SecuriLock

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 and Lincoln Mercury vehicles. The keys for these vehicles have a minute radio frequency transponder imbedded in the plastic Head.

When the vehicle is started, the onboard 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 for the vehicle to start and continue to run. This all happens in less than a second, with the intention of being completely transparent to the vehicle operator.

One thing the vehicle owner should think about is obtaining duplicate keys or replacing lost keys. No longer can you pick up an extra car key at the checkout stand of your favorite hardware store. Replacement keys must be originated on a new keyblank that has an embedded transponder. The vehicles onboard computer must be programmed to recognize the new key.

For the 1999 model year, all Ford Motor Company vehicles equipped with the passive anti theft system will be using 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, as long as you have at least one working key and can read the owners manual that came with the vehicle, you've got a good shot at programming your new key without additional assistance.

With PATS II, two working keys are required for reprogramming. This helps insure that only the owner of the vehicle can make duplicate keys.

PATS I equipped vehicles include the following.

Contour V6 Duratech 1998
Mustang 1996 - 1997
Taurus LX, SHO 1996 - 1997
Expedition 1997 - 1998
Mark VIII 1997
Mystique LS 1998
Navigator 1997 - 1998
Sable 1996 - 1997 (some)

PATS II equipped vehicles include the following:

Aviator2003 - 2005
Blackwood 2002 - 2003
Mark LT 2006
Mustang 1998 - 2007
Taurus LX, SE, SHO 1998 -2006
Explorer 1998 - 2007
Expedition 1999-2006
Excursion 2000-2005
Escape 2001-2006
Focus 2000-2006
Continental 1998 -2002
Crown Victoria 1998 - 2006
Ranger 1999 -2004 V6 2006 All
F150, F250 LD 1999 - 2007
Contour V6 1999 - 2000
Windstar 1999 -2004
Navigator 1999 - 2006
Town Car 1998 - 2006
Mariner 2005 - 2006
Marauder 2003 - 2005
Cougar 1999 - 2002
Grand Marquis 1998 - 2006
LS6, LS8 1999-2006
Milan 2006
Mark VIII 1997 - 1998
Mountaineer 1998 - 2007
Montego 2005 - 2006
Monterey 2004 - 2006
Mystique LS 1999 -2000
Sable 1998 - 2005
T-Bird 2002 - 2005
Fusion 2006+
Freestyle 2005+
Freestar 2004+
GT 2005 - 2006
Five-Hundred 2005+
Zephyr 2006

References