Anti Theft light blinking fast , engine won't start

2,870

Asked by joelrocks Jul 23, 2014 at 07:40 PM about the 2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Anti- Theft light blinking fast and engine won't start. locksmith tried to reprogram key,
since i only have one, but it still does the same thing. Any way to over ride or bypass this
system altoghter?

105 Answers

62,735

Oh boy, your at the mercy of your local Friendly Ford Dealer. As far as I know, they're the only one who can reprogram the anti theft system and cut you the proper key. Get two keys. Home Depot and Sears can cut you a duplicate for less then FORD.

90 people found this helpful.
62,735

The chips in the key are blank then they are programmed to the anti theft system.

50 people found this helpful.
2,870

can I get keys and then have a locksmith reprogram them?

105 people found this helpful.
2,870

can i get keys cut and reprogrammed without having the PATS reprogrammed too?

57 people found this helpful.
62,735

I don't think so. It's one of those catch 22 things. Basically, Ford has you over a barrel. As I understand it, Ford is the only one that has the ability to reprogram the anti theft system. Think about it. That kind of information shouldn't be public.

45 people found this helpful.
62,735

I have a thought. Just for grins and giggles, try disconnecting the battery for about a half hour. Then see if that doesn't reset the anti theft system. It might just be that the chip in your key isn't bad. It's worth a shot.

61 people found this helpful.
2,870

Tried that, did not work. Took it to the dealership and found out the whole anti-theft system has to be replaced and reprogrammed!!! Ain't that a kick in the head! Asked if the system could just be removed and they said yes, but i would never be able to start the truck again.

46 people found this helpful.
2,870

Not as much as originally quoted. About $363.51 instead of $658.92.

31 people found this helpful.
2,970

A SOLUTION!!!!!! THIS WORKED FOR US TODAY! Try turning the key and moving the shift from park to drive and back. Then try starting it again! It should start. We were ready to call a tow truck before trying this. It worked. Saved time and money!

297 people found this helpful.
1,150

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport and it's a stick shift. Someone tried to steal it unsuccessfully and now it will not start. Lights come on and anti theft light is blinking, but it won't start. How can I reset the anti theft and get it to start. No park since its a stick.

115 people found this helpful.
1,320

My Ford mechanic told me that the device that reads the key chip goes bad. Says there is no re-programming involved because it simply reads the chip and sends the info to the system. The last time my 2001 Explorer failed to read the chip I just bumped the steering wheel a couple times to send vibrations through the column. It worked. Probably same effect as mentioned above by Sandra. The Ford mechanic said the "reader" will eventually fail all together and will need replaced.

56 people found this helpful.
435

SANDRA: thank you so much for your information. I have a 2000 Ford excursion to have you saved the day on it as well. I had never run into this problem before, and was looking at hundreds of dollars in repair bills. you saved the day.

43 people found this helpful.
600

Thank you Sandra. I thought my starter went out. Then noticed the theft light. I googled it and found your solution. It worked!!! I almost towed my car. You are awesome!!!

60 people found this helpful.
330

My girlfriend and I had this happen yesterday night, we had to leave our car overnight. Came back the next morning after doing some research and Sandra's solution worked!!!! Thanks soooo much!!

33 people found this helpful.
1,320

OK. Listen up. I bought a new "Transceiver" today. My Explorer was doing the intermittent theft light thing just like the rest of you. When I went to put in the new part I found that one of the wires that goes into the plug that is under the dash was broken. This break is was without a doubt caused by the wire being moved every time that you tilt the steering wheel. The only reason the wire was clearly visibly broken was because I pulled it out of the plug. I am sure the wire was just simply sitting in the plug broken and would sometimes not be making contact. The bottom line is if you are getting your vehicle to start by using the "Sandra" method or any other physical manipulation around the steering column I will bet that you have a broken wire just like I did. The next time it happens tilt your steering wheel fully down. This pushes the wire deeper into the plug. I was able to fix my broken wire. I know how to remove the pins from the plug. Now I have to hope the Ford dealer will let me return the new part. One more thing. My original Transceiver's wire has plugs on both ends. If yours is like this (the new one is not) you could get a good wire from a junk vehicle. You may even be able to buy a new one. I haven't looked into that yet.

