PATS key workaround
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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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.
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.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
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.
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.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
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
Steve
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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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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Junior User
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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.
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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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
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.
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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From: SE Texas
JL
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
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
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
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 7
From: WV
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!
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!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
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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Junior User
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Would you know how to take the outer ignition apart to get the top shroud off?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
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From: Wake Forest, NC
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.