help car wont stay on theft light

riph22a · Mar 18, 2008

crank car fires up fine dies after a few seconds theft light is on. do i need a new key. how does that system work.

MidnightBlk98GT · Mar 18, 2008

After the car dies, does the theft light blink rapidly? If so, then your key is probably de-programmed or shot. You can try the other key to see if it will work.

I've had this happen to me multiple times and the last time I had to have the car towed to the dealer after trying both keys. It seems that both keys "lost" their programming and would not work. Thankfully, the diagnostic and re-programming only cost me about $100 and the tow was free (thanks AAA).

EDIT: A new key would cost about $85 each and should include the programming and cutting but each dealer has their own prices. If you have to replace both keys, then you are in a whole new ball-game.

COramprat · Mar 18, 2008

MidnightBlk98GT said:
EDIT: A new key would cost about $85 each and should include the programming and cutting but each dealer has their own prices. If you have to replace both keys, then you are in a whole new ball-game.

Depends on the year. Older (pre 99) you can program yourself. I picked up a new key for $25 at the dealer. You can program up to 10 keys. Newer cars are programable dealer only. Anything to make a buck.

If the theft light is flashing check the number of flashes and get back here.

MidnightBlk98GT · Mar 18, 2008

COramprat said:
Depends on the year. Older (pre 99) you can program yourself.

But can you re-program a key yourself that was already programmed by the dealer?

steve_stang2003 · Mar 18, 2008

MidnightBlk98GT said:
But can you re-program a key yourself that was already programmed by the dealer?

99-04 you need TWO WORKING KEYS in order to program a third.
Otherwise the dealer has to do it for you.

It seems odd that both keys went out at the same time.

Sometimes the antenna module located in the steering column has problems. You might want to remove the lower plastic shroud on the column and poke around.
Be careful as the airbag wires are located there as well !

You don't have a remote start or an aftermarket alarm on the car do you?

The Ford PATS system is very finicky and sometimes those things screw up the brains.

riph22a · Mar 18, 2008

yeah its a 96, i only received one key when i bought the car. no aftermarket devices either.

and it works now for some reason

steve_stang2003 · Mar 18, 2008

riph22a said:
yeah its a 96, i only received one key when i bought the car. no aftermarket devices either.

and it works now for some reason

Get another key made ASAP.
Check the antenna which is located in the steering column.
The wires are very fragile, at least on the 99-04 cars and it's a source for many of the PATS problems.

Good luck!

riph22a · Mar 18, 2008

yeah i wish they hadnt done that its really aggravating. ill call in a few and see how much they tell me i wonder if it being cold this morning had any thing to do with it.

help car wont stay on theft light

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