Hi, I have a 2001 Focus Zetec Automatic 1.6. I had been having some problems with the transmission where as the car seemed like it was pulling away in 2nd gear so was generally slow until you got up to around 15-20mph, anyway I decided that I would disconnect the battery for a few minutes as it could reset the ECU and might fix the problem without expensive repairs.

After reconnecting the battery I started the car and drove it for around 5 minutes, the problem was still there so I parked up and left the car for a few hours. When I returned to the car I put the key in the ignition and it would not turn over, so I tried setting the alarm, unlocking etc then trying to start again and the same thing, the immobiliser is not deactivating.

The PATS light stays on when the key is in the ignition and turned to the "engine on" position, after about 2 mins it goes out and then flashes twice, then once then repeats the sequence. I have since discovered this is a "PATS Code 21" and it means that there is less than 3 keys programmed to the vehicle.

I only have 1 key for the car, and i'm pretty sure its not the master key as its one with the 3 buttons on.

I have tried leaving the battery off overnight, keeping the terminals connecting to apparently clear any static in the ECU but I am still getting the same thing.

I took the key to local garage and the guy tested it on a machine and said the key seemed fine, so it cannot be a damaged key.

Does anyone have any others ideas?

Anyone in the UK from the Essex / Romford / Dagenham area that has some diagnostic equipment or who can cut & program new keys for a good price, please get in touch.