59 people found this helpful.
1,060

Awesome! Like others I tried many things, and actually my "solution" above is sadly, not a solution as it worked only once and I can't repeat it. So, your answer seems much more likely and I will try. Can you tell me/us what color wire was the broken one in your situation?

23 people found this helpful.
1,060

***** Solution #2 I followed this post and it worked first try: http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c112_ds558688 My problem started when the battery had gone dead in my 97 Expedition. After jumping it a couple different times, the Theft light came on. Just like everyone else I couldn't get out of the blinking Theft light condition. Replaced the battery, same problem. Called Ford, explained dead battery, etc., and no help - can't believe they don't know this. Followed the instructions by putting my key in the ignition, turning it from off to on 8 times, then on the 8th leaving it on and watching the Theft light go out after a couple seconds! YEAH!!! Pushed each of the keyfob buttons as instructed - including the Panic button, kinda scary in case it didn't go off, but nothing happened. Turned the key off, took it out of the ignition, put the key in the ignition, turned it to on, and watched the Theft light go out after a second or two. Freaking coooool!! I was looking at towing the vehicle 30 miles to the mercy of a Ford dealer - far scarier than the Panic button, as it would have been many dollars into finding the reset process. Vehicle starts ever time now after about 4 tries!

62 people found this helpful.
1,320

I'm sure there are different reasons for the system to "think" its being tampered with. ggaskill, good to hear you got it to work. I've done a little more "research" and found older vehicles with tilt wheel steering column are known to have broken wire issues. On my Explorer the transceiver has 4, wires going into a white plastic connector under the dash. The far right wire was broken on mine. The wires are left to right: black/w-white stripe, red (it may have a stripe I can't see it in my photo) violet/w-blue stripe, tan/w- white stripe. The tan/w-white stripe was broken but unless you test them by gently pulling on each one you would never know because the wire is held by a small crimp onto the insulation at the back of each pin.

17 people found this helpful.
290

I've tried all the solutions mentioned above^^^^ with no luck. I have a 2000 f150 4x4 and called a locksmith, he told me the computer is reading the chip in the key and everything checked out ok, so he even tried to cut and programmed a new key, all to be a loss of time and money. 3 days ago the truck ran fine and was ok when I parked it in the driveway.

29 people found this helpful.
740

put key in ignition turn your key to run and back to stop position 8 times on the 8th time leave it to the on position security light will blink then go off.You should hear door locks activate,this is good .With the key in the on position push all of the buttons on the fob,Turn key off .should start It should start .

47 people found this helpful.
970

For my '02 F150 Expedition - Had it. Fixed it. Replaced a module and a relay. 180 bucks....most of which was 2 hours labor to find it. Done deal. ;)

23 people found this helpful.
380

YOU CAN START THE CAR BY simply (putting the ebrake all the way down, if your on a slant) then just put it in natural and start it, might take some gas peddle and key positioning type of skill.. As for a permanent solution, don't know, just live with it, shouldn't have bought a ford.

38 people found this helpful.
970

Like I said...the real fix is a new relay and module. That is indeed a "permanent solution". Btw, last I checked all brands' parts break down...especially after 200,000 miles. No need to troll.

48 people found this helpful.
740

Thanks everybody but I got it fixed all I had to do was reprogrammed the system. I turn the ignition key on and off six or seven times and then hit the unlock button on the key fob and that fixed it. Thanks again I appreciate the help.

27 people found this helpful.
400

Shut off my 2002 ranger 4we 4.0 . anti theft light blinking and engine does not turn over . Tried all the quick fixes mentioned . Relays all good . So has anyone had any luck with having system scanned by mechanic ? The scanners from parts stores are not sophisticated enough to get any codes.

29 people found this helpful.
100

Thanks Sandra. That helped me today. If I have any further problems I'll keep Hoot60's advice in mind.

10 people found this helpful.
220

Geary, where did you find the module? My mechanic called Ford and they said its no longer made.

11 people found this helpful.
970

Michelle, sounds like you got a bogus answer. They're not going to just stop producing needed parts. Anyway, my mechanic just ordered it up at the local Napa auto parts supply and it was delivered and done within 2 hours.

5 people found this helpful.
220

Hey all, Ihad my truck looked at by Ford my issue was the ignution cylinder lock. It start right up now.

