Hey all,

I have a question on the PATS system and how effective it is to stopping someone from merely driving away in my truck with the right key, but the wrong code on it.

I understand it's a chip in the key that is powered by a coded signal that now talks with the ECU and says "this key is legit" and allows my truck to start.

Situation:

Before we broke up a while back, my ex used my truck for some business. The next day, a big fight that broke us up. She never returned my key or fob.

I've never told her where I moved or where I changed jobs (used to work literally across the street), so small security in knowing it will take a bit of detective work to find that out.

I've had the remaining key and fob recoded (bought another of each to have the two keys needed for future use).

The keys for the locks and ignition are the same.

With help, can she have someone heist my truck bypassing the PATS system?

I've seen YouTube videos of the owner taking precious time to disassemble the column and getting into the dash to bypass, but is this real-world for a thief just trying to steal a car? Will it take them more than a few minutes to work their evil magic to bypass?

...or, is it so that she can merely cause havoc with my truck's interior...e.g. steal the stereo, cut the upholstery, etc.

Will my truck still be in my driveway?

I just a bought replacement matching-keys lock set for the doors and ignition (89 bucks off eBay...Ford emblem on the keys, too ), and I always had this in the back of my mind.

I feel it's a race against an unlikely event she will have someone over to do the deed before I have the new locks installed

Thanx in advance!

 

Each PATS key has a unique 40bit number, that means there are 2,199,023,255,551 possible combinations of numbers that can be used, yes that IS 2 Trillion plus combinations

In 2011 Ford switched to 80bit

The PATS key's unique number is ADDED to the PCMs memory at the factory, usually 3 keys are added, each time a key is used its number is compared to the numbers in the PCMs memory, up to 6 key numbers can be stored, 8 on some models, so new keys can be added by Ford, or a Locksmith, using a laptop hooked to the vehicle, and all keys can be erased and then new keys added, so if you think an old "working" PATS key is missing you can have all the keys erased and then just the ones you have added back.

PCM won't start fuel pump or open the injectors unless a recognized key is used, no work around for that
No digging in the steering column will work either, not sure where you saw that but it was fake as far as PATS is concerned

Only thing in steering column is the antenna that picks up the 40bit number so PCM can compare it, so if you don't have the correct number then no start

Remote start units use an "electronic" PATS key number, it has to be added to the PCMs memory just like a "real key", but its slightly different in that it only allows start up, as soon as you open the door or touch the brake engine shuts off and can't be restarted without a "real key"


So if you are worried about a missing key then have memory erased and just the keys you have added back in.

PATS keys can be cloned, you "read" a working PATS key with an RFID reader, and then transfer that 40bit number to a Blank RFID key, PCM won't know the difference, matching numbers is what it does, so same number on the Clone Key will allow startup
This is an inexpensive way to make a spare key

 

Thanx for that. It won't start with the old key. I'm being overly paranoid.

In the scenario of her giving my old key (not programmed to the new codes) to someone who is less-than-scrupulous to get into my truck, is there a way for him to start it using tools other than an outdated key?

The key will still turn the ignition, but not start, I know, but my fear is they know a way to get around the codes.

In this crazy scenario, he has his own PCM, and the key she gave him is now coded to that PCM, and he's practiced many times in changing the PCM rapidly...

Can he drive off?

I know it's a snowball's chance in hell this will ever happen to be sure.

I read an article about the Ford PATS' overrated ability to keep your rig in your driveway. Now I feel like there's a monster under my bed

 

I don't think its overrated, you can by pass starter motor activation, and even hot wire the fuel pump, but not much you can do to time and adjust fuel injectors on the fly without the computer, thats the big issue, and the main protection PATS offers

Is there a way to get it started?
Sure, add the key "he/she" has, that opens the doors and fits ignition, to the PCM with a laptop and the Ford software, takes a few minutes, up to an hour, on purpose, to prevent thieves from doing it quickly

So if you are really concerned then get a re-key kit, 2 door locks and new ignition cylinder keyed the same, from wrecking yard or new, then have keys for that set added to computer erasing the old keys altogether.

 

If you are that worried about it, take your truck to your local locksmith and have them re-key your truck

Have them do both doors and the ignition.

Re-keying, new keys, and programming the new keys should cost less than $250

 

Already bought the keys and locks for the doors and ignition. 85 bux eBay.

