Won't start, is it pats system?

[Jay11]

1999 Ranger 4.0 4x4 85k miles.
Truck is rarely driven. I crank it once a month, drive it one block and back. Battery is dead and had to jump it back in November with wifey's C240 with a new battery. Last week I went to jump it again and it won't start even though it's turning. Then I noticed the keyfobs weren't un/locking the doors. Maybe this is the issue. Where should I start at least so I can make sure the pats system is working properly and recognizing the keyfobs?

 

[fastpakr]

Does the anti theft light flash when you try to start?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

The key fobs to unlock/lock doors are a separate system than the actual ignition key/PATS.

I’d start with checking fuses and seeing what the anti-theft light is doing.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

The keyfobs need new batteries.

I think you have another issue besides PATS. If the truck didn't recognize the key, it wouldn't even turn over. The anti-theft light on the dash would simply flash instead, and the starter wouldn't engage.

 

[fastpakr]

The keyfobs need new batteries.

I think you have another issue besides PATS. If the truck didn't recognize the key, it wouldn't even turn over. The anti-theft light on the dash would simply flash instead, and the starter wouldn't engage.

I think that varies by year/incarnation of PATS, but might be misremembering.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I think that varies by year/incarnation of PATS, but might be misremembering.

My '02 F-150 didn't care about the fobs for starting, just went by a chip in the key. Mom's 02 Explorer was the same.

Fobs may need batteries to lock/unlock the doors. Likely a separate issue.

 

[fastpakr]

My '02 F-150 didn't care about the fobs for starting, just went by a chip in the key. Mom's 02 Explorer was the same.

Fobs may need batteries to lock/unlock the doors. Likely a separate issue.

I should have trimmed what I quoted in the response. Didn’t mean anything re the fobs. I was saying (trying at least) that the way PATS responds to an invalid key is inconsistent. If memory serves, some years the truck will crank without starting, others it won’t crank at all.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I should have trimmed what I quoted in the response. Didn’t mean anything re the fobs. I was saying (trying at least) that the way PATS responds to an invalid key is inconsistent. If memory serves, some years the truck will crank without starting, others it won’t crank at all.

Yes, my '02 would crank but not fire with my dummy wallet key.