asl8017

Hi,

I bought my first 2005 F150 STX. I love it. BUt it did not come with power locks or windows. I have a blinking red light on my dash. what is that?
I read where some people think it is a sensor for automatic lights, I do not have this option either.

THanks

TheJcode

Security probably. The light towards driver side?

cleveland lotlizards

It's the Passive Anti Theft System (PATS).. There's a chip in your key and the truck won't start without it .

asl8017

Yes it is on the drivers side. Thanks for the info.

Mechanik

Orrrr, the light sensor. Park in the daylight and wrap a piece of tinfoil around it and see if your headlights come on, or the dash lights dim.

homer

Like many wrote on here, it's both the Passive Antitheft (PATS) AND the Ambient light sensor (if you have autolights) (6-pin connector inside the dash).
The red is the PATS indicator, it'll go crazy if you have a non-chipped key in the ignition .

If you copy your key at a regular hardware store, try the copied key, it'll literally just blink on the dash and won't let you start the truck. Additionally, any new cut keys need to be coded to the system. Any individual can add keys to the trucks computer without going to the dealer *IF* you have 2 programmed working keys (the sequence is in the owners manual). This also makes adding a remote starter a bit more fun too . I wouldn't try a copied key on a GM though, some of the vehicles will lock you out for a duration of time for attempting (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).