P1681 code for '99 Taurus Wagon

[WindstarDoug]

I was recently given a '99 Taurus Wagon because the owner got stranded twice when it would not start. When she would turn the key, it would not crank, click or anything. It only has 65,000 miles, new battery and all maint is done by the Ford garage on Ford's recommended maint schedule. Both times when the car was towed, it started up as soon as it was off of the tow truck. Is there some type of switch in the transmission or drivetrain?
The garage that worked on it the last time, kept it for several weeks until it wouldn't start again. He read a code P1681-"signal not received". Does anyone know if that is the correct DTC definition for that code? "Signal not received"? I've got an OBD II reader and it's not reading any codes.
The mechanic thought that replacing the module for the PATS system would fix it but didn't do it because he wasn't 100% sure. He asked for both of the original transponder keys. It didn't matter which one he used, the car still wouldn't start. It finally started and I've been using it for a couple of months. It's just a matter of time until it quits again.
Does anyone have any suggestions? The car has been well taken care of and has maintained by Ford's recommended maint schedule. I've read the previous threads concerning the PATS system. This car does have the door key pad and the theft light does not seem to blinking any type of code. (It stops blinking as soon as the car is started.) If you think it's the PATS system, how easy is it to replace the module? I don't want to waste money but I don't want to get stranded either! Thank you!

[mwt47]

When I looked up P1681 I got

P1681 Metering Oil Pump Malfunction

I would take the time and check every electrical connection on the car for tightness, frayed wires/cables and corrosion at the connectors.

The very first thing I would check is the battery terminals.

Mike

[way2old]

Your code is a B1681. I can not find a P1681 for a 99 Taurus. It is for the PATS system. It states---B1681: Signal Not Received - Transceiver Bad or Not Connected. There is a series of 11 steps to diagnose the exact concern. Good luck.

[WindstarDoug]

Originally Posted by way2old

Your code is a B1681. I can not find a P1681 for a 99 Taurus. It is for the PATS system. It states---B1681: Signal Not Received - Transceiver Bad or Not Connected. There is a series of 11 steps to diagnose the exact concern. Good luck.

Way2old, where did you see the "series of 11 steps"? Are the steps in a Chilton's or other basic repair manual or can I find it online? Would you have time to email them to me? If they are in a basic repair manual I can go buy one. I just acquired the vehicle and haven't purchased a repair manual yet. Thank you . [email protected]

[way2old]

It is in Alldata Pro. Will see what I can do.

[WindstarDoug]

Just to give an update on my Taurus wagon starting problem.....After studying "way2old's" 11 step check, I realized that with my limited knowledge, there was no way that I could sucessfully complete the entire check. So I talked to my friend at the local Ford dealership. After I told him everything that I listed up in the first paragraph, he said that he thought that it was the PATs transceiver (part # 1L3Z 15607 AA) . He said that I could probably install it, however he would have to have his computer hooked up to it after the installation to load the correct data. I bought a transceiver ($40) and easily installed it. Here are the steps if anyone is inteested. Gently pop off the plastic piece that covers the ignition switch, screw out the tilt control, remove the 2 plastic collars on the steering column (3 phillips head screws), locate the transceiver wrapped around the ignition switch, unplug the cannon plug, remove the star head screw holding the transceiver, slide the tranceiver toward you. Replace the new transceiver in the reverse order. The car started up without hooking up his computer to it. I'll post again if this does not fix my starting problem. Thank you for all of your suggestions!