Has anyone discovered that the PAT sytem (Passive Anti Theft) system does not work on the Hybrid Escape? I had a non-chip key made so I could unlock the door in case I locked my key in the vehicle. The locksmith tested it in the door and it worked just fine. Then he tried it in the ignition and it started the vehicle. And the vehicle continued to run with this non-chip key!

I saw a post on the Ya-hoo! site where someone learned from the factory that there is no PAT system on the HEV. However, the manual says it does come with a PAT system, and we are provided chip keys with the vehicle.

Can anyone clear this up for me? I don't want to waste precious hours hassling my dealer if there really is no PAT system. However, if others know for sure that a chip key is really needed to start the vehicle, I'll start complaining to the dealer and try to get this corrected.

As I said, the system is working as I showed tonight. The only question is will a non-chip key work without setting off the system. I am not convinced as yet.

Tonight I moved all my keys and fobs a distance away and was able to set off my alarm every time.

I hear you but I want to be absolutely sure that a chipped key or key fob was nowhere near the car when the car was entered and started with the non-chip key. I will try to get my own non-chip key tomorrow and do my own tests. If a bug is confirmed I promise Ford will hear about it Pronto.

Mike Maline - Sdctcher
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Owner
California School Teacher

Last night I made sure all my chip keys and remote controls were at least 40 feet away from the vehicle, which was locked and had not been driven for about an hour. I was able to start the vehicle and drive it with the non-chip key.

No alarm was set off when I did this. What are you doing that makes the alarm come on?

Based on this expriment, there is no doubt that my vehicle does not have a PAT system, or at least it is not working properly. If you can tell me how to make the alarm sound, I'll will test that too before going to the dealer with the problem.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Jnr, I don't know why some of Ford manuals say you have a PAT system when you don't on the FEH. I was concerned that it was not on the FEH before I bought it for insurance reasons.

Here's what I think happen. The PAT uses radio frequency ID for drive-a-way theft. The powertrain Control module (PCM) enable or disable the engine based on it seeing the chip in the Ign switch. It does not sound an alarm. The PCM on a FEH does enough already with all that auto stopping and starting so they left the transmitter off the FEH because of interference or something.

Instead, Ford gave us the Perimeter Alarm. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) monitors the status of the hood ajar, door ajar, lift gate & glass switches. This is not a passive system but if you lock the FEH and these points are openned, the SJB energizes the horn & flashers. Turn it off with the keyless entry, keypad, or anti-theft inhibit switch.

Almost a week ago I went through the official channels and contacted Ford Customer Service about why the PATS was not working:

2005 Ford Hybrid Customer Service (VIN Required)

https://www.customersaskford.com/Kan...e=fordVehicles

United States (800) 392-3673

Since that time some of the more mechanical-minded FEH Owners have determined that all the parts required are in place.

Well - No response from Ford means their Customer Service works as well as their PATS.

So tonight I contacted Ford Marketing and asked for an answer. I hope I hear something soon.

Ford may be on the hook for liability because their Owner's Manual says you cannot drive away without a programmed Chip-Key (You Can). Dealers are selling programmed keys for $100 and up when a $1.49 Wal-Mart Key will do the job. Insurance Companies think they are covering an expensive SUV with an Alarm System where there is none.

I asked that the 2006, which will be coming off the production line this week be fixed and soon Ford recall and fix our 2005's.

OK - I need some support here. I have complained about the PATS issue to Ford officially and I set up a Poll on another website I moderate to tabulate unrest. I respect Jason's rule to not publish other URLs here so I ask that FEH Owners who have strong feelings about this subject email me direct and I will add your name and remarks to me petition to Ford.

If you frequent other sites please pass the word and have them email me their support:

Sdctcher@Yahoo.Com

I need as many names as possible in the next two weeks to get help for our 2005. It is early enough in the 2006 build year that Ford can at least fix it there before too many get out.

Here is a copy of my Poll:

Apparently, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid has non-functioning Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). This is not the same as the Perimeter Alarm which will sound if someone attempts to break in without a proper key. The PATS will disable the starting without a properly programmed chipped key. Please indicate the following and this poll will be sent to Ford when completed. Your Identity is Shown. You may vote for more than one item. You may change your vote at any time.

My Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Works
My Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Does Not Work
I thought my Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Worked
I knew my Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Did Not Work
My Dealer Told Me I Had a Working Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
My Dealer Did Not Tell Me I Had a Working Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
I Purchased an Additional Programmed Key
I Purchased a Cheap Non-Chip Key and It Works
I Think Ford Should Recall and Fix the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
I Do Not Think Ford Should Recall and Fix the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
I am now More Worried about the Theft of My Car
I am not now More Worried about the Theft of My Car Ford Has a Responsibility Here
Ford Has No Responsibility Here

Please help me put together some community strength.

Thanks,
Mike


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Mike Maline - Sdctcher
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Owner
California School Teacher

Mike, I checked everywhere before I ordered my FEH for something that said the Securilock System (PAT) was included. Only the Perimeter Alarm was installed as a stardard feature. The dealer ordering guide list options that are available and excludes ALL other options available on the Ford Escape. Securilock was not an option on the FEH.

There is no blinking red light on the dash to indicate the FEH has the Securilock System. No indication on the window sticker of the system. In the FEH owner manual, The term Securilock is not in the index like my Explorer manual. The only thing I found in the FEH manual was on page 109 under Keys. It says "Your keys are programmed to your vehicle; using a non-programmed key will not permit your vehicle to start".

I think Ford would only say this is a misprint and should have been deleted. If any dealership charged for key programing, they should give a refund. If any salesperson told you that the Securilock System was on the FEH, I hope they got that in writing.

In my FEH Wiring Diagrams Manual it says under Passive Anti-Theft System " NOT EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-THEFT FUNCTIONALITY".

Does this help?

Thanks Gary. I have already heard back from Corporate Ford who says they are checking into this and will get back to me soon with an answer.

I think the lack of dealer understanding and what is in the owners manual is most ****ing.

Most people I have spoken with really believe they have protection. We just need to let everyone know what the case really is.

Mike

Mike Maline - Sdctcher
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Owner
California School Teacher

I think the answer from Ford will be something along the lines of "was on it on the windows sticker?" If it was and it doesn't work then you have an issue. It was wasn't, but it was in the manaual than you just have a baddly printed manual. Adversiting is irrlevent because they always have that fine print (specs may change).

I was curious about traction and stabilty control which are listed in the owners manaual, but the Ford website clearly says the are not fitted on the Escape. It is weird to have them in the manual, but unavailable on the actual vehcile. Either way my traction appears fine, but stablitiy is somehwhat wanting (IMHO).

Chris Brown
Mendocino County (When does the rain stop) California.

FYI My Escape clearly does not have PAT, unless the system has changed since 2003. One of our work trucks has it and the "theft" light flashes on the dash whenever you start it up (while the system reads the key). I have never seen that on my FEH.

Chris Brown

Even if the window sticker does not mention the PAT, the dealers are charging $100 or more for duplicates of the chip key when it is not needed at all. To me there is an ethical issue right there.