Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 9/30/2010

Question
I replaced the blinker switch in my 1998 Ford Taurus and now my Anti-Theft light is blinking and the vehicle will not start.  I tried using the keypad on the door, locking it from the inside and then unlocking with the key from outside, etc. and it still will not start.  My remote does not work, so cannot unlock with that.  Any ideas?

Answer
Subject:
Explaining Ford's Immobilizers
PATS SecuriLock

If you removed power, or the system
breached the transponder system,
then you have to visit Ford for a reset.

Here's why...

This is a Ford fuel reail cut off system.

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. Ford will also need to reset it.
But once done, it can be bypassed.

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."

So if wanting to bypass it, you need to have it reset by Ford
to then circumvent it.

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

True. :>(

Good luck.

ALARMTEK