My mechanic has been unable to find a replacement anti-theft module (new or used) for my 99 Ranger. He has determined that the immobilizer halo is broken. I am looking for information on ether replacing the module or bypassing the device. As it is, the truck is inoperable.

 

Welcome to the forum

The PATS(passive anti-theft system) can't be by-passed, even temporarily

Check fuse 19 and fuse 25 in Cab Fuse box

In 1999 it has 3 parts
The transceiver(halo around key slot), can be swapped without any programming, its just a 4 wire powered antenna
The PATS module, above glove box, can't be swapped unless reprogramming is available
The PCM(engine computer), won't turn on fuel injectors unless PATS module sends it an "OK to Start" code, code changes on each startup, look up RSA encryption

When there is a problem with PATS the "theft" light on the dash will flash rapidly with key ON, LEAVE THE KEY ON, wait 45 to 60 seconds and the theft light will start to flash a 2 digit code, 11 to 16
so 1 flash, pause, then 1 to 6 flashes, longer pause, repeat

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.

PATS will also set B codes which can be read with OBD2 reader that's capable of reading those codes, most only read P codes
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).

As said the transceiver can be swapped out, plug and play
Its not a common failure but if PATS has an issue its at the top of the list behind LOW VOLTAGE, biggest reason for fast flashing theft light is older battery or bad battery, voltage is dropping too low with key on or when cranking engine

A Mobile Locksmith can come to your vehicle and make new PATS keys and add them to PATS memory

PATS keys have an RFID tag embedded in the handle, no batteries required
When you turn on the key the transceiver antenna reads the RFID Tags unique number(40 or 80bits long) then PATS checks that number with its 3 to 6 numbers in memory, if a match is found then PATS module sends the "OK to start" to PCM
If no match or no number then No Start, and fast flashing Theft Light on dash

You could swap in a 1998 PCM(no PATS) but there would be some other changes you would have to do depending on the engine size and transmission type, not big deals but need to be done
Tell us the engine size and manual or automatic

 

1999 Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 Automatic

 

1998 Computer from a Ranger 3.0l or Mazda B3000 with automatic would work, 2WD or 4x4 doesn't matter

Should be plug and play

You will need to Ground the starter relay in the engine fuse box, PATS module did that
Look at the PATS module wiring harness(above glove box), pin 1, pink/orange wire, cut it and GROUND it(the wire, not PATS module side) to cab metal, a bolt, somewhere where you can check it if you get a no crank down the road
You could add a switch to this wire on drivers side for an anti-theft device, lol

And unplug connector on PATS module or you will still get the flashing Theft light when driving

 

Thank you for your assistance.

I have a 2000 Ranger that I was going to part out - when I got the 99' running. Will the module in the 2000 work in the 99'?

 

If both have a 3.0l engine and automatic you can swap over the PATS module AND Computer from the 2000 into the 1999
Also swap over the ignition key cylinder because you need to used the 2000 PATS keys with the 2000 PATS module

The PATS module and Computer are "married" at the factory, they share an RSA encryption "key", so you can't just swap one, Ford can, they can "remarry" module or computer if either needed to be replaced, but they of course charge for that

Some have said they have remarried these with ForScan software, its free to try but I think you need to buy it to do something like that, not that expensive $20 for year, $50 lifetime
There is a forscan forum you can check out and ask

 

I have a 99 Ranger, 3.0, automatic that I bought in 2010 (second owner). Previous owner had installed a remote start/extra security but we never used it, had no problems with it. I don't think it's related but thought I'd throw that out there.

Trans went out in 2020 (during covid) and it sat for a few months. I later put a new battery in it then had it towed to a trans shop to be rebuilt. They couldn't get it to start --rapidly flashing theft light. I had never had a problem in 10 years and didn't even know it had PATS.

To get it in the door they installed a new ignition switch and gave me 1 new key for the ignition only and said it was fine. I had problems with it starting a few times after that but the theft light always stopped flashing after a couple of tries and it would start. I rarely drive it so it was really no big deal.

I was unable to drive it over this past winter and the battery died but got a new one under warranty and put it in. I drove it twice after that and the theft light would flash rapidly for a while but after a few tries it would eventually start (I did the 8X key thing but I don't know it that helped or hurt.)

Now it won't start at all. It flashes a code 13. I don't know if the 1 key went bad, has a dead battery in it (key says it has one), or if there's another problem.

Do I need to have it towed someplace, call a mobile locksmith, replace the module under the steering column or pull the igntion switch and just start from scratch? The cheaper the better of course but easy is even better. It's never been quite right since the ignition switch was replaced in 2020.

As I said, I haven't driven it a lot but I need to get it running to drive more often now. Help!

 

The turning on/off ignition switch 8 times fast is for programming Key FOBS to lock and unlock doors, no connection to PATS, just FYI
And just a heads up, when you do this 8 times on and off the Keyless Entry module will ERASE ALL Fobs in memory, so if you lost a Fob or an EX still had one, lol, it would be erased, so couldn't be used to open the doors
So have any Fobs you want to add back with you so they can be re-programmed to work

PATS code 13= No Key/no PATS key has been used to turn the ignition switch.

So RFID tag in the key is no longer working, no, these do not require a battery in the key

Yes, a mobile lock smith can make and program(add) new keys to PATS system
But I would take your current key to a Locksmith FIRST and see if they can READ IT(like PATS does) if they can get a good read one time they can make you NEW CLONE keys

Skip this if you want
------------------------------
RFID tag requires no power, the TAG reader powers it by sending out an RF Burst which powers the tag enough for it to send out its unique number
A PATS key has a unique 80bit number in its tag embedded in the handle
There is an antenna(transceiver) around the key slot, PATS is a tag Reader and reads it via this antenna
So when you turn on the key PATS reads its number then compares that to "programmed numbers" in it's memory
If a Match is found then THEFT like goes OFF and you can start the engine
If no Match is found then THEFT light flashes rapidly and no start

If the key doesn't send a number then no match of course
There are other codes if the antenna(transceiver) is bad, or if the number was wrong or if it was incomplete
------------------------------

You can buy PATS compatible keys that have no 80-bit number, and they can be programmed with any 80-bit number, and also cut to match your ignition lock
So if your current key can be read by a locksmith with a Tag Reader then that number can be "written" to a blank PATS key and that key can be cut to match your lock
So you have a CLONE key, no programming of PATS in the vehicle is required, because the number is already there so will match

This is a good, less expensive, way to get/have a spare key as well

If locksmith can not read the key then a mobile locksmith can for sure come out, cut and add 2 PATS keys to the vehicle using a laptop

Factory Remote start used a "Virtual key", 80-bit number is programed in to PATS memory like a "real key", but its limited to idling only, foot on the brake or shift into gear kills the engine, or even opening the door

3rd party Remote start used a type of Clone setup, it would "read" a working PATS key's number when in programming mode when you turned on the key, then use that number for Remote start up, but same parameters as above, engine will shut off if you tried to drive it

 

Thank you, RonD!

 

Some aftermarket keys DO have a battery.

 

That's an odd one, not sure what thats for, but not for PATS

 

It certainly is. It's for my 2009.

 

These types have batteries: https://imgur.com/wgtWBIz

But battery is for the FOB part, not PATS

Have to say I have never come across PATS key with batteries, there would be no reason for it as the RFID tag doesn't need power, so very odd

 

Well, now you have.