1998 Ford Ranger PATS lockout

[oldcrowalki]

Thanks for posting a solution---too many times we never know if truck got fixed or not, or what was the cure. Still curious if you figured out if you have PATS keys or not.

 

[98RangerVet]

I have 98 ranger 4.0/6/4wd and it won't start but flashes the theft light and alarm will trigger randomly. I've sorta tried some of the procedures seen in throughout this thread but still not good. Can help me out? I have only the 1 standard key.

 

[98RangerVet]

I have 98 ranger 4.0/6/4wd and it won't start but flashes the theft light and alarm will trigger randomly. I've sorta tried some of the procedures seen in throughout this thread but still not good. Can help me out? I have only the 1 standard key.

I show flashing "theft" light at 2 second(ish) interval.

 

[97RangerXLT]

I didn't think 98 had PATS...i think that came after 2000...my 97 has an antitheft module from the factory, maybe that is what is going ape on your truck.

Is the head of your key bulky or just look like a plastic coated metal part?

AJ

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I believe PATs in the Ranger started in 99, but the Explorer started with it in 98. It will have a large plastic head if it’s PATs unless the system has somehow been fooled like taping a chip key inside the steering column.

 

[Dirtman]

PATS started in the rangers in 1999 only on V6 trucks. But it wouldn't surprise me if a late production 98 ended up getting it...

 

[98RangerVet]

The key I have is a small headed key with just the black plastic cover. My red theft light is flashing at a 1.5 sec interval. I did the reset procedure yesterday of turning key from stop to on 8 times until heard doorlocks cycle then turned to run position and waited like 5 min. The theft light never changed its flashing routine but truck did start. When I opened my drivers side door, the alarm went off and hd to disconnect battery to shutoff. I have not been able to replicate the process to start truck since.