you can imagine must have had some sort of virus that affected his PCM and BCM in his car. After months of fighting to correct the issue with his car so that it would run and drive again he found out the GM has several different frequencies for their PATS system. So as a result you have to make sure when replacing or adding a key for a GM vehicle you need to make sure that you get a transmitter key with the correct frequency chip that matches your BCM or the new key won't work. So my question is, is the Ford PATS system similar and if so how do you know what the correct key is for your particular vehicle? I know that my keys are stamped with SA, but was wondering if there is more to the system that I need to be aware of. Or am I over thinking things? I was also wondering if anyone has bought their keys from Amazon, eBay, or just simply went back to a Ford dealer to get their 4 button key for this mod? Thanks for any and all help on this matter.

 

No. These are Fords, not Chevys.
Yes.
Yes.

 

When you buy a key from e-bay , it will tell you what years and models the key fits.. There are a couple versions, but its mostly running changes after several years... The big thing is aftermarket keys vs FORD authorized keys.. I have bought a few aftermarket keys ( not the 4 button type, just a key) and had various results with them.. Bought keys for our 2001- 2002- 2010 vehicles and they worked pretty good... I bought two keys for my 2013 F!50 and they work fine if I leave them in the house, then go out and start truck... Don't ask why, but if I leave the key in the truck and the temp falls below 40 degrees F, the key don't work ?? Take it inside for an hour, and its OK again.. If I was getting a 4 button version, I would definitely stick with OEM.

 

like stated above, I think every generation or year span do use different type/frequency, etc, RFID chipped keys. and I believe this is true for all makes. I have bought off ebay aftermarket chipped keys for my jeep, and OEM Ford keys for my F150. once programmed in, they work without any problem. both my jeep and truck will allow up to 8 active or programmed keys.

when you buy the keys, make sure they "fit" the year/make/model that you're working with.

just a side not, for my f150, I bought just the basic ford oem chipped key, 2/$25, no buttons at all, this was intentional, as sometimes I only want a single, waterproof/damageproof key in my pocket. ive also purchased off ebay cheap afternmarket keyfobs, 2/$8 and have them programmed into my truck.