Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 1

2003 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT

Anti-Theft-PATS - F150 Pickup 

SPECIFICATIONS 

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS 

Fig. 1: Anti-Theft - Pats Torque Specifications 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 

ANTI-THEFT - PATS 

The passive anti-theft system (PATS) contains the following components: 

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theft indicator  

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encoded ignition key  

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transceiver module  

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instrument cluster  

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powertrain control module (PCM)  

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standard corporate protocol (SCP) communication network  

The PATS uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a driveaway theft. Passive means that it does 
not require any activity from the user. This system is known as SecuriLock(R) in North America, Safeguard(R) 
in the U.K. and PATS in continental Europe. This information can be found in owners literature. 

The PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently installed 
electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic identification code, with 
over 72 million billion combinations. 

Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into the vehicle's instrument cluster (the instrument cluster is 
also known as a hybrid electronic cluster [HEC]), before it can be used to start the engine. There are special 
diagnostic procedures outlined in the workshop instruction that must be carried out if new encoded ignition keys 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Anti-Theft-PATS - F150 Pickup

  

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Anti-Theft-PATS - F150 Pickup

  

are to be installed. 

The encoded key is larger than a traditional ignition key. The key does not require batteries and should last the 
life of the vehicle. 

The transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key. This module is located behind the 
steering column shroud and contains an antenna connected to a small electronics module. During each vehicle 
start sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends the data to 
the instrument cluster. 

The control functions are contained in the instrument cluster. This module carries out all of the PATS functions 
such as receiving the identification code from the encoded ignition key and controlling engine enable. The 
instrument cluster initiates the key interrogation sequence when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to RUN or 
START. 

The PATS uses the PCM to enable or disable the engine. The instrument cluster communicates with the PCM 
over the SCP network in order to enable engine operation. The instrument cluster and the PCM use 
sophisticated messages in order to prevent a theft. The instrument cluster and the PCM share security data 
(when first installed together) that makes them a matched pair. After this security data sharing, these modules 
will not function in other vehicles. The shared PCM ID is remembered even if the battery is disconnected. The 
instrument cluster also stores the vehicle's key identification code even if the battery is disconnected. There are 
special diagnostic procedures outlined in this workshop instruction that may be carried out if either a new 
instrument cluster or PCM needs to be installed. 

All elements of PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components are not 
working correctly, the vehicle will not start. 

PATS uses a visual theft indicator. This indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is 
turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS problem, this indicator will either flash 
rapidly or glow steadily (for more than three seconds) when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. 
PATS also "blips" the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual theft deterrent. 

The PATS is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from 
outside the vehicle. These systems may reduce the vehicle security level, and also may cause no-start issues. 
Remote start systems must be removed before investigation of PATS-related no-start issues. 

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING 

ANTI-THEFT 

Refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER for schematic and connector information. 

Refer to ANTI-THEFT for schematic and connector information. 

Special Tool(s) 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Anti-Theft-PATS - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 2: Identifying Anti-Theft Special Tool(s) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Inspection and Verification 

1. Verify the customer concern by duplicating the condition.  

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage. 

NOTE:

The Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) module must be reconsidered upon 
replacement of the instrument cluster. Refer to the diagnostic tool help screen 
on the configuration card to program.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Anti-Theft-PATS - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 3: Visual Inspection Chart 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

3. If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector (DLC) 

located beneath the instrument panel and select the vehicle to be tested from the tool menu. If the 
diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle: 

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check that the program card is properly installed.  

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check the connections to the vehicle.  

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check the ignition switch position.  

4. If scan tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the scan tool instruction.  

5. Carry out the DATA LINK DIAGNOSTICS TEST. If diagnostic tool responds with: 

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CKT914, CKT915 or CKT70 = ALL ECUS NO RESP/NOT EQUIP, refer to MODULE 
COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - F150 .  

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NO RESP/NOT EQUIP for instrument cluster module, go to Pinpoint Test A.  

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SYSTEM PASSED, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the 
continuous DTCs and carry out self-test diagnostics for the instrument cluster module.  

6. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 

Index to continue diagnostics.  

7. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics.  

Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Anti-Theft-PATS - F150 Pickup