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Double post about Forscan and max number of PATS keys
I made a post in the Forscan sub-forum but just noticed that the last reply there was 2/16 (no offense to the Forscan aficionados). There's more action over here, plus it's year specific.
I'm trying to figure out if have already pegged out the number of keys on my PATS system. Got some new chipped keys, I have two new keys that say Ford and have S's stamped on them. I assumed that they were two original Ford keys that came with the truck. But I can't get the new keys in the system using the two Ford keys. Bought it with 75,000 miles in 2017. No idea what the PO's did.
If I have the max of eight then the path forward is different than if I have bad chipped keys. The new keys are Ilco brand, just the like third key I have that works.
I understood that using forscan to program keys erased all previous keys. But after using forscan to program my two keys I am also unable to add a third or more keys.
That's a bummer. Do you know that the third key is good? I just downloaded Forscan Demo and it read the DTC's from the Instrument Cluster (IC). I had a B1600 and a B1601. So, it looks like my new keys are good and should be able to be programmed in to the system. My guess about the eight key limit might be correct, but I'd like to be sure. Edit - could also be that I have three clone keys. Two of them look like official Ford keys, but who knows.
If you put your third key in and let it start the Theft light flashing it should set a code in the IC. Here's a Forscan forum page and the text. My B1600 must have come when I stuck a good key and an unprogrammed key together and sent a jumbled signal to the IC. That was my test of the chip in the key but I didn't know it would set the code until I tried Forscan Demo. So, you should be able to test your key just by reading the IC code it sets.
2. Read DTC. For newer vehicles with CAN bus ((Focus Mk2...) it is OK to just read DTC for PATS module in Errors section. For older vehicles (Focus Mk1, Mondeo Mk3...) running the PATS module self-test in Tests section may be necessary
3. Analyze returned DTC codes:
3.1. If the test returns B1601 code (B10D7:51 for new PATS), it means the blank key is OK and can be programmed for this vehicle. 3.2. If the test returns B1600 code(B10D7:87 for new PATS), it means the blank key is not recognized by PATS and can NOT be programmed for this vehicle. 3.3. If the test returns B1602 code (sometimes simulatenously with B1600, B1601) (B10D7:8F for new PATS), it means PATS is unable to stably read the key transponder. That's possible with clones. You may try to shift the transponder to another place of the key fob. If it doesn't help, it may be good idea to replace the transponder. Programming such keys in FORScan v2.2.8 and older may look successful (FORScan says key programmed successfully), but in fact the key is not added to the PATS memory (key counter is not increased) and Errors section may display code like B2431 - Transponder Programming Failed. 3.4. If the test returns another code (non of B1601...B1602, but related to PATS), it is recommended to contact support. 3.5. If test executed successfully, but no any of B1600, B1601 codes are returned, it means the key is programmed for this PCM already.
Last edited by BareBonesXL; 02-22-2023 at 07:35 PM.
Here's the screen I got. I disabled the engine the day before when I was trying to program the new keys in. The system resets after like 15 minutes, I think. It works fine now, as it did.
I recall some problems with Chinese keys years ago. If you have the OEM strattec key you should work if you have the original keys. I once tried to program another key via forscan and it wouldn't do it.. didn't figure out why.. I did it in the ignition the easy way without any problem. I think I had given one of the original keys to my wife and she had lost it.. so I tried to use forscan to reprogram keys so I can have a spare. When it didn't work I gave up. Fortunately found the other original key in her camera bag and was in able to easily program a spare.
Forscan didn't work but the two key method did? That's an odd one. Worth a try. Once they're in they're in.
I'm still wondering how to know when the eight key limit is reached. Seems like there would be a "B" code but I haven't seen any indications that there is. B____ - "Limit of programmed keys reached".
I'm sure that my extra keys are good and I used the same test that you used. I tried the two key method to add the additional keys as forscan would not program more than the two. This was about 4 years ago so forscan may have been updated with new functionality.
"... Viewing the N_KEYCODE (number of keys programmed) PID will determine if the minimum number of keys have been programmed into the PCM. If the N_KEYCODE PID reads 0 or 1, additional key(s) will need to be programmed into the PCM in order to meet the minimum of 2 keys. If the N_KEYCODE PID reads 0 or 1, and the MASTERKEY PID reads NOTPREST, that particular key must be programmed into the PCM. If the N_KEYCODE PID reads 1 (or more), and the MASTERKEY PID reads PRESNT, that particular key is already programmed into the PCM. ...
These are the instructions I use and it has always worked. I've done it three times. It erases all keys and you add them back in the way the factory does.
I always use stratec keys.
Thanks for the link. I see that it shows the number of keys programmed on the screenshot. So, apparently, Forscan can poll that PID and report it. 19:56:25.386, whatever that means.
Still trying to find a way to see the "number of keys" PID before I get too far in to it.
02-22-2023, 04:55 PM
Double post about Forscan and max number of PATS keys
