Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 10/21/2010

Question
one of my instrument cluster lights when out, so i went about taking the sucker out of there. while removing one of the screws on the lower right side of the instrument cluster, right above the ignition tumbler, the socket and extension briefly contacted the top of the tumbler and emitted a spark. i was surprised since i did not see any exposed wiring. i thought nothing of it and continued on with the project. once everything was reassembled, i put the key in, all dash lights and interior lights came on, but the red security light on top of the dashboard began flashing rapidly. i turned the key all the way over to fire up the engine and all the dash lights shut off, security light continues to blink rapidly, and of course the motor/starter do nothing. did the brief contact of the tumbler trigger the PATS? or did unplugging the 3 connectors on the back of the instrument cluster engage it? im stressing out big time cuz last thing i want to do is tow this car to a dealer and get worked over. i read about the KXO4 PATS bypass module in another post, is this what i need to solve my problem? any help is greatly appreciated. thank you!

Answer
Subject:
Explaining Ford's Immobilizers
PATS SecuriLock

Shop Alarmtek @ www.FORDPATS.com!
Message:

My guess is yes when unplugged, that tripped
the PATS. & that's unfortunate...

Passive Anti-Theft System What it is: Passive anti-theft systems (PATS), like Ford's patented SecuriLock system, protect against drive away theft through the use of an electronically coded ignition key. The system is designed to help prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to the vehicle is used. An indicator shows the system is working.

How it works:

A miniature transponder with an integrated circuit and antenna is embedded in the ignition key. A wireless radio-frequency transmission transfers an electronic code between the transponder in the key and the vehicle.

If the code matches, a code programmed in the vehicle, a signal is sent through the wiring system to the electronic engine control, allowing the engine to start. There are 72 million-billion possible codes, so every Ford sold worldwide for the next 10 billion years could have unique codes.

New keys for replacements or spares can be purchased at dealerships. A customer may program spare keys to the vehicle themselves if they possess any two keys that operate the vehicle. A dealership technician may erase and program keys using diagnostic equipment. A maximum of eight keys may be installed in most systems. Customer benefit: Increased protection against drive away vehicle theft, where the thief starts the engine and drives the vehicle away. Ford status: Standard on most North American vehicles in model year 1996-2010.

This also means you will need to be able to start the engine to
get RPM rate, and then to be able to use a bypass kit as they must
be able to program correctly. You will require 2 transponder
keys to do ANY bypass.

So, the best plan is to have Ford re synch the PATS, turn it on,
and make sure it has 2 programmed keys to operate.
Then you can bypass it so it won't be a bother any longer.

Sorry, but it's a procedure that has to be done, or no bypass
can be done.

If those specifications have been met then,
this vehicle will need the PKFM bypass kit from
ALARMTEK.

Need A PKFM Bypass Module?

https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=installsupport%40aol.com&item_name=1-PKFM+Bypass+Kit&item_number=1-PKFM+Bypass+Kit&amount=89.95&no_note=1¤cy_code=USD

Good luck with it.

Robert Martin/CEO
alarmtekonline.com
www.wirewerx.com