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PCM ID does not match between the PCM and PATS control (PATS/ICM/VIC/HEC/SCIL)
Hello,
We just got a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 for our daughter and it only came with one key. She took it to the Ford dealer today to get another key made. Two hours later they gave her a key that would only open the doors, told her they couldn't program it to start the engine because of this fault code "PCM ID does not match between the PCM and PATS control (PATS/ICM/VIC/HEC/SCIL)" charged her $70.00 and sent her on her way. The current Ford Key has the letter "S" on it and the PATS Key they gave her as "H1" on it. This is not going to work, but I am not sure what to do now? Any suggestions?
Thanks
That is really helpful to know regarding the software. I will call around tomorrow to see if I can find a dealer that can confirm they have the right software!
Thanks
PATS uses RFID, its a chip/transponder system that doesn't need power for the chip, in this case the key, and RFID its used everywhere
Those little "pills" they put just under the skin in dogs and cats are RFID tags, to ID the animal if they get lost
Just need an RFID scanner to "power" it and it will send out any stored data on the chip to the scanner
So that's what you are dealing with, not complicated, someone else has already done all the hard work, lol
PATS module is the RFID scanner
When you turn on the key PATS module powers up and "powers" the key's RFID chip
It reads the number that comes from the chip and compares it to the, up to 8 numbers, in its memory
If it finds a match PATS module sends an "OK to start" encrypted message to the computer
If no match then No Start, and Rapid Flashing THEFT light on dash
You need Ford Software to add new key numbers to PATS memory, and it can take up to an hour to do that, its just a waiting time so a thief can't just quickly add a key to PATS to steal a vehicle
Forscan software can also add keys, its not expensive, instructions are at Forscan Forum
The Ford Dealer should have ask you if this was your only key
If you said "yes" then they should have ERASED ALL KEYS
Then added back the one you had and then the new one, you must add at least 2 keys minimum after erasing all keys but can add up to 8
The reason you erase all keys is so previous owner or "ex" can't drive away your truck, lol
But it also can make adding keys easier starting with a blank slate so to speak
There could be a PATS module issue, it can happen, it took 2 hours so they tried at least TWICE to add the new key
If you just want a spare key almost any locksmith can CLONE your current working key
You can buy Blank RFID tag Ford keys, chip is blank as well as the key is not cut
Locksmith can cut the key using your current key
And then uses a hand held RFID tag reader to get the number from the working key
He can then WRITE that number onto the blank chip so its a CLONE, thats how these RFID tags are made in the first place a unique number is "written to" a blank chip
So when you put either key into the vehicles ignition lock it will start, as far as PATS is concerned its the SAME KEY
This is not like cloning people or sheep, lol, the clone is not a poor copy that will bark like a dog or forget your wife's birthday, its just a newer key with same number embedded
I think you should ask for a refund and give Ford the key they made back, or ask for partial refund and you keep the key, key is already cut so no value to them
I would find a locksmith that can cut and add keys to your year Ranger
If he can't then a Clone is a good option, or 2, they are usually not that expensive, compared to adding keys because that does take time to do that, minimum 1 hour