2001 Explorer V8 swapped Ranger.

Just started getting a p1260 and the truck wont start. P1260 Theft Detected - Engine Disabled

Had the keys reprogrammed, but the truck still wont start. It recognizes the key is present, I'm thinking the PATS module is bad.

Any other ideas on things to check?

I'll do a wiring check if the module replacement doesnt work

 

P1260 Theft Detected - Engine Disabled

You should post the definition with the code since you already looked it up, lol.

2001 Explorer should have Type B PATS which means it has a separate module

PATS module and PCM(computer) are "married" at the factory, meaning you can't replace either unless you "re-marry" them

Try turning on the key and leave it on until Theft light starts to flash a 2 digit code(write down the code), usually takes 1 minute or so, then leave it on for another 2 minutes, shut off the key then see if it will start, its a kind of reset

Another reset is to leave battery cable off for 5 minutes then reconnect it

Just as a heads up, repeated attempts to start engine with theft light flashing will cause PATS module to go into "protect mode" and you couldn't start it even with good key at that time, I think you have to wait 30 minutes or so

 

I had a Ford tech with a Ford computer reprogram the keys. Probably should have included that in the OP.

It does have the separate module. The system worked fine for a few years. It not working is a new development.

Had the programming done after truck stopped running

 

If module was failing he should not have been able to "talk with it" to add new keys, or reprogram the old ones

Does the Theft light work, and did it flash a 2 digit code?
This would help if it did

The P1260 is a PCM code not a PATS code, it can mean PCM can't talk with PATS module, or PATS module is not powering up, i.e. no Theft Light

diagram below of the wiring for 2000 PATS which would be the same for 2001 explorer
Wire colors may be different

 

I have good always on power, switched power, and ground. The light on the dash doesn't light up, but I don't remember if I hooked that up or not.

Getting a voltmeter now, I'll report back

 

I get
2 flashes
Pause
3 flashes
Pause
Repeat.

It stays solid on the whole time the car is on until I try to start, then the flash sequence starts.

 

For Type B PATS, the Theft light in the dash should come on for 2 seconds with key on and then go off, if all is well with system

Code 23 is an odd ball for Type B

I did find an article for type B that stated if PCM has code P1260 then PATS codes will be stored in PATS and can be read as B codes, like B1213-less than 2 key programmed
It was on the last page of below article

Article is here: https://studylib.net/doc/18635054/pa...tic-article-no

Scan thru it and remember you are looking at Type B only

In the article I did see mention of battery disconnection and reconnection for Type B, in that if PATS module was disconnected and battery was hooked up then immobilizer would be activated in PCM(P1260) and it required Ford software to be used to "remarry" the module and PCM

 

To get the PATS codes I would assume I need the Ford scanner?

The only code I get with mine is p1260

 

Okay I feel like a ******* bonehead. While I was diagnosing other issues, I changed the PCM 2 years ago. I plugged my old PCM in and it fired right up. So the issue was definitely mismatch between the Pats module and the PCM.

 

Here's a real kicker. Running the PCM that is married to this Pats module, the truck runs and drives fine. But it's throwing the P1260 code. How can it think it immobilize the vehicle, but it runs fine?

I checked the connection between the PCM and the Pats module, and that connection is fine. I've got proper power going to the Pats module. And while I had everything apart I managed to fix the theft dash light. It doesn't flash or anything when I'm driving around

 

Glad you got it running

P1260 code means immobilizer was activated previously, so PATS has passed that along to PCM or battery was hooked up when working PCM was unplugged or plugged in
P1260 means PATS module was disconnected from PCM or visa versa when there either had power, its a tamper code, means "someone was messin' with your ride", lol.

Not sure how you clear it, it may clear itself after a few drive cycles

EDIT:
Found this in a Ford Diesel forum

 

I can clear codes with my tuning device, I will clear it and see if it comes back.

I'll report back tomorrow!

 

Not sure you can clear it with a reader, maybe

Its a tamper code so may have to clear itself, once CEL stays off I bet you could clear it

 

The CEL is not currently illuminated even though the code is present

 

So its a memory code not an active code

Odd you can't clear it now

 

I cleared the code, just havent driven it yet and checked to see if it comes back