Ford PATS Immobilizer

PATS Introduction

PATS functions are available in diagnostic session for PCM and IPC ECUs in programming/coding menu. For users familiar with Ford IDS diagnostics we have included screenshots of Ford IDS for comparison.

LED-indicator of PATS status

Ignition LED Description
OFF Short flashing Stand-by mode, PATS works
ON Lights 4 seconds and turns off Inserted and correctly identified key
ON Fast flashing Wrong key, anti-scan mode is activated
ON On Waiting for coding keys

When Anti-scan mode is activated, you must wait at least 30 seconds before any operations with PATS.

Information about PATS state

This function displays all important information about PATS system and its state. Ford IDS doesn't provide this function.

//Authorization//

Informs, whether secure access is permitted or forbidden (PATS operations are allowed).

PATS types

//Timed:// Delay of approx. 10 minutes is required before coding

//Coded:// Requires challenge-response INCODE/OUTCODE authorization (you can obtain INCODEs using https://www.patscode.com/ or through Ford ETIS service)

//Minimum number of keys:// Minimum number of programmed keys required for correct function of PATS (car won't start if less then required number of keys is programmed).

//Number of coded keys:// Current number of programmed keys. Number should be equal to or greater than previous value, in other case trouble codes will appear fault code memory.

//It is very important to have correct type of transponder for every model and minimal number of keys.//

PATS unlocking

Before any operation with PATS you have to get access to PATS ECU.

In coding access you see window asking for OUTCODE/INCODE.

The coded PATS generates a so-called OUTCODE, which requires a so-called INCODE, which is dependent on a specific vehicle and generated OUTCODE.

PATS unlocking is performed before any operation automatically, you do not have to use FCOM “PATS Login” function. The PATS Login is used only for test purposes (to verify correctness of incode) and some special operations.

//For each OUTCODE, which control unit generates, is necessary to get a unique INCODE. Using one and the same INCODE during more operations with PATS is not possible.//

INCODE can be obtained at https://www.patscode.com/ or using Ford ETIS service.

Please note that PATSCode.com service doesn't support yet a 2011+ Ford Mondeo/S-Max/Galaxy/Focus and C-Max vehicles that use different system. For such vehicles you need to obtain the INCODE using other source such as Ford ETIS.

Timed PATS starts the countdown automatically. Program cannot speed-up the countdown, it fully depends on the control unit.

You can cancel the running countdown by clicking on Cancel button. While FCOM is waiting for control unit to unlock, it communicates with control unit and therefore ignition has to be switched ON.

A dialog waiting for the completion of the operation (programming, clearing, etc.) is displayed afterwards. Operations are described in following chapters.

Then press //Cancel// button to start coding procedure. If you are changing key, ignition must not be switched off for more than 10 seconds.

Erase keys procedure

Clears all coded keys and programs 2 new keys.

//As long as minimal number of keys required by PCM isn't programmed, engine may not start. Fault code memory will show error stating that less than minimum required keys is programmed.//

If you fail to correctly program keys after running Erase keys procedure, you can try to add keys one-by-one using function "Program (add) a new key".

New key programming procedure

“Pairing” PATS Control Units

For vehicles that use multiple ECUs for PATS system (e.g. PCM and IPC, BCM RKE or SCIL), ECUs need to contain same vehicle security data. For this purpose FCOM provides “PATS Pairing” function, which is available coding menu of non-PCM ECU (IPC, BCM, SCIL or RKE). The function is available only on coded PATS.

PATS pairing requires obtaining two INCODE/OUTCODE pairs of both ECUs involved in PATS system.

PATS pairing function is now available also on UDS protocol.

Some vehicles have also ABS involved in PATS system. In that case to re-code changed ABS, it must be paired as well. ABS PATS pairing happens either during PCM - BCM (IPC) pairing, or there is a separate coding procedure available in BCM.

Supported multi-ECU PATS systems:

Click here to view full listing

Common PATS fault codes

Problems not related to PATS

PATS system types

A&B: Stand Alone Module (PATS)

C: Instrument Cluster

D: Steering Column Ignition Lock Module (SCIL)

E: Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

F: Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

G: Instrument Cluster Module (ICM)

Type of transceivers (active antennas)