11 people found this helpful.
120

Hey y'all , I got a 04 Ford explorer I bought it off my father in law he was driven it and it ran out of gas he got a way home and the by the time he got back to it he had lost his key so he knocked the key switch out and the security light came on I changed the whole steering column it came out of a mercury montainer. So I'd have a key programed to the key switch it won't start off the key to starts off the sylonid tho and runs but not long dont sound like the fuel pump is kicking in maybe a lose wire

12 people found this helpful.
400

My 02 ranger did this . I got lucky and know a guy are in town that can scan this. He scanned it , said pats module came up bad . He said since it showed up No other modules at all it was not that but likely the instrument cluster . Bought a used one . He said now scan it with a auto parts store scanner and see what it says . It showed tranciever bad . Before it had showed nothing . Replaced it and it started up. Tried all the other fixed also but no luck there

11 people found this helpful.
230

I have a 2003 mercury mountaineer everything on dash board turn on but won't crank just makes a click noise and battery is good and theft light blinks quick any solutions I'm thinking its the PATS anti theft transceiver but would like other options thanks

23 people found this helpful.
100

Had a tire blow out on driver side in the back fixed that then didnt drive til Monday only to find out it wouldnt start. Replaced battery,alternator and starter checked fuses and all tested good i dont know what to do at this point. Tried jumping it and my antitheft light stayed on but didnt hold a charge

10 people found this helpful.
240

What if I don't v have a key fob !!! I have a 2004 Ford Explorer

24 people found this helpful.
160

Disconnect both battery terminals touch both wires together this should drain your whole system of power then try to start the car... worked for me

16 people found this helpful.
180

I have this problem now on my 99 ranger

18 people found this helpful.
80

I have a 2003 ford explorer i just put a fuel pump and a ignition coil on and it still wont crank any suggestions

8 people found this helpful.
970

Arkella...do you have the fast blinking light as in the first scenario on that s thread? If so...you may need to replace what I did...you need a relay and a module...associated with ignition.

10 people found this helpful.
70

So this is my 3rd or 4th time with this problem in my 04 ford explore. I had the mechanism in the steering column replaced in 2013 and then the other times it was the key.. tired of paying ford for the same issue over and over. Currently the battery is dead since the truck has been sitting for over a month... help?!

7 people found this helpful.
970

As I've stated a few times before: it's a relay and module associated with ignition. Take it to a good mechanic you trust. It'll cost you about $150.00. The blinking light thing happened in my 2002 Expedition two years ago. Haven't had a problem since.

9 people found this helpful.
45

Thanks for all the information, toke my truck to the dealership, 213.00, back on the road,said that I had bad relay and wire going into the pcm.let's go fishing. Thanks again

4 people found this helpful.
145

05 G M C 2500 HD 257,000 miles on it , bought it w/ 70 k ,,,,, I put Gas in it today ,,and drove away ,,,, ' that says it all " good luck

12 people found this helpful.
90

My 02 escape just started doing this over the past couple weeks but always started after a few tries. Friday night I had it towed after it wouldn't start at the gas station. Had the starter replaced Sunday, it drove fine Monday and then wouldn't start Monday nite. Just saw Sandra's solution and BAM it started!!

9 people found this helpful.
150

My anti theft light came on and was blinking and then none of my lights would turn on and the ignition wouldn't crank, I turned the key all the way forward (clockwise/ on position) and then unplugged the battery for 45 minutes, went to Wendy's for a number 1, reconnected the battery and cranked the ignition, my 04 ranger came back on.

15 people found this helpful.
90

i have the same problem the blinking light

6 people found this helpful.
80

Chalk-up another "success" using Sandra's answer/solution, above. Thank you very much, Sandra! Just out of curiosity, Sandra, do you recall where you got the answer? (And yes, if you say it's on page such-and-such in the owner's manual, I'll feel like a complete idiot!). Thanks again!

8 people found this helpful.
50

Chalk up another one for Sandra's solution. I had to jiggle the shift lever on our 1998 Explorer a couple of times before I could turn the key -- but then shifted into drive, then back to park, then started up like a dream. Thanks again, Sandra! You do indeed ROCK!!

5 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2000 Mazda B4000 pickup truck. It has not been starting due to a flashing Theft light. I tried Sandra's solution, and it works. Her method is to turn the ignition key on, and move the shift from Park to Drive and back to Park. This should turn off the ATS. Then turn on the ignition. It starts right up.

