Pats transceiver: Ride along spare

First off, I think the vehicle owner should have an easy way to turn off the Pats anti theft system. The idea that my 1999 expedition, which kbb.com says has a $600 trade in value, needs this type of anti theft device is ridiculous.

So this post is about carrying a spare parts transceiver ring that reads the ignition key chip in your car. I usually carry a spare key in the car. But if the Pats transceiver fails I am looking at an expensive tow and the inability to get a new part from Ford. It is my understanding that this part hasn't been available for close to 10 years and at the time it was last available the new price was pushing $100.

You can currently get these used on eBay in the 40+ dollar range, it seems used is the only option available. 1997 and 1998 Expeditions have a unique design, and a higher used cost ($80 to $120) on ebay. It's hard to pay so much for such an old used part that might not last much longer. As the price reaches the $100 range, sending the PCM out for a Pats delete might be a better choice. At some point the supply of used parts available will dry up.

The sellers on eBay stress that you need the same exact part number.
One experienced seller on eBay stated the last 2 letters didn't matter (-AA), and they could be different.

Using a different logic path, one could say the transceiver ring only needs to match the chip in the key. Therefore it wouldn't really matter what the part number was as long as it was still compatible with your style of key. This opens up a lot more possibilities for the transceiver part number. At this point it would be fair to note that I have no intention of actually opening up the covers on the steering column and installing “the right along spare” transceiver ring, just plugging it in, taping the key to it and stuffing it under the dash.



Amazon is currently selling a new Transceiver for around $60.

Genuine Ford 3W1Z-15607-AA Transceiver
https://a.co/d/ir86b7Z

This one has the newer style square green connector. Reading the reviews, buyers state that they cut off the newer style green connector and reuse their old “flat white connector”. They just matched the 4 wire colors and spliced it.
This was done on a 1998 Ford explorer.
Looking on eBay, the green connector was commonly used on Fords 2003 and newer. The parts number tag has a manufacturer date. The eBay sellers have excellent quality photos if you want to see what a Pats transceiver looks like for your vehicle.

The flat white connector can be seen under the dash. Crawl under, with your head touching the gas pedal, and then look up. This can be done without any tools. I will post some photos in my next post.

The local hardware store can make you a “door only Key”. The H75 flat metal key blank is compatible. The H75 Key can then be your normal everyday use KEY for the ingition. No more expensive keys needed.


Has anyone already done this? Were you able to use any transceiver with the same connector?

Please share your views or experiences.

Jim

 

Pats connection. The white wire connector in the bottom of the photo. Above the gas pedal.
The right side of the photo, with black shrink tube, is the Pats transceiver.
The left side is the vehicle harness.
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Vehicle side of harness.
I added black marker on the tab you depress to remove.
You depress the tab and pull towards the front of the vehicle. The larger portion of the connector is attached with a push in plastic tab, it will stay in the original place.
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I tested out some junkyard parts, but they where the same part number as original.
It would be interesting to try some newer parts. Personally I would stay with the same connector type if possible.

After plugging in a spare transceiver part, I would hold a working chip key inside the ring.
With my other hand I would use a 2nd key to turn the ignition ON.
I would watch the THEIF light, after about 3 seconds it would go out.
I would remove the chip key from the inside of the ring. I would move the ignition key, ON to START. The engine started normally.

It's a whole lot easier just to plug it in under the dash than it is to take the steering column apart and install it.

I hope this information is helpful. Please share your experiences or add anything useful.

Jim

 

Why not have the PCM reflashed to delete it as opposed to buying extra stuff?

I agree it is pointless. I had it defeated on my Mexpedition and tuned the PCM for a bit more power via a 5Star tune.

 

It was under $10 for the spare transceiver at the junkyard.
The PCM pats delete is currently (eBay) $150 Plus shipping both ways, and of course the down time without the use of the vehicle.

I do agree the PCM reflash is the best permanent fix, I am just to cheap to spend the money.
Jim

 

Probably could find a local speed shop to flash it quick.