01’ Ford Ranger 3.0L 2wd

Crank no start issue thats been boggling my mind for awhile now.
No start after raining overnight but it’ll usually crank later in the day when the sun heats up.
Thought it was ignition issues & starting replacing things like the ignition switch.
no luck, so I moved on to replacing the GEM after getting a B1359 code on the scan tool.
Same issue still happening and as I’ve been digging around on forums about PCM stuff, I realized that my antitheft light has been blinking while trying to start.

I counted the times it blinks and I get code 14
RonD says 14 is “Incomplete Key Code Received”

how do fix this? Do I need a new key made and programmed to the PCM computer?

why is it intermittently happening when it’s wet out?
some kind of circuit short?

 

I've learned that PATS can do weird things. My truck will occasionally give me starting issues when the temp is above 90 and my truck has been sitting in the direct sun. If I park it in the shade, or the temp is below 85, it starts with no issue.

You can try having a new key made, and you can try replacing the transceiver (black ring around the ignition switch) but those are really the only two parts you can replace easily. I can't remember the last year for a separate PATS module, but by 2002 it was part of the engine computer so not much else to go bad other than the transceiver, key, wiring connections, or the computer itself.

 

How old is the battery?

Test its voltage in the morning BEFORE you start it, or after its been sitting at least 4 hours
12.3v to 12.8volts is acceptable
12.2v or lower is a failing battery and can cause PATS issues

 

brand new battery

 

If you only have 1 key then take it to a locksmith and see if they can READ it, PATS keys have an RFID tag in the handle thats what PATS reads via the Transceiver(powered antenna)
Its a 40 or 80bit number, unique to that one RFID tag
Locksmith will have an RFID tag reader

If they can read it easily then replace your transceiver, just the cheapest next step

If they have a hard time reading it, and do finally get a good read then, read below

While there, ask locksmith how much for a CLONE key, they copy the number off your key and put that same number on a new "blank" PATS key then cut the key to match your lock
Cheapest way to get a spare PATS key. no reprogramming because PATS just "sees" the same key number, even though its a different key

Or most locksmiths can bring a laptop out to the truck and add more "real" PATS keys, just costs more to do that, assuming its not a transceiver issue

 

I’m pretty rural, but I’ll try to get to a locksmith soon. At the moment it makes more sense to focus on the transceiver.
I managed to recreate the problem today after it started up again and I took out the transceiver and put it back. It somehow didn’t start up again..
tested the resistance on all 4 wires and they seem good.
where does it ground off to?

Ordered a new transceiver online today. Don’t know if it’ll fix my problem. I’m getting tired of wasting money and time :/

here are the original codes that came back a month ago when I first ran a scan tool
B1602
B1352
B1359
P0500

 

Wiring for 2001 PATS below

Has a 12v wire and a ground wire

Other 2 are the antenna connections to Computer(PCM), with PATS module inside

These are the B code I have for PATS
B1213 Less than 2 (or 3 if equipped w/Valet key) keys programmed to the system.
B1232/B2103 Transceiver internal antenna damaged. Replace transceiver.
B1342 ECU is defective (EEPROM in PCM is not working — replace PCM). PATS related when stored in PCM only.
B1600 Non-PATS Key or damaged key.
B1601 Unprogrammed encoded ignition key detected (leave ignition on for 20 seconds before trying a programmed key, in Anti-Scan Mode).
B1602 Partial detection of encoded ignition key.
B1681 Transceiver signal not detected.
B2141 Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) configuration failure — No PCM ID stored in PATS.
B2139/U2510 PCM ID does not match between the PCM and PATS control(PATS/ICM/VIC/HEC/SCIL).
B2431 Key program failure (defective key or transceiver).

P0500 means PCM wasn't getting a Speed signal
In a 2001 that means no signal from OSS sensor on transmission
Wouldn't effect PATS
Should effect speedometer