Ford Excursion passive antitheft system (PATS) fix
From time to time I post repairs to problems that crop up older vehicles in the hope that it could benefit somebody. We keep our equipment for ever. Being able to diagnose and repair things is obviously key to keeping them on the road and our wallets in tact.
Test subject: 2001 Ford Excursion XLT
112K miles
6.8 liter/ V-10
Prolonged exposure to beach environment/ salt air
Problem: Anit theft light in instrument cluster would flash quickly.Yet it would still allow vehicle to barley turn over enough to start. System can fully disable vehicle ignition leaving you stranded.
*Thought I should address this issue promptly before the PATS system would disable ignition entirely.
In doing some research on the PATS system the control module in 2000-07 is contained in the PCM/ powertrain control module. The PCM sticks thru the firewall and all the connections are from the engine/ firewall side.It is located just below and to the right of the master cylinder. There are three other connection clusters next to it that are square. The PCM is rectangular in shape. I figured I would disconnect, clean and check the connector. The connector can be removed as one whole unit that is held on with a single 10mm bolt. To make access easier I removed the front tire and the fender liner to access from the bottom. The fender liner come out slowly. I took my time and kept all the hardware in a plastic cup. I disconnected the negative post of the battery then removed and cleaned the PCM connector. The other three square ones were removed and cleaned as well since I was already in there. They were cleaned with CRC eletrical connector cleaner. Once the connections were completely dry they were reassembled. Upon reassembly and testing,the original problem appears to be fixed and has not returned.
I already had the spray so total repair cost was $0.
In doing the research if your system does fail and will not allow your vehicle to start others have found success with moving the gear shifter slightly while still in park and turning the key at the same time. Still others found success in moving the shifter from park to neutral and back with foot on brake ofcourse then trying the key once its firmly back in park. These tips may alteast get you home.
Hope this helps someone.
Sorry for the long post.
Test subject: 2001 Ford Excursion XLT
112K miles
6.8 liter/ V-10
Prolonged exposure to beach environment/ salt air
Problem: Anit theft light in instrument cluster would flash quickly.Yet it would still allow vehicle to barley turn over enough to start. System can fully disable vehicle ignition leaving you stranded.
*Thought I should address this issue promptly before the PATS system would disable ignition entirely.
In doing some research on the PATS system the control module in 2000-07 is contained in the PCM/ powertrain control module. The PCM sticks thru the firewall and all the connections are from the engine/ firewall side.It is located just below and to the right of the master cylinder. There are three other connection clusters next to it that are square. The PCM is rectangular in shape. I figured I would disconnect, clean and check the connector. The connector can be removed as one whole unit that is held on with a single 10mm bolt. To make access easier I removed the front tire and the fender liner to access from the bottom. The fender liner come out slowly. I took my time and kept all the hardware in a plastic cup. I disconnected the negative post of the battery then removed and cleaned the PCM connector. The other three square ones were removed and cleaned as well since I was already in there. They were cleaned with CRC eletrical connector cleaner. Once the connections were completely dry they were reassembled. Upon reassembly and testing,the original problem appears to be fixed and has not returned.
I already had the spray so total repair cost was $0.
In doing the research if your system does fail and will not allow your vehicle to start others have found success with moving the gear shifter slightly while still in park and turning the key at the same time. Still others found success in moving the shifter from park to neutral and back with foot on brake ofcourse then trying the key once its firmly back in park. These tips may alteast get you home.
Hope this helps someone.
Sorry for the long post.