4 people found this helpful.
50

I have a 2002 Ford F-150. 2 wheel drive. 4.2L. Manual. Went out and truck didn't start. Theft light was blinking. Turned key to on posistion and all the way back ( lock on steering column have to push with finger to get all the way back ). Did this 8x. On the 8th left it in the on posistion. Reset and truck started right up

5 people found this helpful.
110

My 2001 Ford explorer is doing the same thing because I locked my keys in the car stuff had to get a locksmith to unlock it now I'm down $120 and now my car won't start!! Everything was fine now I don't know what to do, can someone... Anyone help.

5 people found this helpful.
160

I have the theft light blinking slowly on my dash but that is the only light that flashes on the dashboard. All other lifts work but I've tried every method on this page does anyone know what this could be?

7 people found this helpful.
110

My car did the same thing and the problem was actually my battery. So I had to jump it. I'm gonna get a new battery to avoid this problem in the future.

2 people found this helpful.
160

I tried that and it still won't start. The battery is pretty now not more than a year old. Every light inside the car works and the headlights too, but the dashboard only has the flashing theft light.

9 people found this helpful.
110

Well the next best thing to do is go to your local Ford dealership and have them reprogram the key. I pretty much gave up and was ready to do that until my dad tried the battery, saved me about $150 but if it's a last resort then that's what you'll have to do.

4 people found this helpful.
200

This happened to us today on our 2002 Ranger, 3.0L, Auto. I googled this thread up from there. I tried everything. My one last desperate attempt was to unlock the tilt wheel and slam it up & down like a mad man before trying to start it. It worked. I got her home and started taking the column apart. I work slow though because the heat gets to me bad. I cussed out that little black chip sensor (pictured) that runs parallel to the airbag wiring in the column. Being that the shaking worked, I am hoping I can find a loose connection. I can make any wire fit any plug somehow. I am already trying to figure out how I am gonna budget for the new motor my baby needs and I sure don't need electrical on top of it all. By the way, I joined this site today just so I could thank you all for this thread. :)

8 people found this helpful.
200

Oh yeah I forgot to mention something in my post above. ^^ For those with actual KEY issues, not system issues, here is how it works: If you have TWO programmed keys, you can follow the directions to program other keys. If you have ONE or NONE, you need to see your local dealer. Also, if anyone has a bad transceiver (pictured above) they can be gotten cheap. Google the part number. To me it looks like 1L5T-15607-AE, but my eyes aren't what they once were so you are responsible for verifying this!

4 people found this helpful.
80

Any experiences with this problem on a 2007 Ford Ranger, 2 wheel drive, or other manual model? No key fob buttons. Battery is good; all lights go on. The theft light is blinking. I turned the key 8x's (all the way back) has not worked. If I'm doing it right). How long to hold it there? Does the theft light go out?

8 people found this helpful.
200

Nope just on this one. My key doesn't have buttons either though. It just looks like a normal double-edge Ford Key with a huge black head on it. The chip is read right through the plastic. I don't know about the 8x thing.

8 people found this helpful.
30

My 09 Escape had been taking several tries of turning the key to get it started and now won't start at all! All the dash lights come on. And all turn off after a time. Tried several of the helps above but it's not working. Any suggestions?

3 people found this helpful.
40

My 2005 F 150 battery was replaced by ly ding bat boyfriend the anti theft lije started blinking. I was driving and all the sudden it would not go no more. I got a ride to my house got my PT Cruiser and pulled it to my house. I disconected the battery for like 25 minutes. I reconnected the battery turned everything on radio lights etc. The i turned everything off. I put it in reverse and went back the drive and went forward. It worked AT light stopped flashing and my Ford is going again. Now i have to make sure i didnt do something to my PT Cruiser

4 people found this helpful.
130

Listen up people. I had the same issue, my 2002 Ford Explorer XLS just stopped running after I drove it for 100 miles back home from the coast and this is how I fixed the problem. First, if your theft light is blinking fast it means either you or someone else tried to get into the vehicle without a key or....some tried to use a key that did not have a chip in it. NEVER, EVER USE A KEY THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE CHIP TO START YOUR CAR...DONT DO IT. It will trigger the PATS Anti theft system. OK now you know. The transponder located at the ignition key MUST BE CHANGED OUT WITH A NEW ONE. FORD dealership price is $35.00 for the 2002 Explorer. After i changed mine out the vehicle started right up and i drove home.

