I am hoping someone can help me out.

Background: I have a 2003 Excursion 6.0 with an Automate alarm and remote start.

I am having trouble programing my keys but my question is about basic functions of PATS for trucks of my age.

Questions:
The THEFT light flashes quickly when an unrecognized key is entered, correct?

Does an immobilized engine crank or does turning the key do nothing in terms of the starter?

How does one reset an immobilized engine?

 

It fast flashes when PATS prove-out fails for any reason.
It depends.... The Excursions did not have a starter interrupt that triggered when PATS fails.
With validly programmed keys that allow the system to prove-out successfully when the key is turned from OFF to RUN.
Disable the remote start. Most likely, there's a key (or equivalent) in there that will prevent proper re-programming of the PATS system.

 

Thank you for your reply! It was very helpful insight but I am still having some issues.

I turned off the remote start (using a switch) and removed the lead to the 'key in the box' that encircles the ignition cylinder.

I am only able to PATS program at most 2 of the 3 keys (the third key is the key if found in the alarm box. I had it cut so I could use Forscan to program it, no luck though).

With only programing two keys, I still see a solid "THEFT" light when the key is inserted and when attempting to start, there are only clicks from the relays and no action at the starter.

PCM
Code: P1260 - Engine disabled by PATS
PATS
Code: B2141 - No PCM ID
IC
Code: U1262 - SCP Data Link Fault
OTC
Code: P0500 - VSS sensor circuit fault.
Code: U2015 - Overhead Trip Computer Signal Link Circuit Failure
Code: U2016 - Overhead Trip Computer Signal Link Circuit Failure
WIFE Module
Code: WTF! - We've spent too much already on this damned truck and that new engine isn't even here yet and you know that there will be something else...

I am thinking of pulling the whole dash this weekend and tracking wires.

Any other suggestions?

I'm stuck in a a catch 22. I suspect there is something truck related and I'd like to have it towed to a dealer and have them fix it but I suspect they will point to the aftermarket alarm/remote start system without doing much more.
If I tow it to a alarm shop, and there is only one in my area that deals with Automate (Directed) alarms, I'm concerned they will not be able to get anything sorted out without first getting the truck to start without the alarm...

I'm calling the shop now, wish me luck!

 

You have multiple issues.

Start with the easiest first - The alarm system likely has its own starter interrupt feature. Find and bypass it, probably a relay in the wire that runs from the ignitions switch forward.

Of the three keys you have, are any of them clones? To reprogram the keys back into PATS, two keys with UNIQUE RFID chips must be used, clones aren't unique.

Good luck with that one...

 

You know, I've been told that before!

I'll do just that. I'm thinking of pulling the system out and tracing all the lines.

Didn't think of that. I'm not sure. The 3rd key was a key I found in the alarm systems "key in the box" and it was uncut. Given that condition, I am unsure how that key could have been programmed on it's own so best guess, it may be a clone.


One last tidbit, the Cluster I swapped was from a 2003 Harley Davidson F250. Not sure that may have any bearing on this issue.

 

Well, the F250 of that era was never equipped with PATS..... Swap it back, if possible and see what happens.
Lol! I was only referring to the truck!
Could be either. It's not hard to program an uncut key into the PATS system. Clone PATS keys often have a replaceable battery.

 

Problem Solved: I took it to the dealership and after $550, they found the one bad wire connection I missed where the remote start connects to the ignition switch harness.

I have 3 programmed keys, one installed in the remote start 'key in the box" and the truck starts remotely and traditionally.

I may go through that harness again and solder the connections to avoid any issues like this again.

Thank you for your help!

 

Painful, but at least it should be fixed.

 

Yeah, that $550 charge just make the Wife Module WTF! code even worse!

Wait until I tell her that the new engine with it's 500 HP will most likely need a new tranny in the next year or so...

 

It could get more expensive then you think if the wife module sets a code for trade-in and human model year replacement.

 

I've never seen that DTC mentioned or described before---thank gawd I don't have that module present. Well I did at one time but traded in for confirmed forever bachelor model instead.

And yes good luck that, the new transmission is sure to cause its WTF code to re-appear.