Despite it being a fantastic truck, Ford has not been able to fix a critical flaw with its flagship truck.
Like many others, if you are trying to find the answer for bypassing the anti theft system on Ford F150, due to it activating randomly then there are many different ways available.
You could use a custom tuning file, bypass kit, reprogram the PCM, or delete the system. All these ways have their pros and cons.
This article will take a closer look at each, so you can decide which will suit you.
Table of Contents
The Process Of Bypassing Anti-Theft System On Your Ford F150
If you are not in a hurry and are looking for solutions that don’t result in any permanent changes, bypassing the PATS system is your best bet.
This section will find out the best ways to do so. All mentioned methods can be reverted, so you don’t have to worry about things like voiding the warranty.
Method 1. Fake Transponder Key
- The first thing you need to do is purchase a new key.
- You can get one from any hardware store for a couple of dollars.
- You need to head on down to a locksmith with the original key, so he can make the new key identical to the one that belongs to your F-150 truck.
- Now, the new key, when inserted, should trigger the PATS system because there is no transponder chip present on it.
- That is where the original one steps in. You need to open it up, which can be some work.
- Once you do, you should carefully remove the transponder chip. There are many tutorials online that can help you with this step.
- Once the chip is removed, you can put it on the new key. There is a chance that the PATS system will not detect it.
- In that case, you will need to pop the cover of the ignition system and place the chip where the connection is strong.
- You can glue it and put the cover back on. The next time you put in the new key, the engine on your F-150 should come to life without a hitch.
Method 2. The Power Door Unlock Method
If you are a bit more classical and have an older model of the F150, then this method is for you. It works on models which were released from 1996 to 2000.
The process is pretty simple, and this may be due to the system being implemented by Ford for the very first time.
First, sit in the truck and all the doors should be closed. Insert the key and turn it ON where the electronics turn on. You need to locate driver’s side door unlock button.
It needs to be pressed three times with one-second intervals between each press. Then the ignition needs to be turned off. Repeat the above process once again.
Once that is done, try powering the electronics again. If the truck greets you with a chirp-like sound, that means the PATS system has been successfully bypassed.
You can now resume normal operation and start the engine.
Method 3. Check For The Override Button
In its early days, the anti-theft system was known to trigger without any reason, which resulted in owners getting extremely frustrated.
This may be why Ford had already included an override button. The override button temporarily stops the anti theft system from working, which allows owners to start the truck.
This is indeed insecure, as a thief with knowledge can do the same thing too, and drive the F-150 away.
Method 4. Get A Bypass Kit
A true bypass does not mean utilizing built-in systems but something designed to cut the legs from under the PATS system itself!
That is where a bypass kit steps in. These kits have been designed around the security protocols in Ford’s anti-theft system.
Different kits are available, with some that self-learn and adapt to the protection system, while some require a transponder chip from a donor key.
The end goal is the same, bypass the PATS system before it kicks in.
It can be utilized when installing a remote start mechanism, which the security system is generally not friendly with, or if it acts up occasionally.
A bypass kit is cheap but does require a bit of wiring knowledge. There are tutorials available on YouTube that can help you with the process.
How To Disable The Anti-Theft System On Your Ford F150
You just got a Ford truck, and not wanting to deal with the security system acting now and then is perfectly normal.
If you want a more permanent solution, check out this section.
Trust me when I say you will never have to worry about getting stuck in one place again due to the unreliability of the F-150’s PATS system.
Method 1. Reprogram The PCM
According to online information, there are versions of the PATS system in which turning it off is simply flipping a digital switch.
This may not be the case with all of the F150 truck’s models, especially the recent ones.
But if you have one manufactured between 2000 and 2010, then there is a good chance this can be done.
Unlike the next solution, this one can be reverted. It does require a professional touch or a custom tune file.
Ensure the tune file is created by an expert or the tuner manufacturer itself. This reduces the risk of glitches, possibly resulting in a faulty PCM.
If that happens, you may be looking at thousands of dollars worth of repairs, in which the entire module must be replaced.
Method 2. Delete The System
This may look simple enough, but you need an expert. A computer is connected to the PCM, which is used to delete the PATS system.
This cannot be done by the truck owners themselves due to the risk of corrupting the onboard computer altogether.
The anti-tamper system can also be deleted with a custom tune file, which will be provided to you by your tuner manufacturer.
No tuner company includes this feature by default in the preloaded files.
These files are tricky to make, but they ensure all of the features that cannot work without the system can operate without any issues.
This is an expensive procedure, and a bypass is usually recommended. It can also not be reverted until the entire PCM is swapped completely or your dealership agrees to do it for you.
The latter is rarely possible.
Pros And Cons Of Disabling The Anti Theft System Of The Ford F-150
There is no doubt that attempting to bypass the anti-tamper system of the Ford F150 can have both pros and cons.
Although you may be aware of them, it is best to list them, so you can make a proper decision before continuing with the process.
Pros:
- Disabling the anti-theft system can make it easier to start your vehicle without having to go through the extra steps required to bypass the system.
- If your system has malfunctioned, disabling it can save you the cost of repairs or replacement. Programming new keys, from a dealership alone, is very expensive.
- Disabling it can give you more control over customizing your vehicle, such as adding an aftermarket alarm system or a remote start circuitry.
Cons:
- Without the anti-theft system, your vehicle becomes an easier target for thieves. This can result in a higher risk of you losing your precious ride.
- If the security system is deleted, it can lower the resale value of your vehicle, as it is an important safety feature that many buyers will look for. This is why reversible methods are recommended.
- Deactivating it may be result in rejected insurance claims, as the normal function of the truck has been altered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Does An Anti-Theft System Do On My Ford F150?
Your Ford F150’s anti-theft system is like a security guard, silently monitoring your vehicle’s security.
If someone tries to steal your truck or tamper with it, the system triggers and disables the engine to deter thieves.
As is evident in the article above, it cannot be disabled easily, which is a good thing.
Q2: What Are The Symptoms Of The Anti-Theft System On my Ford F150?
If your Ford F150’s anti-theft system is activated, you may experience symptoms like the engine cranking, just like when the battery is dead.
It’s like your truck has suddenly turned on you. But don’t worry; this is a good thing, as it means the system is doing its job to keep your vehicle safe.
This could also mean that someone tried to tamper with it.
Q3: What Can Trigger My Ford F150 Anti-Theft System Work?
Your Ford F150’s anti-theft system can be triggered by various factors, such as a tampered ignition switch, an unauthorized entry, or a faulty key.
It’s like a high-tech detective constantly analyzing your truck’s electrical system for any suspicious activity.
So be sure to keep your keys safe, and if anything seems amiss, contact your dealership for assistance, or implement one of the solutions listed above.
Conclusion
Remember, learning and finally implementing this process can leave your F-150 truck prone to getting stolen.
You can use any one of the solutions mentioned above and get the job done but should be aware of the risks at all times.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
