FORScan forum

Car is a 2013 Ford Focus Titanium (Pushbutton start), USA model. Had another thread in the programming section as i was having issues adding a new key, but it had been determined that the issue lies with the PATS system not reading the key when it is placed against the steering column transceiver while attempting to add a key using FORScan. I had tried using FORScan to add the already functioning key and it wont detect it. Also tested removing the battery from my fob holding it against the column and attempting to start the car (like the book says if you have a dead fob battery), this gives the no key detected message on the cluster. Another member had posted the wiring diagram between the PATS transceiver and the BCM, i checked the connection at the transceiver ring, and all connectors at the BCM, no corrosion, checked the continuity between the TX, RX, and GND wires between the transceiver ring and the BCM, no issues found. Confirmed i have 12v power at the transceiver ring. Oscilloscope on TX - GND and RX - GND while pushing the start button yields no serial activity, both data lines stay at a constant ~12v. Hopefully someone can lend some assistance on where to go next with troubleshooting this. The car works with the one fob, but it bothers me only having one key and not being able to start the car if the fob stops transmitting.

Where did you purchase the new key? Is the FCC ID the same as the working key? Can you ping the key with TPMS tool? Try another key from the dealer.

I will be purchasing a new OEM key just to rule that out as an issue, the current working key is an OEM ford key, but the real issue is not with the new key but the fact that the PATS system with the transceiver ring in the steering column that will not detect the key fob during the programming process, or when the fob has no battery power. This is supposed to be the emergency backup if the fob battery dies you are still able to start the car by holding it against the column and pushing the start button. When the fob has battery power it is detected anywhere in or around the car by a separate module.

Are you sure that where you are putting the key to detect it is the correct place?.
I’ve seen this type of issue before where the key just wasn’t in the right place. Sometimes it’s in a cup holder area etc and could even require the rubber matting to me removed first in some cars.

Thanks for the reply. I have looked elsewhere, console and cup holder as you mentioned, owners manual states to hold it against the round cap on the column, where the key would go on non pushbutton models, ive tried all different positions, there is a PATs transceiver ring in the column like normal key models would have, kinda at a loss here, haven't been able to find any power, ground, wiring damage or corrosion issues, leaning towards an issue with the BCM or cluster maybe? I picked up replacements but as long as my current key continues to work, i dont think i am going to mess with it anymore, i am just surprised how difficult it has been to find solid information on this system, which i guess makes sense being security related, still very frustrating

try this ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW5KqdSohnU

Yes, saw that, checked it, fuse is good, solid voltage at transceiver ring, confirmed with incandescent test light as well to load the circuit, no corrosion to be found at the BCM either

This might sound stupid but if it's keyless entry did you put batteries in the remotes you want to program? My Autel won't program the universal remotes till you put a battery in them.

Yes i tried with the battery from the working fob, i even tried adding my working fob again, always fails with the message "No key detected" on forscan, attempting to program the already programmed key should have failed with a "Key already programmed" or something similar. So it is not seeing any of the keys at all with the transceiver ring in the column, however it picks up the key at all the doors and they auto unlock when i have the key on me and inside the car for the push to start to function. It is my understanding that this is a completely separate system that functions the same as the PATs system that reads the conventional keys when inserted into the key slot in the column. Seems to be using this system to add new keys and as the emergency backup key function to start the vehicle if the fob battery dies. The manual states to hold it against the column and push the start button. I have confirmed ground and +12v however scope shows no activity on the serial lines at the transceiver module in the column, the wiring all checks out back to the BCM under the passenger side dash, no corrosion on any connectors, or BCM fuses.

only other things i can suggest are as stated above by someone else, the fob needs to have the correct ffcid, sometimes the ffcid is written on or in the fob (depends on car brand) to check it.
you could also take the board out of the fob and try putting it right up to the ring. your right the remote locking and the transponder are different systems, the transponder must be close enough to the ring to receive power from it.
you could also try presenting the fob to another car and see if it reacts to it.