B1600: PATS Ignition Key Transponder Signal Not Received

Symptoms

• Engine cranks but refuses to start
• Anti-theft / security light flashing rapidly on the dashboard

Common causes

• Using an unprogrammed or damaged transponder key
• Defective immobilizer transceiver antenna coil around the ignition barrel
• Wiring defect between the transceiver coil and the instrument cluster/PCM

What to do?

Try starting the vehicle with a known-good spare programmed master key. If the spare works, the original key's transponder chip is defective. If no keys work, test the transceiver ring antenna surrounding the ignition lock cylinder for power and ground, and replace if faulty.