hi all,

i've spent several hours here, looking for a thread with answers to my problem, i've found some similar issues, and have tried many tips that i hoped would work for me, but so far i've not found any resolution.

so i bought a used 2004 ranger yesterday, mint condition, only 100,000 kms. it's in great shape, and everything works just fine, but there is one little bug with the dealer/factory installed remote starter.

after inserting key 1 and turning to on for 3 seconds, then key 2 and turning to on for 3 seconds, the one-way remote starter starts the ignition just as it's supposed to.... exactly one time. after i turn the truck ignition off, the remote starter won't work again unless i do the key 1/key 2 sequence again. from what i've read and learned here, i think the automatic starter interrupt automatically engages again each time i turn the ignition off, and i've not been able to figure out how to disarm this automatic function. maybe that's normal though, and the problem is something else entirely?

the status indicator flashes slowly, a couple of times i noticed a 1:3 pattern, which i know from reading here means a faulty pats key, but that has been intermittent and i think more a result of messing around with everything all afternoon. i'll be sure to get another key cut asap just in case tho. i've tried various procedures using the programming/override button, as detailed in the manual, using my key to unlock the door instead of the fob etc, as well as a few suggestions i found here. honestly i can't even remember anymore everything i've tried, it's all a blur now, lol....but nothing has resolved this issue. i'm convinced the solution is something simple and thus obvious, which is probably why i'm missing it

i apologize for my bad manners, i'm cj, and as often seems the case in my life lately, i find myself having to rely on the kindness of strangers to help me out. i rolled my gorgeous orange 2008 fx4 recently, i will miss that truck forever i think, but this little 2004 lovely makes me smile too, even though she's a much plainer jane, she's been beautifully maintained.

thank you for reading this, and thank you all in advance for any and all help, tips, advice, commiseration you can share.

:)

 

Welcome to the Forum

It reads like PATS(passive anti-theft system) is not able to read the "virtual key code" from the remote start unit a second time or it is not being saved in PATS memory after reprogramming.

The 1:3 PATS code means unable to read valid PATS code.

PATS uses a memory system that stores KEY IDs, each PATS key has an RFID Tag in its handle, these need no batteries, Google: Radio-frequency identification

When you insert a PATS key into the ignition and turn it on an antenna(wand) around the key slot sends out a radio burst, this gives the PATS key enough power to send back its unique ID code number which the antenna relays back to the PATS system.
The PATS system compares that ID number to a list of 8 numbers programmed into memory.
If it finds a match then it will allow starter motor and fuel system to work, if no match then theft light will flash rapidly and often with the 1:3 code, no match.

You can add PATS keys to computers memory yourself, in the method you described.
You need 2 working PATS keys
Insert one and turn it to on, allow 2 seconds for PATS test, then turn it off
Insert second PATS key and turn it on, same 2 seconds and turn it off
Now insert new PATS key and turn it on, PATS will now enter that new PATS key number into its memory.

For Remote Start Ford uses a Virtual PATS key inside the unit.
So same "add a PATS key" programming
But after doing the first 2 PATS keys you press the Remote Start button instead and that sends out its PATS number to the PATS system and it should be stored in PATS memory.

But in your case that isn't happening.

Not sure on 2004 PATS but some PATS setups needed to have memory cleared if they got up to 8 keys in memory, you couldn't add a 9th.
So memory needed to be cleared and then current keys added back plus Remote Start "key", then you could add 5 more as needed.

So could be the memory is just full and so it can't save the virtual key number.
On a 2004 there could have been a few lost keys over the years.
But just a guess on my part

Most Locksmiths have the Ford Software to clear and add PATS keys, they just plug in their laptop/tablet to OBDII port to do this, you could also get a 3rd PATS key at that time, in case you lose one, you need 2 working keys to add a 3rd yourself so.........if you lose 1 now you only have 1 left

 

hi ron,
thanks for the welcome, and thanks so much for your detailed response.

i just have a quick question/detail to add - the door lock/unlock buttons on the 2 remotes i have work flawlessly....so wouldn't that indicate that the pats system is indeed 'remembering' the remotes?

thanks also for the tip about getting a 3rd key cut, i actually have 2 uncut keys in my possession that i bought on ebay, i never got around to having them cut for my old ranger....i'll be doing that tomorrow, and programming them myself.

 

Door Lock/Unlock use RAP(remote access personality) module, or in 2004 it may be a Smart Junction Box(SJB) function.
PATS is strictly for engine start or no start anti-theft, it isn't an alarm or security system in that respect.

Good idea about the 3rd or 4th key, see if PATS can remember them, if so then my theory about the "virtual key" not being stored is wrong.

 

i also discovered just today, that if i start my truck and push the 'key' symbol button on the remote, i can remove the ignition key and the truck remains running.

i dunno. this thing has only a maximun 10 second crank anyway, which i doubt will be of much use in our canadian winter here. do you know if
the factory remote starter has to be removed to have a new 2way one put in, or is there a bypass module?

once again, i appreciate your help and suggestions, hope i'm not imposing on you too much.

 

yes, current 1-way module would need to come out.

Not sure if Ford had a 2-way for 2004 Ranger.

With 3rd party you would also need a By-pass module for PATS, Ford models included that but as far as I know it can not be used with 3rd party Remote start.

 

you've been very helpful, thank you.