PATS Questions

[RodneyBur]

Does anyone know what happens when you stick a key in a car that has had the ECU switched and has not been reprogrammed?

Does the car accessories come on at all?



I bought an SVT ECU which came with the chip that was in the orginal KEYS. I replaced the chip in my keys with that one. I put my "new key" in the car and turn the key. All my accessories have power, but the starter doesn't turn over. I'm trying to find out if it is the PATS system, or possible starter grounding issues. The reason I ask is there is a wad of wires that were spliced in the dash and that could be a possible cause too. There was also a kill switch put on the car and removed at some point.

[wadespencer99]

Once I accidently put my F150 key in my Cougar and tried to start it. The starter engaged and the engine would roll over, but of course it wouldn't start. After a couple seconds of having a WTF moment wondering why my car wasn't starting, I realized I had the wrong keys.

[ignernt]

The new ECU has to be reprogrammed for your keys. Everything will come on, but turning the key does nothing if you swapped your ECU, I know from experience. Luckily I knew it would do this beforehand and swapped the ECU's in the parking lot of the dealership.

[RodneyBur]

ARE you sure everything comes on. Cause it seems like if it didnt recognize the key then nothing would come on. Like i said I have the chip from the orignal keys and the ECU is programmed for them.

[ignernt]

Something isn't gelling. That's exactly how it acts when it doesn't recognize the keys.

[RodneyBur]

OK I just wanted to be sure. Thanks.

[Rikenbomb]

Is your dash light flashing?

[Blackcoog]

Yup it's PAT's. You have to bring it to a dealer and have them program the keys.

[doublebacker4l69]

so, over the five months this swap thing has been taking...I've lost my keys throughout the mess, and now I need new keys. The dealership said $120 for everything: 2 keys ($30 a piece) and the programming ($60)...does anyone know of any cheaper way I can get this done?

[RodneyBur]

you can save a little and buy the keys on ebay or another cheaper alternative place other than the dealer. The 60 install is a good price. My cheapest place was 40 and another dealer a block away wanted 80.

If you are still using your orginal ECU that had two keys programmed in it you really only need one key as long as they install one key and don't erase the orginal two. The car MUST have at least two keys programmed for it to start. But I would just spend the extra 15 and get the second key, erase the orginal two and install the two. I stayed accertive and have three keys for my car, just in case I lose one or whatever. I think I payed 16 a key from someone on the boards. Ive seen em on ebay for around 15-20, but they are an aftermarket manufacturer.