Electronic security in mustang

[Looney]

My car isn't starting up, and i had my dad take a look at it, and he think it's the electronic security that reads the chip in my keys.

First, what is this called, so i can google it?

Is there a way to reset this?

If not, is this fixable myself?

How much would it cost to fix/replace something like that?

 

[c3p0]

I think they are called coded keys. Can't answer your other questions. I would check with your local dealership.

c3p0
:beer:

 

[Zenmervolt]

Ford's branding is "SecuriLock", and it is also generically called PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System).

No, it cannot be "re-set". A new key can be programmed, but that requires the system to recognize the current keys.

Technically everything on a car is fixable by yourself, but this is one of those cases where, if it truly is the PATS that is malfunctioning, you'll want a dealer to look at it if the car is a '98 or newer.

No idea on the cost.

You need to test this yourself though. A PATS failure is incredibly rare. If it truly is the PATS that is causing the car not to start, the "Theft" or "Security" light on the dashboard will flash faster than normal.

Information on associating keys with the PATS system: http://www.fordf150.net/howto/patskey.php

ZV

 

[Looney]

It's not the key that's the problem, i have multiple sets and none of them work. But it seems to be the electronic system that reads the key, it's just not unlocking the starter.

You need to test this yourself though. A PATS failure is incredibly rare. If it truly is the PATS that is causing the car not to start, the "Theft" or "Security" light on the dashboard will flash faster than normal.

Yep, that's exactly what's happening.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Looney
It's not the key that's the problem, i have multiple sets and none of them work. But it seems to be the electronic system that reads the key, it's just not unlocking the starter.

I have heard of the antenna that reads the keys RFID chip going bad and if that's the case, it may not be too bad. But even if the antenna has gone bad, it should still be making the "Theft" light on the dashboard flash quickly when you try to start the car.

EDIT: Didn't see your edit. Definitely the PATS not being able to read the key. It may just be the RFID antenna in the ignition switch, which would hopefully not be terrible to replace.

ZV

 

[exdeath]

Check for codes in the computer related to anti-theft and try disconnecting your battery for a few minutes and reconnecting it.

I just recently had something similar replacing an alternator on my 03 Cobra and afterword the car would crank over but not start and when I checked the computer there was an anti theft P code (think it was P1624 Anti theft system). Cleared the code, disconnected and reconnected the battery (again) and everything started right up.

It wouldn't be blocking the starter from spinning though, unless there are variations that I'm not aware of. On my 03 that is an external hard circuit between the ignition switch and the starter that has nothing to do with the anti-theft system. The PATS system just disables the electronic fuel injection and ignition from firing by completely disabling the engine computer.

Totally unrelated and nothing to do with your problem but another thing to keep in mind for future no start troubleshooting that is common is the fuel cutoff switch in the left side of the trunk that can pop. It works similarly to a circuit breaker and needs to be reset if that's the case.

 

[Looney]

Thanks for the suggestion on that, i'll give it a shot when the heat cools down a little.