13 people found this helpful.
60

i have a 1998 ford ranger xlt damn thing ran great today i pulled into work shut it off no problem come out for lunch open my door an had a weired ding happening notice my theft left was going nuts now my truck wont start

6 people found this helpful.
90

Does the odometer show dashes all the way across if it's the anti theft problem? Mine won't start when the dashes show but if you wait a while, the mileage numbers show up and then it will start. It will I only run a couple minutes then it dies. The anti theft lights blink fast when the dashes are showing and after the car dies.

9 people found this helpful.
60

I have a 1998 Ford Expedition 5.4 theft light is flashing and won't start the engine. Took it to the local mechanic to see what is the wrong turned out crank sensor wore out. Bought new crank sensor from Amazon and have it put in the new sensor and whala, the engine still the same. But I noticed the theft light is still flashing. I am out of luck.

6 people found this helpful.
20

Well after all the tricks and more two fuel pumps,one ignition switch,more tricks I gave up for awhile. Found this forum and did the 8x pushed buttons it reprogrammed.I was ready to do the key program and sensor and module.Sorry ass Ford plays dumb to sell us all these parts.Our problems started with dead battery at school with our daughter.She got a jump went to Walmart got a new battery and that's when things started going wrong.Dome lights coming on, horn honk, door locks go off,won't start,just cranks . Turned key on and off then would run great for a little while.Damn can't believe it was that easy after all the grief and cost.

2 people found this helpful.
40

With the fob lock/unlock car twice, get in shut the door and lock/unlock car with the button. Open the door, shut the door start your car.

4 people found this helpful.
60

HEEEELPP!!!!!! I ran out of gas. Locked my doors came back in a rush and with the window rolled down i opened the door from the inside. Alarm went off until I put my key in the ignition. Turned key forward nothing no sound. Theft light is blinking. Tryed the 8x thing the sandra thing, unhooked the neg. Wire for 30 mins. and the lock and unlock thing. I also jumed the starter rely. Iy cranked but didnt turn over please help. 02 mercury mountaineer no chip on key.

6 people found this helpful.
100

Tried all of the above on our 2002 ford explorer, turns out it was the $30 transceiver I had to purchase from the Ford dealership that goes around the ignition switch and communicates with the key and the PCM. Swap it out and the vehicle crunk right up without needing the keys reprogrammed.

10 people found this helpful.
295

Hey, I had this same problem, and I took it to our local shop. It was the PCM relay and a fuse. The PCM relay and the fuse are both very easy to get to located in the engine compartment fuse box. The PCM relay costs ~$30 and the fuse was also very cheap. So, before you take your vehicle to the dealer, CHECK THE PCM RELAY! It could save a lot of money. Hope this helps. -JC

9 people found this helpful.
60

I have a 2002ford Windstar sports it wont start bought a new battery and it still won't start my anti theft light blinking like crazy what can I do

6 people found this helpful.
295

Hey, I had this same problem, and I took it to our local shop. It was the PCM relay and a fuse. The PCM relay and the fuse are both very easy to get to located in the engine compartment fuse box. The PCM relay costs ~$30 and the fuse was also very cheap. So, before you take your vehicle to the dealer, CHECK THE PCM RELAY! It could save a lot of money. Hope this helps. -JC

1 people found this helpful.
10

Jeremiah, thanks for the info! Which fuse exactly was it that had to be replaced?

1 people found this helpful.
295

I forget which one it was, but it was unrelated to the problem (I think it was to the headlights).

5 people found this helpful.
250

I change the steering column out in a 2000 Ford Explorer and it wont crank and itself lights on how do I bypass that

2 people found this helpful.
40

I have read all the comments and have not seen anything about a factory remote starter not working. 08 Escape. Car starts fine when cranking with key. Remote does everything correctly except cranking the engine. Anti theft light blinks fast only when I try the remote start. All instrument lights come on like it's running. I hit the brake to kill the lights. Anyone have similar problem and a solution?

30

**FIXED!!** I used our backup key fob and it started right up. I'm guessing the key fob battery died in the normal key we use.

3 people found this helpful.
40

Both key fobs are in good working order. I push the button, car beeps once, instrument lights come on, also the anti theft light starts to blink fast. Beeps again, usually starts at this stage. Nothing happens. Also, I have set the remote system back to factory default setting. The car anti theft is not reading the key fob as it's own. There must be a reason why. Anyone?.

