Losing your car keys has to be one of the most annoying things ever. As car and key technology improves, losing your keys has become an even bigger pain. Most modern vehicles like Ford models have anti-theft security systems connected to the keys. If you ever lose your Ford key, your biggest worry would be how to bypass Ford’s PATS without a key.
Unlike a traditional key or a key fob, transponder keys are highly technical. If you lost a traditional key, you could call a locksmith to help fix the lock. Key fobs are readily available on the aftermarket. However, these keys make your car susceptible to theft attacks. To fix the problem of car theft, auto manufacturers are using smart keys and transponder keys for their vehicles.
Transponder keys are ignition keys with an embedded computer chip. The working mechanism of transponder keys uses a wireless connection between the key and the ignition. If you lose your transponder keys, you can’t just go and get a new one. You’d have to tow your car, preferably to the dealership.
To get a new transponder key, you must show proof of ownership. Then, the dealer has to program your new key and connect it to your car. As you may know, this process can take up to two days. If you don’t want to go through this hassle, you can bypass Ford’s PATS without a key. Here’s how to do it.
What is Ford’s PATS system?
Car manufacturers now use specific anti-theft systems in their cars. PATS (Passive Anti-theft System), also known as SecuriLock is Ford’s security system. Ford started using the system in 1996, and since then, they’ve made many improvements.
The Ford PATS system uses engine immobilizer technology. Ford cars with the PATS system are safe from hot wiring. Some countries, such as Germany, the UK, Australia, Canada, and Finland, have laws mandating carmakers to use immobilizer systems.
According to the Economic Journal, immobilizer systems have reduced car theft by at least 40%. However, immobilizer systems are not entirely theft-proof. Some chips used in the transponder keys are crackable.
How does Ford’s PATS system work?
Ford’s PATS system uses a straightforward concept to work. To start, Ford vehicles with the PATS anti-theft system have a transponder behind the steering column. A transponder is a device that receives radio frequency signals and transmits signals.
Then, there’s the transponder key. The transponder key is simply a key with a chip enclosed in its head. Each transponder key has a unique code. The key also transmits radio frequency.
When you insert the transponder key in the ignition, a short wireless communication occurs. The communication happens between the key and the transponder behind the steering column. Within seconds, the transmission is over.
If the steering column transponder recognizes the radio frequency in the transponder key, it allows the engine to start. When the steering column transponder doesn’t identify the key, the car won’t start. Pretty simple right?
Another cool thing about Ford’s PATS system is that you can’t lock the transponder key in the car. The PATS system can tell if the key is still in the car. That solves the problem of locking your key in the car and getting stranded.
Is there a way to bypass Ford’s theft system?
Yes, there is a way to bypass Ford’s theft system. Now, it’s essential to know that the Ford PATS system connects to the car’s Engine Control Module (ECM). If not done correctly, you can damage some electronics and trigger signs of a bad ECU.
If you’re trying to bypass the Ford theft system, know it’s temporary. Once you bypass the protective system, your car becomes an easy catch for thieves. Also, you need to understand the system properly.
Ford’s passive anti-theft system comprises components like a transponder key, theft indicator, instrument cluster, powertrain control module, and transceiver module. There’s also a communication network that handles communication between the steering column transponder and the transponder key.
How do you bypass the Ford theft system?
Typically, Ford’s theft system comprises the passive anti-theft system (PATS) or SecuriLock. If you bypass the PATS system, you’ve bypassed Ford’s theft system.
However, Ford has moved to add more advanced technology to their theft system. Early this year, Ford announced they had teamed up with ADT to produce the ‘Canopy.’
The Canopy is a monitoring anti-theft device that identifies threats made to a car. ADT’s Canopy system will send reports of threats to the driver’s phone. With advanced technology, the system can detect suspicious movements of people around the vehicle.
The canopy consists of technology such as acoustic sensors, radar, LTE, GPS, and a camera. The anti-theft system hasn’t made it, and Ford models yet, but Ford will likely use it someday.
