Section 20 (Immobilizer Systems - Passive Anti-Theft Systems): Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Mazda B4000, 2001 Mazda B3000, 2001 Mazda B2500, and 2001 Mazda B2300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Immobilizer vehicle protection system, or Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), is designed to prevent driveaway thefts. The system is passive in that it does not require any activity from the user. Radio frequency identification technology is used to verify proper key is being used to attempt vehicle operation.

Immobilizer system consists of PATS module, a permanently encoded transponder equipped ignition key, PATS transceiver module (part of ignition lock cylinder), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), THEFT indicator light, module communications network, Data Link Connector (DLC), and related wiring and fuses. See Fig 1 .

During each starting sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends the data to the PATS module. If the key's identification code is programmed into anti-theft system, vehicle is allowed to start. If key's identification code is incorrect or missing, vehicle is prevented from starting.

Fig 1: Identifying Immobilizer System Components

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTOR CO.