What are the immobilizer module and ring removal steps?

Hi,

If you look at pic 1 below, it shows the components you mentioned. Now, the PATS (passive anti-theft system) module is integral to the powertrain control module.

The PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic identification code out of over four quadrillion combinations.

Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into the vehicle's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) before it can be used to start the engine.

The transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key (at the ignition switch). This module is located behind the steering column shroud and contains an antenna connected to a small electronics module. During each vehicle start sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends data to the PCM.

If you plan to replace the transceiver, it will require programming.

I attached three pics below. The first shows locations, pic 2 is the wiring schematic based on early production and the last one is on late production. The last two pics show the five screw locations that hold the steering column cover in place.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi,

It signals the correct key is being used. It recognizes the transponder in the key and signals the PCM (PATS) it is okay to start. That is why the system will need programming to recognize the new transponder. Also, jumping the two wires won't eliminate the issue.

Let me know.

Joe

There is a coded signal sent both ways. You get in the car and insert the key, the antenna sends a signal out that makes the key respond. The signal from the key goes to the transponder module which reads it and sends a different coded signal to the PCM, it gets that signal and compares it to the programmed keys in memory. If it matches one then it turns on the fuel and ignition systems and the car runs. If it doesn't match it doesn't run. It also sends a signal back to the transponder that tells it to keep checking the key every so many minutes. Jumping the two pins will not bypass that and will commonly cause damage to the PCM. No real way to bypass the system unless you have a way to re-write the coding in the PCM to remove the anti-theft. Not a common thing though.
From the description it sounds like either the wrong key or the transponder module has failed, usually though a failure in the hardware turns the light on solid.

Not a high chance that it's the key that's bad, The common failures in them are the modules themselves. If you really want to do some testing you could get a copy of FORScan https://forscan.org/home.html Get the windows version, and the dongle from these folks https://www.obdlink.com/products/obdlink-ex/?ref=forscan
With the extended license you would have the equivalent of a factory scan tool that works on most Ford models and many Mazda's as well. Contact them and ask them if it's possible to configure out the system. I don't use it enough to know if it will or not.
Might give you a better option. Plus, if you do find a replacement module, it needs to be programmed and that program can do that.

Sorry to say that to program a single key in that system you need either a scan tool or two known good working keys.

This procedure only works if two or more programmed ignition keys are available and it is desired to program additional key(s). If two keys are not available.
PID SPARE KY must be enabled for this procedure to operate. If this PID is not enabled, refer to Security Access then select Spare Key Programming Switch; Enabled.
If the programming procedure is successful, the new key(s) will start the vehicle and the anti-theft indicator will illuminate for approximately three seconds.
If the programming procedure is not successful, the new key(s) will not start the vehicle and the anti-theft indicator will flash. If the programming procedure was not successful leave the ignition switch in the RUN position for at least 30 seconds, repeat the Key Programming procedure from Step I. If the failure repeats, refer to Diagnostic and Testing to review DTCs an carry out Pinpoint Tests.
A maximum of eight ignition keys can be programmed to a Passive Anti-Theft system (PATS) equipped vehicle.
If the steps are not carried out as outlined, the programming procedure will end.
Ignition keys must have correct mechanical key cut for the vehicle and must be a PATS encoded key.

1. Insert first programmed key into ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position (maintain ignition switch in the RUN position for one second).
2. Turn ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the first key from the ignition lock cylinder.
3. Within five seconds of turning the ignition switch to the OFF position, insert the second programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position (maintain the ignition switch in the RUN position for one second).
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the second key from the ignition lock cylinder.
5. Within ten seconds of turning the ignition switch to the OFF position, insert the unprogrammed ignition key (new key) into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from the OFF position to the RUN position (maintain the ignition switch in the RUN position for one second).
6. If it desired to program additional key(s), repeat the applicable key programming procedure from step 1.