This article describes PATS programming procedure. The article is actual for version 2.3.8 (PATS programming is implemented for Ford, Mazda, Lincoln and Mercury models approximately of 1997-2011 model year, depends on model and market). If PATS programming functions is not available in the list of service functions, it means it is not implemented for this model. If the PATS programming function is available in the Service chapter, it is implemented for this model and must work in full.
There are 2 types of secure access: coded and timed. Coded requires an incode generation by the outcode provided by vehicle. Timed access requires that operator has wait for some period of time (usually 10 minutes) with diagnostic tester connected. Some vehicles support only coded access, some only timed access, some support both. FORScan supports all of these options. If both access types are available, FORScan asks user to select the preferred one. Coded access can be done fast, but requires incode/outcode calculator. Timed access doesn't require any code exchange, but requires signfificant timeframe (at least 10 mins). Module Initialization option (available for some models) may require special Dual coded access. Detailed information about Module Initialization function is available in this article: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1500
So, what do you need in order to program PATS using FORScan:
1. Extended license (viewtopic.php?f=5&t=836)
2. At least one valid ignition key (master key) that is known by PATS, except the case when all keys are erased from the PATS memory
Let's review a use case for the following scenario: a vehicle supports coded access. PATS knows 2 master keys, but the owner has only 1 of them. The owner wants to erase the lost key from the PATS memory and program new one (for this purpose a blank key is purchased). There is no way to delete a single key, only all known keys can be erased. So the user has to perform the operation in 2 steps: remove all keys known by PATS and program the old key and the new key. Here we go:
- Run the procedure. We see that PATS knows 2 keys:
- PATS1_en.png (97.31 KiB) Viewed 101722 times
- Select the Ignition Keys Erase option. FORScan will read outcode and suggest you to generate an incode using the built-in generator:
- PATS_calculator.jpg (134.4 KiB) Viewed 54731 times
You can accept and generate incode using built-in generator, or refuse and use an external incode generator. In this case FORScan will show you the outcode and ask to enter the incode:
- PATS2_en.png (74.11 KiB) Viewed 101722 times
You can use an external service, for example autokeyprog.com to generate the incode:
- PATS3_en.png (26.33 KiB) Viewed 101722 times
If incode is accepted by PATS and if everything is OK, FORScan will request confirmation on the Erase operation. If confirmed, the operation is executed and user is returned back to the main menu. User should see now zero keys known by PATS.
It is important to do not Exit from the menu, otherwise the security access will be lost, and user will have to obtain the coded/timed access again.
- Now, user should program 2 keys. For this purpose the Ignition Key Programming option must be used. User will be suggested to program the key:
- PATS4_en.png (84.07 KiB) Viewed 101722 times
- User should follow the instruction displayed by FORScan, so turn the ignition key to OFF, then back to ON and click OK. FORScan will confirm the operation and ask to turn on/off again.
- PATS5_en.png (78.96 KiB) Viewed 101722 times
It is important to leave the programmed key in the ignition lock, because number of known keys is non-zero and FORScan will look for a master key.
- program the second key in the same way, except that when FORScan asks to insert new key, the first key has to be removed and the second key has to be inserted.
- When returned back to the main menu, user should see 2 known keys again. But this time these 2 keys are in hands.
Note: some models for Australian and American markets have no stand-alone Ignition Key programming function. The function is available in the PATS menu but PATS doesn't support it. So on these models it is not possible to add a key to th PATS memory. The only way is to use Erase and Program keys function (added in FORScan v2.2.5). This function erases all keys and switches PATS to a special learning mode. In this mode user can program 2 keys one by one.
We also recommend to read this article to study Module Initialization procedure and use cases: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1500
WARNING:
Experience shows that 90% of problems with using this function are caused by blank key problems (not-original/china clone, incompatible transponder etc). Consdering this experiene, it must be counted that the Erase function is potentially dangerous, because engine will not start until you program at least 2 keys. So it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to check the blank keys (and correct work of the program with your specific vehicle) before executing the Erase function. Just programm it as the 3rd key and if it has been programmed successfully and engine runs using this key, you may execute the Erase function.
Here is a dedicated article about how to check the blank PATS key:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1581