4 people found this helpful.
20

Thank you Sandra you are awesome! I had a duplicate key made of course it activated the theft system so I tried your solution and it worked ! Now if I need the extra key for any reason I know how to use it!! Thank you

2 people found this helpful.

I just fixed my 2000 explorer with similar issue. Try replacing the Ignition Immobilizer Module. Worked for me. I got one from junkyard. A good locksmith will replaced it and programed it to your car. Cost me 125 total including the part. Its a simple part to pull.

20

I need help my 1999 ford expedition wont start it cranks but wont start. The odometer has dashes all the way across and the theft light isnt blinking. we had though it might of been a theft issue but since the theft light wasnt blinking we couldnt get a code so we tried replacing the PCM relay but that didnt work either someone told us it could be the PCM MODUAL "computer" but we are hoping it might be something else as of the only way to replace the modual is to pay alot of money not worth the fix please if anyone knows what else it could be that would be awesome and if you think that might be the problem let us know we need as much advise as we can get

1 people found this helpful.
10

I just fixed up my 2002 Ford escape at Buffalo Mobile Locksmith https://buffalomobilelocksmith.com/ Apparently, the transponder was broken. It's a glass chip and they made me a new key and program it. I paid $100 for the service. Is it reasonable?

1 people found this helpful.
30

I have an 02 Explorer. I bought it with no keyfob. How do I reset without buttons?

3 people found this helpful.
10

Simple fix for me. I took all other keys off key ring and used just the Ford key. The additional metal items was a problem. I turned key to ON and the anti-theft light stopped. Car Started great. Added other keys back and still works fine,

1 people found this helpful.
30

99 ranger theft light blinking fast wont start tried some of the solutions here worked for a while problem kept happening got a transceiver from the junkyard no dice tried swapping the starter relay and the pcm power relay they are the same relays (fuse box under the hood check owners manual) and that worked put the starter relay back and bought a new pcm relay $15 problem solved!!

3 people found this helpful.
40

I thought I had a PATS problem with my 2009 Escape Hybrid. It was showing all the same stuff with the lock warning light and the red triangle. I had it towed to the Ford dealer and it turned out that the inertia/fuel cutoff switch was tripped. They opened the trim panel in the passenger side of the trunk area by the jack and pushed the red button down to re-enable it. Then they turned the key on and off a few times to get the fuel pump sending fuel to the engine. Fixed. $110 + tax. Something easy to check before going to the dealer. I hope this helps someone.

2 people found this helpful.
40

You need to open the panel in the trunk and push the red button that is popped up. The button is for shutting off the fuel pump in case of a accident. On my Escape it is located next to where the tire jack is stored on the passenger side rear of the vehicle.

2 people found this helpful.

Awesome Sandra! I’ll try this next time it happens. I’ve been carrying a bottle of starter fluid and forcing the engine to turn over. It got me home than I unplugged the battery cam back a week later it cranked. Would have been a hell of a lot better had I seen your post. Next time!!

20

Hope someone has an answer about a 1997 Fort Explorer Sport. It was not driven often, but when my mom passed away in 2002 my son was supposed to use it. I found out in 2018, that he did not know how to drive a stick shift. So it sat outside near the ocean for 7 years. He tried to start it to get it moved from driveway, but would not start. He bought a new battery to see if that was the problem. It was not. Any ideas as to WHY it wont start or WHAT could be done to get it going again? Thank ou

2 people found this helpful.
10

1.Disconnect the battery ground cable. 2.Remove the LH (Drive side) rear quarter trim panel (in the back/trunk area). 3.Disconnect the two Remote Anti-Theft Personality (RAP) module electrical connectors AND the antenna connector. 4. Reconnect your battery and it should start. THANKS TO SUPER DAVE. This worked for me. Got this from here. https://www.justanswer.com/ford/5g0by-ford-explorer-disable-anti-theft-system-1997-ford.html

1 people found this helpful.

