Random Starting

check battery. power removed!

96-98 PATS disables the starter resulting in NO-CRANK.

99-04 PATS disables fuel/spark resulting in crank with NO-START.

What is the theft light doing?

The fact that the cluster guage sweeps indicates that power was removed. Start first by checking the battery and battery terminals. Are the clean and tight? What is the condition of the battery cables? Are the grounds clean and tight?

Possible that power is being interrupted to the PCM which is causing the PCM to re-learn all idle/fuel trim values.

Bottom line, expect problems if there are any problems with the battery and charging systems.

The safety interlock on the clutch has nothing to do with your problem. Failing to push in the clutch simply interrupts power to the start solenoid.

Also try cracking the throttle half way open. If this improves starting, suspect bad IAC.

key cycle to re-pressurize fuel system

Your response is confusing. Theft light appears "normal" but suspect a PATS problem. What's up with that?

The theft light will flash in a predictable pattern depending upon the particular error.

Further, you state that fuel can be smelled. If Theft (PATS) has been tripped, the fuel is disabled. NO FUEL, no fuel smell.

If you are disconnecting the battery cables, then it is expected operation for the guages to sweep on the next start.

How normal PATS (Theft) reacts by MY has already been given. IDK, maybe your Mustang is "special" (or has an aftermarket alarm installed).

So if the problem is no-crank, for an 2001, it can not be the theft (PATS) causing it.

It is normal for the motor to crank only when the clutch is depressed. That is the clutch safety interlock. All manual Mustangs do it. In concept is the same as the automatic transmission interlock that disables the starter if not in park or neutral. It has nothing to do with PATS.

Remember if you disconnect the battery, it is normal for the car to run poorly until the fuel idle trim values are re-learned.

Fuel pressure leak down can cause hard starts. Trying cycling on/off the key several times (do not start). You should hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds each time. If this improves the starting, suspect fuel pressure leak down (leaky fuel injector, bad fuel pump check valve, or bad damper).

Does cracking the throttle half way open improve the hard start?

I recently had an issue with my needles pegging when starting. First check your terminals are as tight as can be. Secondly, how old is the battery? When the original battery in my car was on its way out everytime I started the car the needles would peg, until one day it didnt have enough juice to start and needed to be replaced.

Start cheap and free with the repairs.

Good Luck!