Range of PATs keys.

[Dirtman]

I had no idea where to post this so feel free to move it...

I dont currently have a non PATS key to test this. How far away will the chip from a programmed pats key work? For example if you have a working programmed PATs key in your pocket and try to start the truck with a regular non chipped key will it still start? I know people have duck taped PATS keys to the column to use regular keys and it works but whats the limit?

Reason I ask, if I hide a key to my truck somehwere like under the bed or something and someone tried to steal it would the transponder reach that far?

 

[adsm08]

The range of the keys is very short and Faraday shielded. The chip in the key needs a power source to function, and gets that power inductively through the antenna.

A second PATS key on your key ring is close enough to cause interference. A key taped to the underside of the column can allow the vehicle to start if positioned properly. A key in your pocket is unlikely to work. A key in a hide-a-key or otherwise attached to the outside of the body will not allow the vehicle to start.

Even the self powered keys for push-button start have a pretty limited range. In something like a Flex or Expedition there is a dead zone in the center of the vehicle that is out of range of both receivers, a really fat person could theoretically get the key out of range by having it their left pocket, and if you hold the key out the window it won't work.

 

[Otis413]

I was just experimenting with this last week, very very short range. I had a non-PATS key in the switch and my regular PATS key in different places to test. The only way it would work was if I has the PATS key practically touching the antenna (Plastic ring around the key cylinder under the steering column cover).

The only other way I could get the non-PATS key to work (without holding the working PATS key against the antenna) was to make a "loop antenna extension" using 26g speaker wire, see pic, I'm making up a guide on how to do this, it's a work in progress...

 

[Dirtman]

Awesome thats all I needed to know!

Speaking of those ridiculous wireless fob key gizmos I was driving a lincoln mkz the other day and wondered what would happen if you hit the engine stop/start button while driving... i figured there must be a safety feature to prevent this. NOPE! I almost died since not only did the engine shut off but the steering wheel locked. Smart engineering ford...

 

[txgocartB3000#2]

Might be a good way to thin out the gene pool.

Ray