Scotty, My parents have a 2000 Ford Windstar. Had zero issues until one day it wouldn't start when the anti theft light was blinking. It worked on and off but eventually wouldn't start. Took it to a Ford dealer and they put a new ignition switch in and charged another 200 buck to "program it". It worked once and hasent since. I replaced the ECU with another used one and still nothing. Engine rolls" when we "shorted out the starter. Should they junk it?
Ford uses PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) and it will tell you what's ailing it.
You could connect a scanner to it and pull specific DTCs.
Or you could just read that flashing "theft" light (like reading an old OBD1 trouble code) to get general trouble codes.
First you have to turn the key on and wait between 30 seconds and a Minute for the theft light to stop flashing quickly.
Then it's (sequence-pause-sequence).
It will flash for the first digit, pause, and then flash for the second digit.
So if it flashes once, pauses, and flashes six times that would be a code 1:6 (or 16).
(Faulty link between PATS module and ECU)
In this case you may want to check Fuse #9 in your passenger compartment fuse box [Cluster, PATS Transceiver, Powertrain Control Module Relay (coil)]
AND maybe (in your engine compartment fuse box) check both Fuse position #1 [Powertrain Control Module Relay] and Relay #304 [Powertrain Control Module Relay].
Code flashes:
1:3 Key code not received.
1:4 Partial code only received.
1:5 Key not programmed into PATS.
1:6 Faulty link between PATS module and ECU
| B1213 | Less than 2 (or 3 if equipped w/Valet key) keys programmed to the system. |
| B1232/B2103 | Transceiver internal antenna damaged. Replace transceiver. |
| B1342 | ECU is defective (EEPROM in PCM is not working — replace PCM). PATS related when stored in PCM only. |
| B1600 | Non-PATS Key or damaged key. |
| B1601 | Unprogrammed encoded ignition key detected (leave ignition on for 20 seconds before trying a programmed key, in Anti-Scan Mode). |
| B1602 | Partial detection of encoded ignition key. |
| B1681 | Transceiver signal not detected. |
| B2141 | Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) configuration failure — No PCM ID stored in PATS. |
| B2139/U2510 | PCM ID does not match between the PCM and PATS control (PATS/ICM/VIC/HEC/SCIL). |
| B2431 | Key program failure (defective key or transceiver). |
| U1147/U1262 | Communications issue, SCP (J1850), between PCM and PATS control (PATS/ICM/ VIC/HEC/SCIL). |
| U1900/U0100 U2511/B2009 | Communications issue, CAN (J2284), between PCM and PATS control (ICM). |
| P1260 | PCM disabled the vehicle because of a PATS concern. Retrieve DTCs from applicable PATS control function (PATS/ICM/VIC/HEC/SCIL). |
One more thing to consider. Around 2000, Ford stopped using a "stand alone" PATS control module and started incorporating it into the PCM (ECU). It seems there was nothing wrong with your original PCM since the problem persists. You may want to consider putting it back in before you troubleshoot, just to rule that out.
Holy crap dude. Thanks for all that info. If the immobilizer is jacked up, would installing a remote start- and then adding one of those units that bypasses the immobilizer work?
PATS doesn't like remote starters and it's probably cheaper to just determine what's going wrong here. Try to retrieve the codes using the flashing theft light and if it isn't specific enough to point you in the right direction hook a scanner up to it. The system isn't that complicated.
Okay. I'll hook up a tool. It flashes once..and then twise. 1:2
It's pointing to the PATS Transceiver or the transceiver wiring. You may want to hook up a scanner to confirm a B1232, B2103, or B1681 code.
Part # (OEM) XL3T-15607-AD
That's the code!
I found a few on ebay with that OEM part number.
Is it "plug and play" or do I have to pay ford more f****** money?
I really appreciate your help
Also, where is the immobilizer located? Is it in the column or behind the cluster?
It doesn't have to be "programed". Be sure to check your fuses first. Passenger compartment fuses 9 and 19.
Engine compartment fuse 121.
It goes around the ignition switch in the column.
Confirm that part # is the exact fitment for your 2000 Windstar and remember to check the connector first.
(you mentioned the ignition switch was replaced) Be sure they didn't "pinch" any wires when they were doing that and examine the connector for signs of corrosion or damage
Thanks Jack. I ordered a replacement immobilizer and I'll let you know how it goes when I have them install it.