Last Updated on September 14, 2022 by John Robinson
To disable ford pats system simply put your key into the ignition, turn it to the ‘on’ position (the radio should be able to turn on), hold down the button for about ten seconds and it should reset.
If you instead want to be able to use a spare key that does not have a transponder, it’s going to be a bit more difficult.
In essence, you can’t use a key without a transponder. But if your key has been damaged, and you still have the transponder (and you really don’t want to cough up $80 for a new one), you might be able to remove the chip and shift it over to a different key with a bit of screw-driver magic.
How to use an ordinary key with a ford PATS car?
To make it possible to use a plain key on your car, you’ll need to get into the transponder to get at the chip, and to do that you’re going to need a few tools:
- A flat-head screwdriver.
- Tape, as in duct tape.
- A new pair of keys for your car.
The first thing you’ll need is a new set of keys. Make a few duplicates if needed. After the keys have arrived, you can then get started.
- First, take the screwdriver and gently, very gently, pry open the transponder. You don’t want to be impatient and potentially damage the chip.
- Once it’s open, remove the small chip carefully and place it on the table.
- Take your new key and the chip and place the chip on the plain key and wrap the duct tape around it, ensuring it is secure.
- Put the key into the car and turn the ignition to try and start it. You might have to adjust the chip a few times, but it should work.
And voila! You have a plain key working in your car!
What is a Ford PATS System?
PATS or Passive Anit-Theft Systems is a security feature Ford began in 1996. Essentially the car can only be started with one key, even if you have a duplicate. The original key has a transponder with a chip inside carrying a code. When you start the car, the chip is ‘checked’ and if it’s the correct code, the engine can then start.
If a different key without the correct code is put into the ignition an alarm will immediately go off to let you know that someone is possible trying to steal your car. This system can also be called a Ford Securilock.
How much does it cost to get a new transponder key?
This can cost anything from $50 to $100. You can request a new one from your dealership.
How can I stop a car alarm without a key fob?
So, you’ve lost your key fob and your alarm is screaming the entire neighborhood awake at two in the morning. Here are a few quick ways you can try and turn it off:
- Lock the doors
A quick solution is to simply lock and unlock the doors This is of course if the car will let you without a key fob. But if it’s possible, it should ‘reset’ the car and quickly turn off the alarm.
- Start the car
If locking and unlocking the doors didn’t work, try starting the car. A car that’s running should also reset itself pretty quickly.
- Leave the car on
Sometimes starting the car doesn’t work instantly, leave it for a few minutes, sometimes it takes a moment to wake-up, so to speak.
- Check the owner’s manual
Every car is designed a little differently, so taking a moment to check out the manual can be of great help if you’re desperate. If you’ve lost your manual, you can always download it online.
- Disconnect the battery
If push comes to shove and your neighbor is about to pull out his rifle to ‘fix’ the problem, then maybe pulling out the battery can be a quick solution. Just get in under the hood and disconnect the battery, it should stop that pesky alarm in its tracks. If not, then you’ll probably want to duck for cover.
