Ford WindstarIntroduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis, the Windstar served a family's needs just fine.
Anti-Theft—Passive
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
starter relay
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 customer literature such as the Owners Guide.
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 before it can be used to start the engine. There are special diagnostic procedures outlined in the manual that must be performed if the encoded ignition keys need to be replaced.
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 performs all of the PATS functions such as receiving the identification code from the encoded ignition key and controlling the 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 communication 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 performed if either the instrument cluster or the PCM needs replacement.
All elements of PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components are not working properly, the vehicle will not start.
PATS uses a visual theft indicator. This indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS problem, this indicator will either flash rapidly or glow steadily (for more than three seconds) when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. PATS also "blips" the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual theft deterrent.
PATS differs from perimeter anti-theft systems in that PATS enables and disables the engine from starting. If equipped, the perimeter anti-theft system protects the perimeter of the vehicle (doors, hood and trunk) and sounds an alarm.
PATS also disables the starter motor in addition to the PCM disabling the engine. When PATS disables the vehicle, it will neither crank nor start. If the instrument cluster is removed from the vehicle, the engine will not crank.
The starter relay is used as an additional means of disabling the vehicle engine. The starter relay is disabled when the PATS cannot read a valid encoded ignition key at ignition ON. The PATS will not store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) or flash the theft indicator if a valid encoded ignition key is read but a fault occurs in the starter relay circuit.
The PATS is not compatible with after market remote start system, which allow the vehicle to be started from outside the vehicle. These systems may reduce the vehicle security level, and also may cause no-start issues. Remote start systems must be removed before investigation of PATS-related no start issues.
Same situation. I figure since we're getting into the vehicles computer now I should mention that the drivers side power window doesn't work, I just get a clicking from under the dash. Also the outside temperature reading has always been messed up. It has never (since I've owned the van) been right, and if it gets warm outside (80+) it just reads ERR. I'm getting the feeling after reading your last post that this is probably reaching the point of not being a simple or inexpensive fix. Even if I were to get the right pieces together I'd still have to have someone reprogram it. So, in your opinion, with the van only being worth ~2K should I start looking at purchasing something else? As it sits now, it's worthless as a trade in, but is it going to be worth dumping a bunch of money into it or should I just scrap it. The van runs great, and other than replacing the alternator and the strange A/C issue I posted a few weeks ago, I haven't had a lot of problems with the van. It has always had little electrical quirks like I've read about on the forum. The interior lights will just come on on their own, and the battery would drain if left to sit too long between starts. I guess I'll be going car shopping soon, huh? (They're practically giving away trucks nowadays). I may end up keeping this as a third vehicle if I can get it fixed for a reasonable cost. But we're down to one vehicle right now and my wife starts back to work a week from Monday.
Unfortunately, it looks like this issue may have to wait. My wife has forced me to re-prioritize my projects. I hope to get back to this soon, as the van really is useful for hauling the family around. MUCH more practical than the brand new 08 Mustang GT now sitting in my driveway!!! She made me do it! I swear! And thanks again for all of your help. I haven't given up on the family truckster just yet, I'll get back to it, but for now, I've got some errands to run!
No link error, but no codes either. I have a couple of software OBD2 scanners, but neither pick up any codes. They don't have the capability to get to the security interface.
I'm in the north Ft. Worth area, can anyone recommend a trustworthy mechanic in this area? I don't want to spend more than the vehicle is worth, only to find out that it can't be fixed. The salesman a Kaufman Tire recommended City Garage, does anyone have any experience with these people? Thanks for any info you can provide!
My van has done the same thing but it cranked itself up by itself. my is a 2001. i parked it in my yard and it will not do nothing now. i need some help i don't know what to check or anything else i just put a new battery in it 2 weeks ago
Shopping for new Ford can be a stressful experience especially if you don't have the right information. Our new car research center at CarEverything.com can help relieve this stress and bring the joy back to new car buying!
The Car Blog, or TCB for those who are acronymically inclined, is alive because some of today's top Web designers needed a place to drool and bitch about their motor vehicle obsessions.
Read the auto blog at Automotive.com to get the latest news and opinions, view the newest concept cars, and join discussions with auto experts from around the world.
Linear Mode
