Saving money on car maintenance is always a win, and programming your Ford PATS key at home is a perfect example. Dealerships often charge a hefty fee for this simple procedure, sometimes upwards of $50, but with the right instructions, you can easily do it yourself. This guide will walk you through the process of How To Program A Ford Pats Key In The Car, saving you both time and money.
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s understand what a PATS key is and why it’s essential for your Ford vehicle. PATS, short for Passive Anti-Theft System (also known as SecuriLock by Ford), is a security feature present in most modern Ford vehicles. It’s designed to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the starter unless a specifically programmed key is used. Think of it as an electronic handshake between your key and your car. Inside each PATS key is a tiny computer chip, also called a transponder. Without this chip properly programmed to your vehicle, even a perfectly cut, regular (non-PATS) key won’t start your car. This is a crucial security measure to protect your vehicle from unauthorized use.
These programming instructions are generally applicable to a wide range of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Here’s a list of models that commonly use these procedures:
| Ford Contour ‘98–up | F-150 ‘98-up | Ford Crown Victoria ’97-up | Ford Escort 99-up | Ford Excursion ‘00-up | Ford Expedition ‘98–up | Ford Explorer ’98-up | Ford Focus ‘00-up | Ford Mustang ’96-up | Ford Ranger ’98-up | Ford Taurus ’96-up | Ford Windstar ’98-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Continental ’98-up | Lincoln LS ’00-up | Lincoln Mark VIII ’98-up | Lincoln Navigator ’98-up | Lincoln Town Car ’98-up | Mercury Grand Marquis ’97-up | Mercury Mountaineer ’98-up | Mercury Mystique ’98-up | Mercury Sable ’96-up |
It’s important to note that while this list is comprehensive, it might not be exhaustive, and applicability can vary by year and model. Always consult your owner’s manual or your Ford dealer to confirm compatibility for your specific vehicle.
Now, let’s get to the practical part: how to program your Ford PATS key in the car. There are different methods depending on the year of your Ford vehicle. We’ll cover two main on-board programming methods.
On-Board Programming Method “B” (for 1996 – Early 1998 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Vehicles)
This method is for older Ford models. Determine if your vehicle falls within this year range before proceeding.
Programming a New Master Key (Method B)
This procedure is for initiating a brand new master key, essentially resetting the key programming and making the new key the only programmed key.
- Insert and Turn: Place the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON (RUN) position. Do not start the engine.
- Observe Security Light (15 minutes): The security light on your dashboard will begin to flash. Let it flash continuously for fifteen minutes. This is a crucial waiting period for the system to recognize the new key.
- Second Ignition Cycle (5 minutes window): Once the security light stops flashing after 15 minutes, you have a five-minute window to proceed. Turn the ignition cylinder OFF and then immediately back to the ON (RUN) position. Again, do not start the engine. The security light will flash for another fifteen minutes.
- Third Ignition Cycle (5 minutes window): After the security light stops flashing for the second time, you again have a five-minute window. Turn the ignition cylinder OFF and then back to the ON (RUN) position for the third time. The security light will flash for a final fifteen minutes.
- Key Programmed: After the security light stops flashing for the third time, your new key is now programmed to your vehicle’s computer. It has replaced all previously programmed key codes and is now the only key recognized by your car.
Adding an Extra Key (Method B)
If you already have a working key and want to add a spare, follow these steps:
- Insert Existing Key: Insert your existing, working PATS key into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn On and Off: Turn the ignition cylinder to the ON (RUN) position and then immediately back to the OFF position.
- Remove and Insert New Key (within 15 seconds): Remove the existing key. Within 15 seconds of removing the working key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON (RUN) position.
- Success Indication: The security light on the dashboard will illuminate for two seconds. This light indicates that the new key has been successfully programmed to your vehicle.
- Wait Before Starting: Do not attempt to start the vehicle with any key for at least one minute after programming. This allows the system to fully recognize the new key.
On-Board Programming Method “C” (for Later 1998 – Newer Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Vehicles)
This method applies to newer Ford models, typically from late 1998 onwards. It’s important to determine the correct method for your vehicle’s year.
Programming a New Master Key (Method C)
Programming a master key for these newer models generally requires specialized dealer equipment. This is because the process involves erasing all existing key programming and setting up the vehicle’s computer to accept new key codes, which is a more complex procedure. It often involves two ten-minute delays while the dealer equipment communicates with your car’s computer. Typically, you should have at least two new keys ready, as the system often requires a minimum of two keys to be programmed during this master key initiation process. After the initial two keys are programmed with dealer equipment, you can usually add additional keys yourself using the “adding a key” procedure outlined below.
Adding an Extra Key (Method C)
For adding extra keys on these newer models, you’ll need two already working, original PATS keys. If you only have one working key, you will likely need to visit a dealership or a qualified locksmith to program additional keys.
- Insert First Existing Key: Insert one of your existing, working PATS keys into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn On and Off (1 Second Minimum): Turn the ignition cylinder to the ON (RUN) position and then back to the OFF position. Ensure the ignition stays in the ON position for at least one second.
- Insert Second Existing Key (within 10 seconds): Remove the first key. Within ten seconds of removing the first working key, insert your second working PATS key into the ignition cylinder. Turn it to the ON (RUN) position and then back to OFF. Again, ensure the ignition is in the ON position for at least one second, but no more than ten seconds. Remove this second key.
- Insert New Key (within 20 seconds): Before twenty seconds elapse after removing the second working key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON (RUN) position. Leave it in the ON position for at least one second and then turn back to OFF.
- Success Indication (3 Seconds Light): The security light on your dashboard will illuminate for three seconds. This indicates that the new key has been successfully programmed.
- Program Additional Keys (Repeat): To program more keys, simply repeat steps 1 through 5.
Important Precaution for All Methods:
Regardless of the method you use, it’s a good practice to wait at least one full minute after completing the programming procedure before attempting to start your vehicle with any key. This allows the vehicle’s computer system to fully register the newly programmed key.
By following these steps, you can confidently program your Ford PATS key in your car and avoid unnecessary dealership costs. Remember to always double-check the specific instructions for your vehicle’s year and model to ensure a smooth and successful programming process. If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any step, consulting your Ford owner’s manual or seeking professional assistance from a qualified locksmith or Ford dealership is always recommended.
