Do I need a security system with the PATS system ??

 

PATS is Passive Anti-Theft System, right?

 

YES, you are right Sir.

I am wondering if I need another system to fill any holes in the PATS.

 

Bump ... Does anyone know the answer ????

 

I'm with you lakedweller...

I understand that there are ways to steal trucks (ie. towing) but I too would like to know if the security in the 2011's is easily defeated by some electronic equipment from radio shack - or any other method.. Or if the system is really secure....

 

The only way to get around the PATS system is to reprogram the PCM to disable the PATS system. Considering the PCM's are encrypted on ALL of the 2011 PSD's, there's not even any way to reprogram them as of right now.
It's not an easy task, and definitely NOT something they're gonna try in the parking lot-it takes several minutes to do this. PATS is a VERY effective anti-theft system.
JL.

 

Thanks JL

Info from the manual seems to say it's secure - But it good to have a real world person with knowledge about it speak up....

 

The PCM is programmed with the unique identifier for the keys, and the instrument cluster. If BOTH of these do not match when a "request to start" takes place, it will not allow the engine to start. This prevents vehicle theft and odometer fraud.
JL

 

Hmm....

Never thought about it dealing with odometer fraud...

 

Guess there is no reason to put an after market system on my truck. They can tow anything and do. Noone even looks when the alarms go off, too many false alarms.

 

As an IT security professional, I can confidently say that encryption does not necessarily make the PCM more secure. For any information being transmitted over the wire (network, internet, etc.) if does provide significant security enhancement. For physical access devices like a PCM or TCM, it's not as effective. The reason for this is that there must be a widely-distributed shared key to "unlock" the encrypted connection/data. Every service station authorized to work on Fords has a copy of this key, and it would not be very hard to get one's hands on a working version. A sophisticated thief could bypass the PATS easily if he had one of these keys.

 

My sources state the Ford does not even have the encryption key(s)-the key(s) are kept locked up tight at the manufacturer of the PCM to keep the software secure. Now, with that said, it is possible to acquire said key(s), or break that encryption, but you're not gonna get it from Ford or your "buddy" at the dealership. Preproduction test PCM's are not encrypted, so all preproduction testing and calibration for meeting emissions standards,etc. is done on these unencrypted PCM's, and the calibration files are sent to the manufacturer. Encrtypted production PCM's are flashed with the certified calibration, and they're shipped from the manufacturer "ready to install". Replacements must go through the manufacturer in order to program them for the vehicle. It's my understanding that the dealership has a secure network connection to the manufacturer through Ford's service system and the service equipment does all reflashing and PCM/PATS maintenance with the vehicle attached and in live communication with the PCM manufacturer.
Getting around all of this is not something that your smash and grab chop shop thief or Mexicans stealing trucks for smuggling illegals into the US is gonna have access to. You are NOT going to stop anybody that has this type of knowledge, not matter how well you think you're protecting your truck.
JL

 

I know that many parameters are configurable at the dealer (PSI warning, tank size, etc), so at least part of the BCM is either unencrypted or unencryptable by the dealer. If what you're saying is true, then they may have some "secure" and some "insecure" systems. If that's the case, then PATS may well be protected.

I do agree with what you said though, you can never defeat all the criminals. Bad guys will find a way.

 

How come you didn't stop dem der hackers of the PlayStation network??!! My son is driving me nuts that he can't play online. And I am starting to miss those endless hordes of mindless zombies chasing me and friends around in Ascension!! sorry...