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Mustang missing after trying to start without transponder key

  • Thread starter Thread starter mtmc
  • Start date Start date May 24, 2011

mtmc

New Member
May 11, 2011
38
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VA
May 24, 2011
#1
  • May 24, 2011
  • #1
Okay so I have a '96 mustang GT and the other day the only transponder key I have broke. So I found a way to bypass it and use a regular non transponder ignition cylinder. While I was testing it, the car would start for a few seconds and then die out (part of the anti theft PATS system) So now it's bypassed and I can start it fine with a regular key/ignition but now the car has a mild miss. Could this be from the failed attempts at starting the car without the transponder key? Maybe it kept flooding it out as part of the anti theft. I haven't removed any plugs yet but it's acting like they are fouled out. I hope that's all it is. Any other ideas if that's not the problem?
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
May 24, 2011
#2
  • May 24, 2011
  • #2
PATS kills the motor by disabling fuel and spark. This should prevent large amounts of unburnt fuel from getting into the exhaust.

Let's try something low tech. Inspect the spark plugs and check their condition.

Just wondering how you bypassed PATS. Did you tape the broken top of the key to the steering column?
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
81
99
Canada
May 24, 2011
#3
  • May 24, 2011
  • #3
wmburns said:
PATS kills the motor by disabling fuel and spark. This should prevent large amounts of unburnt fuel from getting into the exhaust.

Let's try something low tech. Inspect the spark plugs and check their condition.

Just wondering how you bypassed PATS. Did you tape the broken top of the key to the steering column?
Click to expand...

Was wondering that too. I wonder if the "patch" is momentary because the fob is too far from the pick-up coil or something...
 

mtmc

New Member
May 11, 2011
38
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0
VA
May 24, 2011
#4
  • May 24, 2011
  • #4
There is a black ring around where you insert the ignition cylinder with a wire going to it from the transponder box under the column. It acts as the antenna for the transmitter. I removed the transponder from the broken key and taped it up with several layers of electrical tape perpendicular to the black ring. It's the best location I could find for it to transmit. Reinstalled my top plastic piece and the non transponder ignition. It works like a charm and even though it seems jimmy rigged, it's better to be able to have keys made for $1.50 each instead of $175. Unless you were a mustang buff and could make the connection of my car being a '96 with a regular key, no one would ever know the difference.
 

Flghtmstr1

Member
Mar 31, 2005
572
4
19
Springfield, PA
May 26, 2011
#5
  • May 26, 2011
  • #5
I read "Mustang missing" and "transponder key" and took that to mean someone jacked your ride lol.
 

mtmc

New Member
May 11, 2011
38
0
0
VA
May 28, 2011
#6
  • May 28, 2011
  • #6
Soooo I found out why my car was missing



Threw in some new NGK's and it's running like a top. Thanks for the suggestions guys.
 
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