PATS Security system lockout after motor swap?

Tiny
TBIPT16
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
Bought a 14 Taurus a few months ago that’s given me nothing but problems. Finally broke down and bought an entire new motor after continuous problems making the car non operational. Just got the new motor in and now the car is showing codes for the PATS system. A mobile key service came out to reprogram keys and said the user interface with there software keeps stopping the program instead of completing the process. They’ve said the PCM and BCM need resynced and the car will deny essentially anything other than a Ford technician. Related lights on the dash are “start system error” however the starter will jump across and turn the car. With the keys being out of program the car will not start instead just goes in too theft mode. How do I get past this
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 AT 4:56 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,391 POSTS
The description sounds like the battery was disconnected long enough that one of the modules "went stupid" and it lost the coding that they use to verify the security protocol. The dealership can access it and reprogram the VIN into the modules and then add the keys back in. OR if you plan to keep it a while and maybe have other Ford or Mazda vehicles you may want to look into FORScan and the dongle they recommend, it is software that you run on a windows computer that in the licensed version gives you the ability to do more than the dealer machines will do and coding is something it will do. Pricewise it is VERY reasonable for a DIYer, the downside is that it only works with Ford and Mazda and systems based on their control modules. However it makes pretty much every other scan tool look bad on the makes it covers.
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Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
TBIPT16
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
At this time we already utilize FORScan. Unfortunately it seems as though we have to have basically forscan premium to be able to code and program keys. As of yet we have not been able to do it with the software we’re using and the upgraded forscan software is close to $2000 from what I’ve seen. I’m assuming the best option them would be to just send it to a dealership?
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Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 AT 10:35 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,441 POSTS
Yes, sometimes the factory needs to update the software, can I ask which codes are are getting, and I would do a CAN scan to help get an idea of what is going on as well.

CAN SCAN - https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Please let us know what happens.

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Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,391 POSTS
Yes you would need the extended license version to do more but I just looked and that option was only around $20.00 a year and they do have a free trial of the extended license available as well.
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Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 AT 11:57 AM

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