Anti-theft bypass

[mruysch]

Got a 2002 ford ranger and was wondering if there is any way to get rid of the anti theft so I don't need to get a special key cut. Truck has the 4 cylinder and 5 speed manual with manual locks and windows

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Even if there was we can't tell.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Some things just really aren’t good topics.

Best bet is to get a locksmith or dealer to help you out. They can make and program new keys if you lost yours.

 

[RonD]

No, there is no way to by-pass PATS(passive anti-theft system), not even car thieves can do it, they can add new keys with a laptop if they want to steal a vehicle with PATS
Same as a locksmith or Ford Dealer would do

A PATS key has a unique "number" in its handle, a long number, lol
That number is programmed into the PATS/Computer memory at the factory, well 2 or 3 numbers for the 2 or 3 keys that come with new vehicle
When you turn the key on the "number" on the key is read and compared to the "numbers" in memory, if a match is found then you can start engine, no match then no start
No Start means no Fuel Injectors, and no way to by-pass no injectors, you can by-pass no starter motor, and even no fuel pump, but no injectors....................no work around for that, well maybe switching to a carburetor, lol

But you don't have to pay a lot to have spare keys
If you have 1 "working key" you can have that key CLONED, any locksmith can do that in house they don't need to get into the vehicle
Locksmith will have BLANK PATS keys not cut and no "number"
He can cut new key to match your locks just like any key
Then he can READ your keys "number" and then WRITE that "number" to the blank key
So now you have 2 keys with the same "number" so either can start the engine
And you can have a 3rd one made the same way


Most locksmiths can also cut PATS keys for locks then ADD these new key "numbers" to PATS memory, they need to hookup laptop to vehicle to do this and it can take up to an hour so costs a bit more

Adding new keys takes a while as a theft deterrent, thieves usually don't want to hang around 45min to an hour while new keys are added , but that is the only "by-pass" to steal the vehicle

 

[mruysch]

I was just curious if it was doable. Kinda figured it wasn't

 

[scotts90ranger]

If you have a stock key some people will just zip tie it around the PATS ring (I think, haven't gotten there myself... might on the explorer I only have one key for though...) then just convert to the standard keys or whatever... but what they're getting at on completely bypassing it without a stock key is more complicated and I haven't gotten a good answer either

 

[mruysch]

If you have a stock key some people will just zip tie it around the PATS ring (I think, haven't gotten there myself... might on the explorer I only have one key for though...) then just convert to the standard keys or whatever... but what they're getting at on completely bypassing it without a stock key is more complicated and I haven't gotten a good answer either

My locksmith I use suggested to try that. It didn't work

 

[RonD]

Yes, has to be in just the right spot and even then it can be finicky
The transceiver(loop antenna) thats around the key slot is made to read the key handle directly in front of it
Its an RFID system, so no batteries needed in the key part
When you turn on the key the transceiver sends out a radio pulse then "listens"
The radio pulse gives the RFID tag in the handle just enough power to transmit its "number"
The transceiver picks that "number" up for the PATS module
PATS module either says "yea or nay" to the "number"

So there are few things that can go wrong with key not in the center of the transceiver
Keys RFID tag doesn't get enough power to transmit, or not enough power to transmit the whole number
The number is garbled because transceiver doesn't get all of it because it's off center


Best thing for that "fix" is to pull off the transceiver from around the key slot and move to under the dash and plug it back in, then tape the "working key" inside it

But if you have a "working key" cloning is not that expensive, and you still have the protection of PATS

 

[mruysch]

I have a working key. So I will someday get another key

 

[2011Supercab]

I have a working key. So I will someday get another key

The sooner the better,

If you lose your one and only key, you're screwed.

You will have to pay a mobile locksmith to come to you, or have your truck towed to a locksmith or Ford dealer.

 

[ummduh]

In some vehicles PATS can be permanently removed via getting a custom "tune" for the PCM. Not every vehicle/PCM is supported though.

 

[RonD]

Yes, 1999 thru 2003 PATS key test can be removed from Computer, 1999/2000 you also have to remove/unplug PATS module above glove box and ground the starter relay wire thats on that module

2004, 2006-2011 PATS is in the instrument cluster, I have no doubt it could be disable by new computer software but there is also a Cluster computer "handshake" with key on besides the PATS key test which has to be left as is or no start, this was to prevent people swapping in lower mile odometers

2005 Rangers didn't have PATS, licensing issue

1998 Rangers with V6 engines had PATS as a pay extra option, and not many takers, but it can be removed same as 1999/2000 models

1999-2001 4cyl 2.5l Rangers also didn't have PATS, the 2001 and up 2.3l DOHC did, except 2005

Not sure why the brouhaha about PATS, it is a PASSIVE anti-theft system so can't wake you up at 3AM by a bird pooping on the windshield, lol
Its just a key
If you lost your last key on any vehicle you are screwed, so have a spare key

 

[JoshT]

@RonD I don't think it's so much about discouraging him from removing PATs, or saything that it can't be done, but I'm not going to give a play by play right here in the open forum on how to do it. Especially to someone with practically no history on the forum. Sure he's been a member since 2011, but only 6 post record.

It can be removed. The information on doing so is out there spread around this and various forums. I'm not going to post in this thread how I think its done, that's just making it even easier for someone's drughead neighbor to steal the truck with a quick google search. Also if he goes and finds the answer to disabling it (or reads an article in the tech library), he'd also have the answer to getting cheap keys and keeping PATS working.

 

[RonD]

Easier to break into the house and grab the keys

There is no way to disable PATS, and removing it takes way too long
Its a good anti-theft system

 

[superj]

2004, 2006-2011 PATS is in the instrument cluster, I have no doubt it could be disable by new computer software but there is also a Cluster computer "handshake" with key on besides the PATS key test which has to be left as is or no start, this was to prevent people swapping in lower mile odometers

so these owners got screwed the worst if something happens and their key is gone or their truck is broken into and the cluster is damaged?