I just hope it's not PCM related. I think the PATs it built into the PCM, maybe a voltage missing or ground problem would be nice, but from what I've been reading PCM replacement and a key reprogramming unless somehow they r able to get the key coding out of the old PCM which the software/equipment they use should be able to do. If it's the PATS system. Maybe a break in the RF return to the PCM.
JD a.k.a Fingers
"Don't Panic"
'98 Contour GL 2.0L VCT ATX 88k
'98 Contour LX 2.5L MTX 120k
Street racing can kill
just less of a chance with a 2.0