Will not start "anti theft"

180,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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KETTERHAGENASHLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My husband accidentally used his Ford key to try to start my car one morning while shuffling around vehicles before leaving for work.
After using the wrong key the anti theft system has been activated and my car will not start. I have looked up videos how to fix but have had no success yet. This car is not worth much money and do not want spend a lot to fix, but I need a car and cannot afford a new one right now. This seems like such a dumb thing to need to fix.! Someone told me a dealership will reprogram but I would have to tow it there and pay for reprogram. I do not want to spend hundred or hundreds. There has to be a cheaper way to fix this.
Feb 26, 2018 at 2:58 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,366 POSTS
If you have the correct key it should start up. The wrong key will only prevent that key from starting it, once the correct key is used the system should shut off and let it run.

What does the security light do when the correct key is used? Come on and stay on? Comes on and goes off when you try to start it?
What does the vehicle itself do if you just turn the key on?
Feb 27, 2018 at 2:38 AM
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