Hey all, I have a 2011 ford ranger sport. I had an issue today with the theft management system it prevented me from starting vehicle. First time this has ever happened. I did a few things the interwebs recommended. Nothing worked. Called locksmith since that was one of the final recommended steps. I explained issue I figured they would hook up to the computer and bypass. They said they wanted to jump the vehicle as step 1 I told them I already did that to confirm that was not the issue. Anyway long story short this "locksmith" connects the negative to positive and I got smoke shooting out of my battery. It did reset the theft issue. I went down to oreillys tested battery and alternator. Everything checked out.

Long story short I worried some of electrical components could have been compromised. I am not an expert with electrical stuff. Anything I should be looking for? I was thinking about taking it to the dealer to have them check everything out. Also would like to know how to turn this damn theft system off.

Thanks

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Well like you said, take it to a dealer to get checked out if you are worried. If no fuses even popped I bet you are fine though. There isn't way to bypass the PATS anti theft that I know of.

 

Google it and find an emergency locksmith nearby to get the job done.