Ford Expedition Factory Remote Start Anti-Theft Conflict

[rsl4evr]

The factory remote start in my 2012 Expedition EL Limited is not functioning. When I press the remote start, the car goes through the typical process but never turns over or cranks. After this, the anti-theft light blinks rapidly.

I've attempted the 2 key reprogramming method to no avail. I'm able to use the remote start when I hold one of my keys close to the ignition.

I am able to use the remote start when holding my regular ignition clear near the steering wheel.

The remote start is a ford factory one, and is not the same unit as the key.

I've read there is possibly an antenna wire in the PATS system that has failed. Is this a possibility?

Dealership is saying they want to replace the whole system. Yikes!

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Here is a stupid question, but did you try changing the battery i the remote to see if it works? Maybe it is a very weak signal. It's just a guess. Or the transponder in the remote start key isn't programmed with the same code as the receiver. Just random thoughts.

 

[John Christopher]

Here is a stupid question, but did you try changing the battery i the remote to see if it works? Maybe it is a very weak signal. It's just a guess. Or the transponder in the remote start key isn't programmed with the same code as the receiver. Just random thoughts.

That's not a stupid question, Andy. It's a very good idea.

 

[rsl4evr]

I don't think it's an issue with the battery in the remote, as I have two remote start fobs like the one pictured and they both activate the cars remote start but don't deactivate the anti theft portion of the system. Although I guess it's possible they're both low batteries? Why would it work enough to get the car ready to start, but not enough to authenticate with the anti theft?

 

[stamp11127]

Since it works correctly when another key with a chip is near the antenna the problem is how the remote start is validated through the pats system.

 

[rsl4evr]

That's what I was thinking as well.

I watched this video as I was getting the same issue that was shown.


I tried reprogramming them to no avail.

Has the transponder ring possibly failed? It seems odd that my car keys would still work if it did.

 

[stamp11127]

I've read a few articles concerning your issue. It seems there may be a pats bypass module used in the remote start system that is having issues. I don't have wiring diagrams to verify this unfortunately.

Did the dealer give you an estimate on fixing it?

Although the link is for upto 2010 remote start programming, is this the procedure you followed?

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/f...ssory_files/Ford Programming Instructions.pdf

 

[rsl4evr]

Dealer wants to replace the whole system, which is believe is there way of making me pay more when they could just fix it.

I followed the steps in the video I linked which simply using my regular programmed car keys. I put each one in, switched them to on, then pressed the remote start transmitter.

The PDF you linked is different, but I figure I'll give it a shot. I'll have to take under dash cover off and see.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

rsl4evr, did I read somewhere that you had a locksmith make a key for you? I tried to find the comment above but I couldn't see it. If you did, this is just a thought. If a locksmith make a clone of your original key, then you don't have two unique keys. You have two of the same key and if that is the case, the programming will not work because you need two unique keys. It is just a thought but I thought that I read it somewhere on here. I could be hallucinating, it's happened before.

See if you have to real Ford keys with the logo on it. If it is a clone the truck thinks you have one key so it can't go into programming mode and it could be that simple.

 

[rsl4evr]

I haven't had a locksmith make a key for me, so I think you might be remembering someone else post

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I haven't had a locksmith make a key for me, so I think you might be remembering someone else post

Sorry about that. I read a lot of stuff and sometimes it mixes together in my head. Has the remote worked up until recently?

 

[rsl4evr]

I was able to get them working!

Thanks to stamp11127 for the PDF on the remote start systems. I got under neath my steering wheel behind the dash. Found a remote start override button and was able to program both remote start fobs.

 

[stamp11127]

It's hell getting old ExpeditionAndy. I just turned 60 and the aches and pains are crazy plus add being rear-ended in my Acura MDX recently. Might explain why I can hardly walk now.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

It's hell getting old ExpeditionAndy. I just turned 60 and the aches and pains are crazy plus add being rear-ended in my Acura MDX recently. Might explain why I can hardly walk now.

I can relate. I'll be 60 in March. 50 didn't bother me but I think 60 is making me consider my own mortality more than I ever really ever thought about it. We lost at least 4 people from my high school graduating class this year, and that's not good. The good news is my mom lived to almost 88 and my dad is still alive and it good shape at 92 more so than some 70 year old guys I know. Maybe with luck it's in the genes.

 

[Adieu]

I can relate. I'll be 60 in March. 50 didn't bother me but I think 60 is making me consider my own mortality more than I ever really ever thought about it. We lost at least 4 people from my high school graduating class this year, and that's not good. The good news is my mom lived to almost 88 and my dad is still alive and it good shape at 92 more so than some 70 year old guys I know. Maybe with luck it's in the genes.

If your parents who grew up during the great depression and were in their middle age by the time medicine became somewhat modern live that long, you're pretty much genetically predisposed to hit 100 running...

 

[Flexpedition]

I'm with the dealer on this one. Another option might be to have a car alarm/stereo shop remove whats factory installed and install an aftermarket alternative, like Viper or similar. Costs likely will be similar and often dealerships farm this work out to a local shop anyway.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I'm with the dealer on this one. Another option might be to have a car alarm/stereo shop remove whats factory installed and install an aftermarket alternative, like Viper or similar. Costs likely will be similar and often dealerships farm this work out to a local shop anyway.

"rsl4evr, post: 273260, member: 56698"]I was able to get them working!

Thanks to stamp11127 for the PDF on the remote start systems. I got under neath my steering wheel behind the dash. Found a remote start override button and was able to program both remote start fobs.

He didn't need the dealer he was able to get it working with Stamp's help.

 

[rsl4evr]

Glad I didn't go with the dealer. Amazing how a Ford tech can just happen to not know how to program remote start fobs. Incompetence or dishonesty? I'm thinking the latter.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Glad I didn't go with the dealer. Amazing how a Ford tech can just happen to not know how to program remote start fobs. Incompetence or dishonesty? I'm thinking the latter.

I tend to believe that most people are honest and many are just not informed. These vehicles are more complicated with computers, modules and subsystems, that if you aren't certified for each subsystem you may not know all of the quirks. Dealerships don't stay in business by ripping off their customers, but I think it also takes informed consent and the vehicle owner has to be able to accurately convey the issues the vehicle is experiencing or the steps to recreate them and many people just drive and can't explain very well. And sometimes, technicians hear but the don't understand or they can't convert what they hear into useful information.

Add to that the sheer magnitude of vehicle models and then throw in the years and all of the changes over the years and I think it's pretty amazing they can diagnose and figure things out at all.

Just my opinion if you know what I mean.

 

[Kristamarie]

I've read a few articles concerning your issue. It seems there may be a pats bypass module used in the remote start system that is having issues. I don't have wiring diagrams to verify this unfortunately.

Did the dealer give you an estimate on fixing it?

Although the link is for upto 2010 remote start programming, is this the procedure you followed?

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/ford_content/catalog/accessory_files/Ford Programming Instructions.pdf

The link no longer works. Any chance someone still has this pdf?