Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting PATS Key

Ok I know that there have been posts on this topic but I have searched through and not found anything else to help me out. I went and had a new PATS key cut today. I have the one key that goes to the car that works. I put it in and let the dash lights come on and the couple that cut off go off and the led stopped flashing. I then took that key out and immediately put in the new key and turned it to the same point until the flashing LED went out. However the led wasn't flashing it was solid. Am i forgetting a step or something. Please someone I am trying to get an extra key as this one has already been locked in once. This is 98 Contour SE 2.5 V6 Duratech. TIA ~heath

If you wanna use this technique to program PATS keys you need at least 2 keys that are already programmed. You will need to go to a dealership to have a tech reprogram your keys. He will have to erase all the security codes and then reprogramm all the cut keys.

If your car was built after march 1, 1998 you will need 2 operating keys to program another key (These cars have the PATS II system). If the car was built before March 1, 1998 you have the PATS I system which lets you program a new key from just 1 operation key. I know this because I just went through the same thing. Follow the key programing procedure in your owners manual exactly. It is possible that Ford did not update the owners manual for cars built after March 1, 1998. There was no owners manual in the used 1998 Mystique that I bought. Good luck!

ok thanks guys I will read through the owners manual. Maybe I did something wrong and hopefully I don't have to have it programmed at the dealer. Its just outrageous for something that I know can only take a matter of minutes that they charge over 30 bucks for here. Thanks again

You can download your owners manual from Ford. You do have to register a user ID, but you can get the owners manual (and other manuals that came w/ the car) as a pdf file.
Following is the text from the manual I have.


Key coding
Replacement keys or a maximum of
15 duplicate keys can be coded.
To program a key, cycle ignition
switch from (3) to (1) with a
programmed key. Within five
seconds of this cycle, insert a new
PATS key into ignition and turn to
(3) or (4). If successful, the theft
warning indicator will glow for two
seconds, and the vehicle can be
started. Repeat until all chosen
keys have been programmed.
The control light illuminates to
indicate a successful programming
operation.
Repeat the procedure to program
additional keys.
Your dealer can also delete keys
already programmed.
The system is maintenance free.
If keys become lost, you must have
your dealer clear and reprogram
the code for security reasons.
3
4
2 1

30 bucks is pretty cheap, someplaces charge $100 or more for this service... if its only $30 then go for it.....

what do you mean (To program a key, cycle ignition
switch from (3) to (1) with a
programmed key. Within five
seconds of this cycle, insert a new
PATS key into ignition and turn to
(3) or (4). If successful, the theft
warning indicator will glow for two
seconds, and the vehicle can be
started) I put the programmed key in until the light stopped blinking. Then took it out and immediately put in the new one. And the light got bright and then shut off. It would start the car but as soon as I remove the new key from the ignition it will not work again? So what exactly is the 3 to 1 and 3 or 4 thing? I'm working on it today .

Look at the door jam sticker (the sticker that has the VIN) and check your build date. Depending on the build date, you may need to have a dealership program the car to accept the new key.

The numbers on the instruction have to do with the key position. How far you turn the key.

1 Off position
2 Accessory position
3 Engine on
4 starter motor activated

Down load the manual, the diagrams will be helpful