SecuriLock, also known as Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), is Ford Motor Company's immobilizer technology. In 1996 the technology started showing up on select models of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. The keys have a radio frequency transponder embedded in the plastic head with a unique electronic identification code.
System
When the vehicle is started, the on-board computer sends out an RF signal which is picked up by the transponder in the key. The transponder then returns a unique RF signal to the vehicle's computer, giving it confirmation to start and continue to run. This all happens in less than a second. If the on-board computer does not receive the correct identification code certain components, such as the fuel pump and on some the starter, will remain disabled.
Replacement keys
Replacement keys can be purchased through the dealer or a 3rd party. The key must be compatible with the vehicle. Before the key can be used to start the vehicle it must be programmed. Programming can be done by inserting the original key(s) as well as the new key into the ignition.
With PATS I, programming of a new key can be done with just one working key. With PATS II, two working keys are required for reprogramming. This helped ensure that only the owner of the vehicle can make duplicate keys. If a second working key is not available programming will need to be performed by the dealer.
History
For the 1999 model year, all Ford Motor Company vehicles equipped with the Passive Anti-Theft System use the PATS II system. The PATS II system was introduced on roughly half of the PATS equipped vehicles for the 1998 model year. The other half of the PATS equipped vehicles for the 1998 model year were equipped with the PATS I system. Many 2000 and later Ford vehicles use the E-PATS system, which uses an encrypted transponder in the key.
List of equipped vehicles
PATS I equipped vehicles include the following.
- 1998 Contour V6 Duratec
- 1996-1997 Mustang
- 1996-1997 Taurus LX and SHO
- 1997-1998 Expedition
- 1997 Mark VIII
- 1998 Mystique LS
- 1997-1998 Navigator
- 1996-1997 Sable (Not all were included.)
PATS II equipped vehicles include the following:
- 2003-2005 Aviator
- 2002-2003 Blackwood
- 2006 Mark LT
- 1998-2007 Mustang
- 1998-2006 Taurus LX, SE, and SHO
- 1998-2007 Explorer
- 1999-2006 Expedition
- 2000-2005 Excursion
- 2001-2012 Escape
- 2013 Escape
- 2000-2007 Focus
- 1998-2002 Continental
- 1998-2006 Crown Victoria
- 1999-2004 Ranger V6 (In 2006, all Rangers were included.)
- 1999-2014 F150 and F250 LD
- 1999-2000 Contour V6
- 1999-2004 Windstar
- 1999-2006 Navigator
- 1998-2006 Town Car
- 2005-2006 Mariner
- 2003-2004 Marauder
- 1999-2002 Cougar
- 1998-2006 Grand Marquis
- 1999-2006 LS6 and LS8
- 2006 Milan
- 1997-1998 Mark VIII
- 1998-2007 Mountaineer
- 2005-2006 Montego
- 2004-2006 Monterey
- 1999-2000 Mystique LS
- 1998-2005 Sable
- 2002-2005 Thunderbird
- 2006–present Fusion
- 2005–present Freestyle
- 2004–present Freestar
- 2005-2006 GT
- 2005-2007 Five-Hundred
- 2006 Zephyr/MKZ
- 2010 Ford Figo