Experiencing starting issues with your 2000 Lincoln Town Car can be frustrating. If your car refuses to start, or starts intermittently, you might be facing a problem with the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) or key recognition. Let’s delve into a common scenario and explore potential solutions.
One owner reported issues where their 2000 Lincoln Town Car wouldn’t start consistently, even after replacing the transponder ring. They took their vehicle to a dealership to have a new key cut and programmed, hoping this would resolve the problem. However, despite the dealership’s efforts, the car still failed to start reliably. The owner received fault codes, including “1:6” with the old key and “1:5 key not programmed” with the new key, suggesting key programming issues.
It’s crucial to understand the proper key programming process for 2000 Lincoln Town Cars. A legitimate key programming requires the dealership (or a qualified locksmith with the right equipment) to read the key directly through the car’s steering column. This process validates the key’s digital signature with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Without this validation, the PATS system may not recognize the key as authorized to start the vehicle. If a newly programmed key fails to start the car and throws a “key not programmed” error, it strongly indicates that the programming process might not have been successful, or there are underlying issues preventing successful programming.
While replacing the transponder ring is a step some owners might take, in this case, it didn’t resolve the starting problem. This suggests that the issue might not lie solely with the transponder ring itself. A more practical next step is to meticulously inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the PATS system. This includes checking all wiring connectors between the transponder ring and the PCM, as well as the PCM connectors themselves. Look for any signs of corrosion, loose connections, or damaged wires. Cleaning and securely reconnecting these connectors can often resolve intermittent starting problems caused by poor electrical contact.
If checking the wiring doesn’t solve the starting issue, further troubleshooting might be necessary. This would involve consulting the specific wiring diagrams and PATS system schematics for a 2000 Lincoln Town Car. These schematics, along with factory diagnostic procedures, are essential for pinpointing the exact cause of the starting problem. A systematic approach, guided by these resources, will help isolate whether the issue is truly with key programming, the PATS module, wiring, or other related components.
In conclusion, if your 2000 Lincoln Town Car is experiencing starting problems, and key programming has been attempted without success, don’t immediately assume the dealership’s diagnosis is correct. Verify the key programming process, and prioritize a thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors in the PATS system. Systematic troubleshooting, using the correct schematics and procedures, is key to resolving these types of automotive electrical issues and getting your Lincoln Town Car back on the road reliably.
