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car won't start

  • Thread starter Thread starter 1eo
  • Start date Start date Dec 11, 2010
1

1eo

New Member
Jun 8, 2007
19
0
1
Dec 11, 2010
#1
  • Dec 11, 2010
  • #1
Hey guys...
I have 2001 mustang gt. A couple of days ago, the car didn't want to start ( battery was good and the alternator was cranking ).

I figured the engine was not getting fuel or spark so I left in the garage and drove off in another vehicle.
Yesterday, I tried again and noticed that the "theft" light was blinking on my dash. Could it be possible that my key or the ignition went bad.?

If the "theft" system is keeping my car from starting... how does it do it? does it cut the spark or the fuel?

BTW, I also tried pressing the red button at the trunk... I have never press it before, so I don't know what it should feel like. I tried pressing it but it felt like it was all the way down (nothing moved or clicked)

thanks!
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Dec 11, 2010
#2
  • Dec 11, 2010
  • #2
How to troubleshoot PATS 99-04

Turn the key on but do not crank. Does the Theft light go out after a 3 second "prove out"? If not, STOP and find out why.

Now crank the motor. Does the theft light come on during cranking? If so, STOP and find out why.

For the 1999-2004 Model Year, the anti-theft (PATS) disables the fuel and spark. This gives a crank with no start symptom.

Are there any large key rings (or any metal object) on the key? Try with just the key and nothing else. Do you have an extra key to try?

Check out:

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/826703-pats-my-problem.html#post8323801
 
1

1eo

New Member
Jun 8, 2007
19
0
1
Dec 11, 2010
#3
  • Dec 11, 2010
  • #3
wmburns said:
Turn the key on but do not crank. Does the Theft light go out after a 3 second "prove out"? If not, STOP and find out why.

Now crank the motor. Does the theft light come on during cranking? If so, STOP and find out why.

For the 1999-2004 Model Year, the anti-theft (PATS) disables the fuel and spark. This gives a crank with no start symptom.

Are there any large key rings (or any metal object) on the key? Try with just the key and nothing else. Do you have an extra key to try?

Check out:

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/826703-pats-my-problem.html#post8323801
Click to expand...

You my friend are a GENIUS!!

I usually keep my car keys separate, so I only take with me the keys that I need.

Anyway, I started working on a new office and they gave me an office key that it's a flat piece of plastic.... I imagine it has some type of magnetic field as I only need to bring it close to the door and the door unlocks. Well, both keys were together


I just separate them and my car started right away!!!
 
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