Transponder Keys or also known as PATS is an acronym that stands for Passive Anti-Theft System. PATS is a security feature found on the latest models of Ford vehicles. It disables your vehicle’s starter unless you use your specially programmed key to start your vehicle. The key is equipped with a computer microchip, at which you won’t be able to start your car without it even if you have a duplicate regular key with the correct cuts.      

In instances that the PATS key got lost, the car owner will have to program a new working PATS key. The owner can also generate multiple transponder keys for convenience. All of these can be programmed using FORScan.

This is the process of how you can program PATS using FORScan:

Things that you Need

1. FORScan Extended license
2. At least one valid ignition key (master key) that is programmed by PATS, except when all the registered keys are erased from the PATS memory  

You will need to erase all known keys previously programmed by PATS in your vehicle, as the user won’t be able to delete a single key programmed. You will need first to perform these two process: 1) remove all the keys previously programmed by PATS, 2) reprogram the old key and program the new one.

Step 1

Run FORScan. You will find the number of keys stored by PATS in your vehicle.

Step 2

Choose the “Ignition Keys Erase” from the options. FORScan will read the outcode from the PATS. It will then suggest generating an incode using a built-in generator. 

Step 3

You may choose to accept and generate an incode via the built-in generator, or you may decline if you opt to use an incode generator. In such case, FORScan will give the outcode that would require you to enter the generated incode.  

Step 4

To generate the incode, you can use an external service such as autokeyprog.com.

As soon as the incode is accepted and confirmed by PATS, FORScan will ask you to confirm the Erase operation. The operation will be executed when confirmed, then you will be directed to the main menu. You will now see that there are zero keys known by PATS.

Do not Exit from the menu or you will risk losing the security access. You will have to repeat the entire process again if that happens.   

Step 5

The next process is to program your two keys. Choose the “Ignition Key Programming” from the options. You will be asked to confirm the process. Confirm by clicking “Ok”.

Step 6

FORScan will display the instructions that you need to follow. First is to turn the ignition key to OFF, then turn it back to ON and click OK. The operation will be confirmed by FORScan, then it will ask to turn on/off again.  

Leave the programmed key in the ignition lock. FORscan will require the master key since the number of known keys is non-zero.

Step 7

Repeat the process again to program the second key. This time when FORScan requires to insert the new key, remove the first key and insert the second one. After the process is done, you should see in the main menu that the two keys are already known by PATS.

*Special thanks to the online community who have created the original resource

In order to program PATS using FORScan, you will need a reliable OBD2 adapter. These are our featured OBD2 adapters that work flawlessly with FORScan.

Note: For FORScan coding modifications, we recommend using the OBD2 USB adapter for it provides a more stable connection.