I just bought this truck. It only had one key and a fob. About a week after I bought it I started having issues with the PATS system. At first it would make a clicking sound similar to the sound you get with a dead battery. After 2 or 3 tries it would start. Now when it activates I have to take the neg cable off the battery for about 30 seconds. I've kept track of how many times it starts between needing reset but there doesn't seem to be a pattern. Now i'm just using the fob to open the doors to see if that has anything to do with it?

 

I don't think it's a PATS issue, A couple reasons
You wouldn't be getting a clicking sound if PATS was activated.
30 seconds is about 89 1/2 minutes short for a PATS reset.

Sounds more like a loose and/or dirty battery connection.

 

+1 ^^^^

Welcome to the forum


What YEAR Ranger?

PATS will notify driver, or THIEF, lol, of activation by Flashing the Theft light on the dash, can look like a padlock on some years, it will start flashing VERY fast when you turn the key on
If that happens leave the key ON, wait 45-60 seconds and the light will start flashing a CODE number, starts with a 1 and then 1 to 6 flashes, then repeats
CODE will tell you what failed in the PATS key reading process

PATS codes
11 Transceiver [transponder coil] not connected, or there is no power to it.
12 Transceiver internal fault.
13 No Key/no PATS key has been used to turn the ignition switch.
14 Incomplete key code received.
15 Invalid key code received.
16 CAN communications error.

If Theft light does NOT flash rapidly with key ON then its for sure not a PATS issue
With key off the Theft should flash every 5 seconds or so, if you don't see that then could be bulb is burned out

Some year Rangers also have optional Alarm system, no connection to PATS, PATS is passive, an Alarm is an "active" system, it will flash parking lights and sound horn if activated, and can also disable starter motor if activated

 

Thanks for the info I will clean the cables and terminals and see what happens.
Thanks again