2003 Explorer Xtl Key System

[MYTBIRD50HO]

I Just Purchased A Used 2003 Xlt 4.6 V8 From A Dealer And The Truck Does Not Start With The Keys Sometimes. Autostart Works Everytime But Keys Are Intermittent. Dealer Purchased New Keys But Problem Still Occured. Any Ideas???????

[shorod]

Is it a factory remote start system or aftermarket? There have been reports of issues with various methods of bypassing the PATS and PASSKEY systems for aftermarket remote start systems. Sounds like that may be what's happening here. If the system detects two keys, it will prevent a start from occurring.

-Rod

[MYTBIRD50HO]

It Has An Aftermarket Auto Start. With The Hidden Key In The Module. All My Keys Work But Every Once So Often The Theft Light Flashes And Truck Doesnt Start. So I Turn It Of And Turn It Back On And She Starts. Well Its Going Back To The Dealer Monday Because Its Covered Through Them. The Good Thing Is. They Are Sending It To Ford..

[shorod]

It sounds like a relay or activation for the hidden key is not reliable and the PATS/PassKey system is recognizing two programmed keys randomly and preventing the start.

-Rod

[MYTBIRD50HO]

Thanks Alot Ill Let Them Know. I Was Thinking That The Key Box Was Causing The Problem. And I Think Your Right About That.

[ponchonutty]

Yep, I second that. To test this go get a regular key cut and have it with you. Then when it won't start with the ford key, try it with your new cut, non-PATS key. If it starts then you do have a bypass issue.

I never use the key in the box method. There are many nice electronic bypasses on the market that work so much better.

[MYTBIRD50HO]

Thanks Guys Ill Let You Know What Happens