Anti-Theft Systems - Passive: Description

NOTE: Passive Anti-Theft System has an anti-scan feature. Attempting to start vehicle with an unprogrammed key, the theft indicator light will flash rapidly, and vehicle will not start. Leave key in ignition lock cylinder switch and ignition switch in RUN/START position for 30 seconds for anti-scan feature to time out. If time out is not completed, vehicle will continue to not start even with programmed key(s).

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) is available on some vehicles. The system is passive in that it does not require any activity from the user. System uses radio frequency identification technology to verify if proper key is being used to attempt to start the vehicle.

During each starting sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends the data to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). If the identification code is programmed into anti-theft system, vehicle is capable of starting. If identification code is incorrect or missing, vehicle is prevented from starting.

PATS vehicle protection system consists of PCM, theft indicator light, transceiver module, encoded ignition key, module communications network and Data Link Connector (DLC). PATS has self-diagnostic capabilities.