SecuriLock
Encyclopedia
SecuriLock, also known as Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), is Ford Motor Company's immobilizer technology. In 1996 it started showing up on select models of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. The keys for these vehicles have a minute radio frequency transponder embedded in the plastic Head.
When the vehicle is started, the on-board computer sends out a RF signal that is picked up by the transponder in the key. The transponder then returns a unique RF signal to the vehicle's computer, giving it confirmation to start and continue to run. This all happens in less than one second, with the intention of being completely transparent to the vehicle's operator.
Replacement of keys to vehicles equipped with engine immobilizers is different than that for a vehicle with conventional keys. Since the key is assembled with electronic components, one cannot be purchased and made at a retail store. The vehicle must be taken to a dealership so programming can be done.
For the 1999 model year, all Ford Motor Company vehicles equipped with the Passive Anti-Theft System used the PATS II system. The PATS II system was introduced on roughly half of the PATS equipped vehicles for the 1998 model year. The other half of the PATS equipped vehicles for the 1998 model year were equipped with the PATS I system. Many 2000 and later Ford vehicles use the E-PATS system, which uses an encrypted transponder in the key.
With PATS I, programming of a new key could be done with just one working key. Information on how this was completed was provided in the vehicle's owner's manual.
With PATS II, two working keys were required for reprogramming. This helped ensure that only the owner of the vehicle could make duplicate keys.
PATS I equipped vehicles include the following.
PATS II equipped vehicles include the following:
When the vehicle is started, the on-board computer sends out a RF signal that is picked up by the transponder in the key. The transponder then returns a unique RF signal to the vehicle's computer, giving it confirmation to start and continue to run. This all happens in less than one second, with the intention of being completely transparent to the vehicle's operator.
Replacement of keys to vehicles equipped with engine immobilizers is different than that for a vehicle with conventional keys. Since the key is assembled with electronic components, one cannot be purchased and made at a retail store. The vehicle must be taken to a dealership so programming can be done.
For the 1999 model year, all Ford Motor Company vehicles equipped with the Passive Anti-Theft System used the PATS II system. The PATS II system was introduced on roughly half of the PATS equipped vehicles for the 1998 model year. The other half of the PATS equipped vehicles for the 1998 model year were equipped with the PATS I system. Many 2000 and later Ford vehicles use the E-PATS system, which uses an encrypted transponder in the key.
With PATS I, programming of a new key could be done with just one working key. Information on how this was completed was provided in the vehicle's owner's manual.
With PATS II, two working keys were required for reprogramming. This helped ensure that only the owner of the vehicle could make duplicate keys.
PATS I equipped vehicles include the following.
- 1998 Contour V6 Duratech
- 1996-1997 Mustang
- 1996-1997 Taurus LXand SHO
- 1997-1998 Expedition
- 1997 Mark VIII
- 1998 Mystique LS
- 1997-1998 Navigator
- 1996-1997 Sable (Not all were included.)
PATS II equipped vehicles include the following:
- 2003-2005 Aviator
- 2002-2003 Blackwood
- 2006 Mark LT
- 1998-2007 Mustang
- 1998-2006 Taurus LX, SE, and SHO
- 1998-2007 Explorer
- 1999-2006 Expedition
- 2000-2005 Excursion
- 2001-2006 Escape
- 2000-2007 Focus
- 1998-2002 Continental
- 1998-2006 Crown Victoria
- 1999-2004 Ranger V6 (In 2006, all Rangers were included.)
- 1999-2007 F150 and F250 LD
- 1999-2000 Contour V6
- 1999-2004 Windstar
- 1999-2006 Navigator
- 1998-2006 Town Car
- 2005-2006 Mariner
- 2003-2005 Marauder
- 1999-2002 Cougar
- 1998-2006 Grand Marquis
- 1999-2006 LS6 and LS8
- 2006 Milan
- 1997-1998 Mark VIII
- 1998-2007 Mountaineer
- 2005-2006 Montego
- 2004-2006 Monterey
- 1999-2000 Mystique LS
- 1998-2005 Sable
- 2002-2005 Thunderbird
- 2006-present Fusion
- 2005-present Freestyle
- 2004-present Freestar
- 2005-2006 GT
- 2005-2007 Five-Hundred
- 2006 Zephyr
- 2010 Ford Figo