How do you bypass the passive anti-theft system?
If you lost your keys or your vehicle isn’t responding to the transponder key, you might want to try bypassing the system. However, this bypass is not permanent. You still have to get proper keys.
What you need to bypass Ford’s PATS
To bypass Ford’s passive anti-theft system, you need tools such as:
- Original transponder key
- New steel key
- Flathead screwdriver
- Electrical tape
Steps to bypass Ford’s PATS
Now, let’s get into how to bypass Ford’s passive anti-theft system (PATS).
- First, make sure you have the original or transponder key. If you don’t have the key, you can use the chip.
- Then, it would be best if you had new steel keys to make copies. If the keys are not the same in shape and size as the transponder key, you will have to cut them. You will use the copy key on the ignition.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to open the transponder key and get the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip. Be careful with this step so you don’t ruin the transponder key.
- Once you get the RFID chip, you can bypass the PATS system.
- Get the chip and place it close to the ignition. Keep repositioning the chip until the car cranks. If the car starts cranking, you should know that the vehicle is responding to the chip.
- Once you identify the area that responds to the transponder chip, use the electric tape to secure it.
- Next, you can insert your copied steel key into the ignition and start your car.
Can you bypass the Ford passive anti-theft system without a key?
No, you can’t. Ford’s PATS system prevents anyone from starting the vehicle without a transponder key.
If you don’t have the original transponder or chip, you have to call your dealership for assistance. You can also buy a new transponder key and program it. However, the PATS II system only allows you to program a new key if you have an original key.
Without two transponder keys (both the old and new ones), you can’t program a transponder by yourself. You can go to the dealership, and they’ll assist you in programming the new key.
If you want to program the new key yourself, you can buy a key programming machine.
How do I disable my transponder without a key?
If you have a transponder chip key, you can easily disable your transponder. The process can take as little as 20-25 minutes. If you don’t have the transponder key, you’ll have to follow a more tricky process.
To disable your transponder with a key, you can follow the steps below:
- Insert your key into the ignition and set the key to ‘on.’
- Leave the key on the ignition for ten minutes, then set it ‘off.’
- Turn the ignition back to ‘on’ and let it stay for about ten minutes again before turning it ‘off.’
- Your key is clear, and you can now enter the programming sequence.
- Remove the key from the ignition without turning it ‘on.’ Voila! Your transponder key is now disabled.
What if you don’t have a key and still want to disable your transponder?
Well, you can use a transponder bypass kit. A bypass kit is probably the safest way to disable your transponder without a key.
You can get a transponder bypass kit or a bypass module at mechanic retail shops. These kits are affordable. Depending on the brand, you can spend between $10-$20.
A transponder bypass module is a device that mimics your car’s key and acts as a safe way to remote-start your vehicle. While buying a transponder bypass kit, you can choose between a regular or universal kit.
Also, some bypass kits and modules require you to have a spare key. Make sure the one you buy doesn’t need a spare key to work.
Pros of bypassing the Ford PATS system
The first pro of bypassing the Ford PATS system is that it saves money. If you don’t want to spend money on a new key, you can just easily bypass the system. It’s similar to the matter of how to unlock car door without a key in case you’ve lost your car key.
Bypassing the PATS system is a quick solution if you’ve lost your key. The entire process is quite simple, and you can do it in a very short time.
Cons of bypassing the Ford PATS system
In the end, bypassing the PATS system is just a temporary fix. You’ll still have to get a more permanent solution. When you bypass Ford’s security system, your car becomes vulnerable to theft.
Our take
Although the process is tricky, you can bypass Ford’s PATS system without a key. You can also disable your transponder without a key. The passive anti-theft system protects your car, and once you bypass it, your vehicle becomes a sitting duck waiting for thieves. In addition, bypassing the security system is only a temporary solution to your problem.
