99 Windstar Theft deterrent

[DRW1000]

I have a 99 Windstar that I bought used. It is supposed to have some factory theft deterent system built in. There is even a Theft light that flashes on the dashboard.

I however have no idea how it works or what it is supposed to do. Does anyone know?

[rodeo02]

Your van has a special transponder ignition key (PATS key) . There is a micro chip built into the body of the key that the ignition systems needs to read the code from in order to allow the engine to start. If you have an ordinary key cut, you will be able to unlock the doors & get the ignition to unlock, but the engine will not start. As long as you have two working ignition keys, you can buy a blank, have it cut & program it yourself. Check eBay. Your van will accept up to 8 keys. If you only have one working key, the dealer will have to program a second for you.
G/luck
Joel

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

Your van has a special transponder ignition key (PATS key) . There is a micro chip built into the body of the key that the ignition systems needs to read the code from in order to allow the engine to start. If you have an ordinary key cut, you will be able to unlock the doors & get the ignition to unlock, but the engine will not start. As long as you have two working ignition keys, you can buy a blank, have it cut & program it yourself. Check eBay. Your van will accept up to 8 keys. If you only have one working key, the dealer will have to program a second for you.
G/luck
Joel

Thanks Rodeo.................but how does the microchip get power? (I am an electronics engineer) and this boggles my mind.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

Thanks Rodeo.................but how does the microchip get power? (I am an electronics engineer) and this boggles my mind.

Darn good question! I have no idea- nor do I want to tear one of my two keys apart! It must be like one of those EZ-pass things were they just work forever, pure (PFM) magic kind of thing!

Joel