Does my Generation 3 Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable have an engine immobilizer?

Answer 1

(This answer Covers the "Generation 3" 1996-1999 Series Ford Motor Company Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.)

The only "immobilizer" security system available is "Securilock PATS" (Passive Anti Theft System). This system is designed to prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to your vehicle is used.

The Following Ford Motor Company Taurus and Mercury Sable had PATS available Standard.

1996 Ford Taurus LX

1996 Ford Taurus SHO

1996 Mercury Sable

1998 Taurus SE Sport

All Duratec Equipped Taurus and Sables have PATS.

The standard Anti-Theft system that comes on the 1996 Taurus lower and non-Duratec models is a Locking Steering wheel and an Anti-siphon gas filler tube.

To lock the steering wheel, remove the key from the ignition and turn the steering wheel slightly. It will lock into place. This prevents a typical "brute force" attack in which one would use a special tool to engage the key. It locks the key slot in place. Some vehicles may not have this feature. To disengage the steering wheel lock, Insert the Key into the ignition, and slightly turn it to start it, turn the wheel slightly in the direction it was locked and continue to try to turn the key. It will unlock and the steering lock will disable allowing you to start and drive the car. This may take practice as where the vehicle is parked, the direction the wheels are facing and the surface you are parked on may produce different levels of resistance, and may make it difficult or impossible to engage and disengage.

For more information on your PATS system, See the included link below for the Ford PF71 Police interceptor. It has the same PATS system implemented on the high level 1996 models as well as the newer 98 models. (PATS systems are the same for all vehicles that are equipped with it)

Although the article says that aftermarket remote starters cannot be used, this is incorrect. Many companies offer "interface" units that allow PATS to function in conjunction with your remote starter.