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B1600 — PATS Ignition Key Transponder Signal Is Not Received

Detailed page for trouble code B1600.

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Code

B1600

Other B — Body

PATS Ignition Key Transponder Signal Is Not Received

Brand: Other
Type: B — Body
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Key transponder absent or damaged
  • Ignition cylinder/wiring fault between lock and theft-deterrent module
  • Theft-deterrent/module (PATS/BCM/ICM) failure or programming loss
  • Antenna/coils that read the transponder are faulty or misaligned
  • Intermittent connector or power/ground problem to the theft‑deterrent module
  • Interference from aftermarket electronics or radio-frequency sources

Symptoms

  • Engine will not crank or starter is disabled
  • Starter cranks but engine does not start (fuel/ignition disabled)
  • Security/immobilizer lamp illuminated or flashing on dash
  • Intermittent no-start that clears when using another key
  • No response from remote functions on non-related systems (in some cases)

What to check

  • Use a scan tool to read B1600 and any related security data or freeze frames
  • Verify vehicle security/immobilizer lamp state during key turn to ON and crank positions
  • Try all known good keys (including spare) to see if any key is recognized
  • Inspect ignition lock cylinder and antenna ring for visible damage or loose/missing parts
  • Check power and ground at the theft‑deterrent module and connectors for corrosion or looseness
  • Look for recent work, battery disconnects, or aftermarket installs that coincide with fault appearance

Signal parameters

  • Key transponder responds on a low‑frequency RFID band (typical LF reader ~125 kHz; specific frequency is manufacturer‑dependent)
  • Transponder signal contains an encoded digital ID; reader expects a valid programmed ID
  • Reader/antenna is passive; power for the immobilizer module is typically vehicle 12 V supply and ground
  • Communication between immobilizer module and ECM/BCM is via vehicle bus or dedicated serial link (check for normal bus messages)

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Retrieve all security-related codes with a capable scan tool; note freeze frame and time stamps.
  2. Verify symptom: turn ignition to ON and observe security lamp behavior and any CAN/bus messages indicating key not found.
  3. Try known good/spare keys. If a spare key works, suspect primary key transponder failure or programming issue.
  4. Visually inspect the ignition cylinder/antenna ring assembly for damage and check connectors at the antenna and theft‑deterrent module for corrosion, bent pins, or loose wires.
  5. With scan tool, monitor the immobilizer/BCM for the transponder ID read event while a key is turned. If no ID event, test antenna ring continuity and wiring to module per service manual.
  6. Check module power/ground and communication lines (CAN or serial) for proper voltages and message traffic; repair any wiring faults.
  7. If antenna and wiring are good but no key ID is received, try reprogramming or re-learning keys per manufacturer procedure — ensure tool supports PATS.
  8. If reprogramming fails or module shows internal faults, replace the theft‑deterrent module or antenna assembly following dealer/ OEM instructions and reprogram keys.
  9. After repairs, clear codes and verify that all keys are learned and that the vehicle starts reliably; recheck for stored security codes.

Likely causes

  • Key transponder chip failed or key is not the programmed spare
  • Damaged antenna ring or wiring at the ignition switch
  • Corroded/loose connectors at PATS/BCM or ignition switch harness
  • Theft-deterrent module lost its learned key IDs after battery disconnect or replacement
  • Aftermarket alarm/remote starter interfering with transponder communication

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Transponder key ID not received by theft‑deterrent module — immobilizer active; vehicle may not start until valid key is recognized.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

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