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PATS key workaround

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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 05:38 PM
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PATS key workaround

Has anybody had success with this?

One (and maybe only) workaround for only one PATS key and not wanting to pay Ford for another is to bury a key in the steering column.

So I got a standard key cut that turns the ignition, of course it ill not start. I hold the PATS key beside the column allover on the key side, still no start.

I try holding the black plastic parts tight together and turning the key, no luck. Found one place on the outside of the column that is between the ignition and the steering wheel where it works most times.

Does anyone know where the PATS receiver is located in the column?

I know it short circuits Ford's anti-theft plan, I'm not too worried.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 05:53 PM
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what are you working on??
none of my superduty's at home or in work have PATS keys. (and i am talking about over 50 trucks)
 
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 06:41 PM
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I've used PATs bypass modules in the past and my tuner can disable it.

There are two types of bypass modules, the kind that can be programmed for the RFID and the kind that needs a key placed in it permanently. I am not aware of the Superduties having PATs so I don't know which module you'd need.

Once you have a module, a lot of them use a ground to trigger. So you will need to run a relay to invert a pos from the keyswitch.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 08:04 PM
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The factory PATS receiver's antenna is a ring that mounts on the outside of the lock cylinder. If you pull the Column shrouds, you'll see it. As I recall, they're usually a black plastic ring with an electrical connector.

Steve
 
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 08:11 PM
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I guess you are way too cheap to get a duplicate chipped key. why dont you just leave the key in the cylinder since you obviously want the truck stolen anyway. The purpose of a chipped key is to foil the amateur thief since superdutys especially in texas have a very very high theft rate. Talk this over with your insurance man so they can raise your rates way higher than the key costs, since your rate has been factored with a chipped key theft deterrent system . DUMB DUMB DUMB thinking.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 08:53 PM
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Not a very cool post.... ^^^^^^

If you think pats is really stopping theft....
 
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by 2002 F350V10
I guess you are way too cheap to get a duplicate chipped key. why dont you just leave the key in the cylinder since you obviously want the truck stolen anyway. The purpose of a chipped key is to foil the amateur thief since superdutys especially in texas have a very very high theft rate. Talk this over with your insurance man so they can raise your rates way higher than the key costs, since your rate has been factored with a chipped key theft deterrent system . DUMB DUMB DUMB thinking.
Who says FTE is a friendly place - just listen to Tex here!

I park in the garage all the time, I park outside my door in a good area at work. Biggest risk is probably at the mall and who would know my PATS was disabled? I'm comfortable with the level of risk.

I'm sure pretty much all the amateur thieves around here know which vehicles have PATS. If somebody is trying to steal those they don't bother with the ignition.

The dope I bought my truck from (in Texas) had only one PATS key. So that would mean paying Ford around $120 + somebody said $30 for a blank to get me a second key.

And sorry guys - I was browsing Superduty when I usually read/post in Excursions.


Thanks Steve for the information - a ring around the ignition cylinder. If I decide to go this way I'll dig in and find it. Any chance you know how the outside piece of the ignition lock comes off?
 
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Old Aug 24, 2008 | 10:40 PM
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This is not like the old Chevy VATs where you can install a resistor to bypass it. You must send the right radio frequency to control box.

I popped over to directed site, the good bypass kits require two keys to program the new bypass. However they do have the universals listed where you place your one good key in the box and then use any key you like to start.
 
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Old Aug 25, 2008 | 09:21 AM
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When I worked at a ace hardware (circa 2000) I believe we charged 30-40 for these keys.
 
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Old Aug 25, 2008 | 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by tjc transport
what are you working on??
none of my superduty's at home or in work have PATS keys. (and i am talking about over 50 trucks)
Excursions and some of the high $$ trim level (harley,etc) trucks have the PATS system,where the rest of the superduty trucks do not.
JL
 
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Old Aug 25, 2008 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 2002 F350V10
I guess you are way too cheap to get a duplicate chipped key.
No need to be insulting.

There are various reasons to disable the PATS system - and the $120 or so cost of a new key is a good enough reason for most.

I've learned a lot from this thread. Carry on guys
 
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Old Aug 25, 2008 | 05:11 PM
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I'd get a blank PATS key off ebay for around $30 shipped, then get it cut locally. There's a bunch right now for $29.99 buy it now, but shipping is about $9. I bet if you kept an eye out, you could score one for the first bid of around $17.

I have heard of companies doing the trick you're talking about with F150s and it worked just fine. They have one truck and about 10 different guys that need keys.

Good luck!
 
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Old Aug 25, 2008 | 05:15 PM
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Some PATS are sensitive enough to require the key to be inserted within the antenna ring rather that just held near. In that case, remove ring and tape key within it and stuff it all inside the steering column.
 
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Old Aug 25, 2008 | 10:54 PM
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Originally Posted by mwsF250
Some PATS are sensitive enough to require the key to be inserted within the antenna ring rather that just held near. In that case, remove ring and tape key within it and stuff it all inside the steering column.
Sounds like my truck has the sensitive model since I can only find the one spot it works to hold the key close.

Would you know how to take the outer ignition apart to get the top shroud off?
 
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Old Aug 25, 2008 | 11:07 PM
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I think you put the key in and turn to the unlocked position and then insert a punch/awl skinny screw driver up into a hole in the bottom to get it to release. Then you can remove the key lock cylinder.
 
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