Expert: Rob Painter - 11/19/2011

Question
I just read your article or answer to a gents question re: Cadillac VATS and Security Equipped Ignition Keys.  In the answer you mentioned that the ID Keys are simply resistance with approximately ten different values + or - 5% (my understanding of an overall 10% tolerance).  Do you have any knowledge of the Ford Passive Anti-Theft Systems and whether or not this theory applies to (say for example) a 2000 Ford Focus Wagon vehicle?

At $140 per key quoted by the Ford Dealership here in Rural America, this info, should it apply, could be invaluable info around here and places like ours in boonyville, America.  

I am fed up with the automotive industry and their unique ability to sell twenty year old technology at premium prices just because they are good at keeping secrets like this one.  Thanks for any help or assistance you may provide on this or related subjects directly to the technology portion of today’s automotive electronics systems.  This info is vital  to the ability to survive anymore, especially where there is no public transportation to speak of, not really sufficient to get anywhere at a reasonable pace anyway.

Very Respectfully,
"Dr" Dave, MCSE

In the Desert - You can Remember Your Name
But Ford Dealers are giving me heart pain

Na Na nana na na.

Answer
Hello,

Thank you sir for your excellent feedback. If you need more clarity on PATS bypass, I can supply. In my opinion however, these systems were set up to be anti owner and not anti theft. Any problems with the system, where do you have to go for repair? The dealer of course. Many people figure the only place to get replacement keys is the middle man (dealer).
Locksmiths are also capable of programming new keys into the computer of these systems.
If you ask a Ford tech if the PATS can be bypassed. The answer is commonly no because the manufacturer keeps their techs dumbed down and rarely do they read schematics.
I defeated this PATS by reviewing a schematic and easily found a back door because I don't think like a tech or a Ford engineer. I think like a thief.
One other thing the manufacturer or dealer does not bring up either because they don't know or they don't want to inform anyone.
These keys can be cloned. All one needs is a cloner like I have. Insert your key. Read the electronic code and insert a new key blank into the machine. Burn the electronic code red off your key and you now have a key with the correct electronic code. Key can be cut. key can be electronically coded in 9 seconds!
There is also owner programming that can be done if you have both original keys. If you get a new transponder key blank of $30 from a locksmith. Have him cut the key, you can program your own key. Much, Much cheaper than than the $140 you say Ford wants. You can buy these key blanks on the web very cheaply.
The one thing that is guaranteed. If car is stolen, you will be investigated and your financial life will be put under a microscope by the insurance , because they too feel a car so-equipped is impossible to steal.
Now you know more than you wanted to know about the over rated PATS.
Stay in contact with me. Email address is robo14@aol.com.
Thank you or your insightful comments. Keep watching. Over the last 10 years, I have found I have many followers and that is so cool!
I will be on a NBC special shortly on auto theft and they call me a walking sound bite on theft. I guess I am. Will keep everyone informed as to when it airs. Taping is next month in Chicago.
Will be dealing with all this transponder anti-theft junk and how simply these cars are to steal. Should be enlightening and will depend on how far they let me go.

Dr. Rob

http://www.autotheftexpert.com