cold weather anti theft no start

[mikewtx19]

my 1998 exp wont start,(and stay running)when the outside temp is below 20*. the engine starts,theft light is flashing,runs for 5 seconds and then shuts itself down and the theft light is still flashing.... i know this is outside temp related because if i take a hair dryer and blow hot air into the ignition/key area on the steering column for about 60 seconds it will start...every time, ive been using this "trick" for two winters!please help my wife wants her hair dryer back........thanx mike

 

[Lane24]

Kinda sounds like your PATS module is acting up. You could take it to a shop with a scanner.. There are several error codes that go along with the PATS system. Some guys have even had problems with this module after installing new stereo equipment.

Or.

Do you have a remote starter? I had the same issue with my 98' after I had the remote starter installed. It turned out to be the PATS bypass they used. They originally used the one that required a key inside, but in cold weather it would not work due to temp. I had a PATS bypass installed which did not require the key inside. Once they installed the right bypass it has worked great ever since.

The trouble with my 98 was that it still had a earlier model PATS 1 from the 97's and most other 98's had the newer PATS 2. Mine was probably one of the first made that model year and they were still using leftovers so the installers could not get the bypass for a 98 to work with my truck. Luckily some research pointed me to try an earlier style bypass.

 

[drtj]

My 99 is starting to do this. I put the key in & turn it to the "on" position & the theft light is blinking real fast. Had a mechanic come look at & reset it. He said a gin module could be going bad. ive read about the PATS system, but havent seen anything about a gin module. I only have 1 key, no remote start. Its bone stock. Havent put anything new on it or done a mataintence on it. Any suggestions?

 

[drtj]

Anybody????

 

[javanes]

my 1998 exp wont start,(and stay running)when the outside temp is below 20*. the engine starts,theft light is flashing,runs for 5 seconds and then shuts itself down and the theft light is still flashing.... i know this is outside temp related because if i take a hair dryer and blow hot air into the ignition/key area on the steering column for about 60 seconds it will start...every time, ive been using this "trick" for two winters!please help my wife wants her hair dryer back........thanx mike

Hi, I have been doing exactly the same with the blow dryer in the winters as well. Although my car is a FORD Windstar 2000, I couldn't help replying to this messsage.
This summer I was able to find out that the specific compoenet that works when heated up by the blow dryer is The "PATS Ignition Key Sensor" with the part number XL3T_15607-AD written on it. It is exactly below the Ignition Lock cylinder.

Will it help if I just replaced that part or does it need programming? It seems that no matter what the car has to visit a dealership.