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Anti-theft module will not stop blinking

Tiny
BKM97423
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 136,000 MILES
The theft light in the dash will not stop blinking and my truck won't start unless the light is solid. Can you tell me where the anti-theft module is located and what I might be able to do to fix it? I've tried disconnecting the battery posts, I've tried disconnecting it for more than a day and it used to work but now it just won't stop flashing and my truck has been broken down for over a week. It doesn't have electric door locks or a key fob. It's driving me crazy so any advice would be appreciated.
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Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 AT 4:34 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This means there is an active theft event. So, we need to start with scanning for codes and finding out what is there.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

More than likely this is not an issue with a theft module, but we need to pull codes to start the process.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

The common codes are below but we need to know which one or others to find out why this is active.

Take a look at this info and let us know what you find. Thanks
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Thursday, October 28th, 2021 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
BKM97423
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  • 49 POSTS
I'm sending you a pic of my OBD11 Professional Scan Tool to make sure it's good enough to get the codes I'm looking for.
I don't have electric door locks and I don't have a key fob I've tried the battery disconnect; I've tried the fuses, but I haven't tried the fuses under the hood. I'm going to the library to update my scan tool with the disc I've had it for quite some time, but I never have updated it, yet it wouldn't connect/communicate with my truck. So, I hope an update will fix that problem. I don't know much about these scan tools at all, but I know enough where I'm sure I can figure it out. Thanks for your advice. I'll let you know when I find out.
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Thursday, October 28th, 2021 AT 1:06 PM
Tiny
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Oops. Forgot pic of Scan Tool.
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Thursday, October 28th, 2021 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
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When you say you don't have a key fob, I assume you mean the remote keyless entry device. Meaning the control device that lock, unlocks, alarm, and remote start if equipped?

This is separate from the PATS system that has a chip in the key and is needed in order for the PCM to start the engine.

I am attaching the info below on the detail on this system. It includes the possible causes of any issues that would prevent the engine from starting.

Yes. That scan tool should be able to pull these codes as they are in the body control module and would be pulled by most all tools.

If it doesn't communicate with the vehicle then that is either an issue with the tool or another issue with the vehicle.
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Thursday, October 28th, 2021 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
BKM97423
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Yes, there is no electric door locks or electric windows, so the anti-theft system is not activated by a key fob. I don't believe that it's the actual anti-theft module that is bad I left the battery completely disconnected all night and most of the day and I could tell when I reconnected it that things were resetting themselves the flashing in the dash on the Anti-Theft looked as if it was flashing differently I can pretty much tell that the key just needs reprogram I tried following some of the instructions on how to do it but I'm just so exhausted from dealing with this issue but basically you're saying the same thing that it needs to be reprogrammed dot-dot. Thank you I think I'm going to call the Ford dealership they actually said the programming of the key is only about $45.00 and $30.00 for the key it was way less than I was expecting it to be for the reprogramming of a key.
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
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Okay. That is a great idea however, before you do it, let's take the battery into a parts store and just have them load test it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

This is a long shot but just what you are describing it sounds like this may be a weak battery.

However, if the vehicle doesn't have power locks, then the anti-theft light is just responding to the key being programmed correctly. So, if the battery checks out then we need to pursue the key issue.

Keep us posted with what happens. Thanks
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
BKM97423
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  • 49 POSTS
Okay, I removed the battery, and it was a little low. I charged it up and installed it and now instead of the theft light blinking fast it is blinking slowly. Can you tell me what that means? Also, there is a beeping now that wasn't there before and it's not like a door is open with key in ignition bit it beeps for about 10-15 seconds after I attempt to start it. I think the PATS I reset or ready to reprogram the key now. I just want to do it right. Any advice or do you know where I go from here? It's definitely different than any result I've had yet.
Please and thank you.
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Monday, November 8th, 2021 AT 2:07 PM
Tiny
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Okay. A slowly blinking theft system is just an active system but not disabling the ignition. Basically, it is just waiting for the correct key to be inserted.

So, if you now have keys ready to program there are two ways to do this. First is if you have 2 keys already programmed and that operate the vehicle. This is basically just adding another key to the system. I am attaching that process below and it does not require a scan tool.

However, I suspect you are trying to program a key without 2 known good keys. For that you require a scan tool capable of programming keys. If your tool does not do this, then I would call a lock smith as they will do this pretty cheap and come to you, so you don't have to tow the vehicle.
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Monday, November 8th, 2021 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
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Before I look at the procedure, I'm just going to tell you that I only have the two keys that used to be programmed to start the truck.
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Thursday, November 11th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
BKM97423
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Okay, I can see I need to follow instructions from the third photo you sent. Thank you. I'm now going to see if it works.
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Thursday, November 11th, 2021 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
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Okay. If you only have the 2 keys that are no longer working, then you are going to have to have 2 new keys programmed as you stated. I would suggest sourcing a lock smith that can program these as they will come to you.

Let us know how it turns out. Thanks
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Thursday, November 11th, 2021 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
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So, you're saying if I only have the two original keys that I can't reprogram them myself? I have to have it done by dealership or locksmith?
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Thursday, November 11th, 2021 AT 10:54 PM
Tiny
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Correct. In order to do the self-program method, you have to have two functioning keys and then you can add a third. Then if you have any keys that are no longer working, you cannot reprogram them again. Once they are programmed, they cannot be programmed again to this vehicle or another. However, in theory if you have a working key, you would have no reason to reprogram it so that point is moot.

So, if your keys are not working and you need to program new ones, you need a scan tool capable of unlocking the theft system so that it knows it is not just some thief trying to program a new key and steal the vehicle.
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Friday, November 12th, 2021 AT 8:23 AM

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