I just gotta add for future information for all of us with shifter problems. If your vehicle will start after moving shifter back and forth outta park, then its this little bitty gold T25 screw that is located underneath steering column. Its tiny and hard to reach, but possible. This screw keeps the parking link in place. I had this problem and moving shifter worked for about 6 months til the screw came out. Had to go to junkyard to get one from another vehicle cause no one carries this little part. Just FYI of what will happen next

Check fuse box for any blown fuses, couldn't start my 1999 lincoln town car I thought fuel pump/ starter/ fuel injector/ fuel filter/ battery / alternator and it was a simple fuse. Security was constant flashing and fuel pump cut off, and couldn't start for the life of me and them checked all the fuses and found 1 blown replaced, (reset fuel pump- I don't even know if it was necessary but for days couldn't get it to start and boom I'm m driving again for $1) so b4 u spend crazy money check terminals and obviously low cost things b4 u spend money like a Maniac hope it helps someone since every thing I read up on involved slot of money and time. Not 1 person said check fuse box. #14 by the way if anyone has a lincoln town car, mine is 1999

10

I have a 2002 Ford explorer Eddie Bauer edition the anti-theft light is blinking really fast and all the gauges are moving up and down and making a clicking noise when I press the brake and try to start the car all the lights and flickering stops but starts again when I let go of the brake. I tried to do Sandra's technique but my shifter will not go from Park to drive it won't move it all. I tried disconnecting the battery and bought new fuses still nothing somebody please help I've only had the car for three days bought from somebody who won't help me in any way or answer any of my questions...

1 people found this helpful.
20

I had a similar problem with my used 99 explorer? This was a towing vehicle for my boat so not used often. But I had a serious problem sometimes where would not start. Was clearly a problem with the anti theft system. Would crank well, but often would not start. After months of trying different things I finally, finally figured out my problem. The dealer and several independent shops could find the problem. I spent hundreds of $$$ trying to resolve. I noticed that sometimes when I used the key to unlock the driver door it would start fine. I removed the door panel and found that the button lock mechanism was broken from the normal position and it fell about a 1/4” low. The rivet that held it in place broke. This caused the lock mechanism to think it was not unlocked. Once I moved the lock mechanism back into place and secured with a new screw it started immediately. Apparently it was just low enough it thought it was still locked. I hope this helps as I was thrilled I solved this problem after researching it for months online. It’s a real quirky thing.... but I figured it out! Just reseat the lock mechanism and screw or rivet it back into place. All good now. Keep in mind this could be either the driver door or passenger doors. I’ve been fine now for over 2 years once I found this problem. Good luck and hope this helps!! Would love to hear if this helped!

2 people found this helpful.
10

Hello, 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, had the anti theft rapid blink issue. Had a code of 14. Brought to a dealer and they replaced the transceiver. Worked great. However, driving home I noticed that neither Blinker was working. Is there a fuse or module that controls them? Simple fix so I do t have to go back to dealer?

1 people found this helpful.

Close all doors. Lock it from the outside using the key. Make sure it's locked. Unlock it with your key fob.

10

2005 Ford Explorer blinking light on top of dash in center and light to the left of the light switch on the dash. Both blinking and when I turn the key....the dash lights all turn on but the car will not engage or turn over at all. Tried the fob button stuff and engaging the transmission from park to drive and back...unhooked the battery for an hour....nothing worked. Found something on another forum that worked for me and want to 'pay it forward'. I turned the key on so the dash lights all lit up and left it there while I went to the engine and disconnected the positive of the battery. Waited 10 minutes and reattached the positive, went back in and turned the key off. Waited a couple of minutes and BANG....the car started right up! HALLELUIAH!!! Hope this works for you too!

1 people found this helpful.
10

Watch youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRD66JLC7Vs Bought a2001 Sport Trac Explorer that wouldnt start & acted like the battery would nearly die every time you tried to start it. New battery / alternator from last owner. Would jump start fine but not off battery. Wire wheel grinded the connections inside & out and disconnected from the main red/black cables and grinded the copper on the cables and inside connectors as well. Starts every single time instantly and has 250,000 miles. Shifts amazingly too like a new transmission. The 4.0L is unbeleivable. If this doesnt help there are actually 10 things that can go wrong between the key & the engine starter. These guys are funny & from my hometown coincidently but they do an amazing job troubleshooting and showing the whole process. Cable connections under the steering column are the most likely suspect on sport tracs at least. Apparently its common for the shifter cable guides to break and it show in Drive instead of park.

1 people found this helpful.

Ive been reading the crank no start items and would like to ask other readers about a specific vehicle a 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII which hasn't run in 10+ years that cranks but will not startup. Can anyone refer me to an answer or a carguru site that deals with my specific vehicle? thanks Steve

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