I have a local locksmith that can clear everything and program the new keys with a new code for 125, so you're right on about the costs.

So time is on my side. That relieves the paranoia a bit.

When I first bought the truck, the salesman gave me a brochure and made me feel better about security. I also got a discount on my insurance back then.

Thanx for your input, guys.

 

 

It's been sitting because *long story with timing chain*

https://www.ranger-forums.com/drivet...rences-155007/

When it wasn't running, I was cool, but meow since my journey to secure an engine, fix all the little problems and hunt down all the codes, I'm so close to getting it smogged and off the non-op, I'm looking in my rear view mirror more and more, hence my post.

All that work to resurrect my rig and find one morning a blank parking space...not liking that thought one bit.

eBay still tracks my locks as Friday delivery. The wait sux!

 

You are aware of the "antenna in the door" trick, correct? Door locks won't help you if your ex and her friend know how to search "How to break into a Ford Ranger" on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...+a+ford+ranger

 

I've used a slightly long flathead screwdriver because I AM a moron

There has also been a time at the gym (in a hurry, of course, and keys are in the ignition) where I would use one of the long merchandise hooks from inside the gym, so yeah. Very familiar.

So very easily entered, for sure, but the ignition will be that much harder to bypass.

 

Update.

I got my new locks in the morning yesterday..

I called my local mobile locksmith and made an appointment to meet me at home to do the PATS codes.

He hooked up his scan tool thingie and it took 10 minutes, cleared all previous codes, added mine in, but the strange thing is he wanted to do a third key.

I'm fine with just the two, but he REALLY tried to put some scare tactics into it. That's when my eyes started to glaze over and kept trying to pay him to leave.

Long story short...new codes and new keys.

 

3rd PATS key was in case you lost 1 of the 2 working keys
With 2 working keys YOU can add a 3rd key or 4th key yourself, no laptop or visit to a shop

So you can do that now if you want, as long as you still have the 2 working PATS keys
You need the 3rd key cut, of course, but then you can add it by following instructions available online, not hard at all

If you end up, down the road, losing a key so only have 1, no spare, then you have two options
1. Drive to locksmith and have them cut and add new 2nd key to vehicle with laptop
2. Take working key to locksmith and have them cut and CLONE a 2nd key from the working key

You can get BLANK PATS keys, they have no RFID number, they can have a number "written" on their blank RFID tag
You need an RFID tag reader/writer which most locksmiths will have, they cut the blank key then read working key's RFID number, and write that number to Blank RFID tag
So its a CLONE of the 1st key
Computer "sees" both keys as the same key because they have the same number, so working spare key for less cost
This 2nd cloned key can not be used to add a 3rd key because its not a 2nd key as far as the computer is concerned

 

He wanted another 70 bux for that key.

eBay sells an OEM 40-bit blank for 10-25 bux. Ford logo, too.

I just YouTubed the process of programming it myself. Seems simple, but cutting a new key...

I know you boys are tired of this subject, but...

Is one designated as a master and the other a slave key?

Is cloning each of my two keys and have a backup set of two keys smart?

I can bring new blanks to a locksmith, have them cut and clone that one, then separately to the other?

 

No, there is no master key, there is just a list of keys in computers memory, now just the two the mobile locksmith added, assuming he erased the others, lol, which was the point of doing this

You can Clone either key, it will just match one of the numbers in computer memory so computer will allow engine to start
Clone 1 key twice or both keys once, no advantage either way

You can buy a regular PATS key and have it cut, and add it yourself to have 3 legit keys, no clones, but nothing wrong with clones
So see what regular PATS key will cost(10-25?) and then the cost of cutting it to match lock, homedepot is about 1.50 per side, so 3 bucks for the 2 cut Ford Key, locksmith $5-$7
Then see what Blank PATS key costs, it has to be cut on both sides as well, then cost for Cloning it

Usually it more expensive for the Clone, but if you only have 1 working key left then its cheaper to clone than to have keys made added to memory by a locksmith or Ford
Right now you have TWO working keys so have the option of adding a new key or keys yourself

 

Apparently without the key programmed to the truck it’s a pain to steal. Someone broke the ignition out of mine tried starting it with a screwdriver but they couldn’t get it started

 

Yes, PATS is a very good anti-theft system