Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual page 3552

SECTION 419-01: Anti-Theft — PATS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Anti-Theft —Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
The passive anti-theft system (PATS) contains the following components:
theft indicator
encoded ignition key
transceiver module
instrument cluster
powertrain control module (PCM)
standard corporate protocol (SCP) communication network
The PATS uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a driveaway theft. Passive means
that it does not require any activity from the user. This system is known as SecuriLock® in North
America, Safeguard® in the U.K. and PATS in continental Europe. This information can be found in
owners literature.
The PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently
installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic
identification code, with over 72 million billion combinations.
Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into the vehicle's instrument cluster (the instrument
cluster is also known as a hybrid electronic cluster [HEC]), before it can be used to start the engine.
There are special diagnostic procedures outlined in the workshop manual that must be carried out if
new encoded ignition keys are to be installed.
The encoded key is larger than a traditional ignition key. The key does not require batteries and should
last the life of the vehicle.
The transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key. This module is located behind
the steering column shroud and contains an antenna connected to a small electronics module. During
each vehicle start sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code
and sends the data to the instrument cluster.
The control functions are contained in the instrument cluster. This module carries out all of the PATS
functions such as receiving the identification code from the encoded ignition key and controlling engine
enable. The instrument cluster initiates the key interrogation sequence when the vehicle ignition switch
is turned to RUN or START.
The PATS uses the PCM to enable or disable the engine. The instrument cluster communicates with
the PCM over the SCP network in order to enable engine operation. The instrument cluster and the
PCM use sophisticated messages in order to prevent a theft. The instrument cluster and the PCM
share security data (when first installed together) that makes them a matched pair. After this security
data sharing, these modules will not function in other vehicles. The shared PCM ID is remembered
even if the battery is disconnected. The instrument cluster also stores the vehicle's key identification
code even if the battery is disconnected. There are special diagnostic procedures outlined in this
workshop manual that may be carried out if either a new instrument cluster or PCM needs to be
installed.
All elements of PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components
are not working correctly, the vehicle will not start.
PATS uses a visual theft indicator. This indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition
2003 Mustang Workshop Manual