anti-theft problem

2002 FORD TAURUS
92,348 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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PASSAMA
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I put a new battery in the car today and now it won't start i think it is the anti-theft because the light flashes when i try to start it i was just wondering if there is a way to deactivate it so i can start the car to sell it.
Nov 3, 2009 at 9:59 PM
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BMRFIXIT
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Use the key lock and unlock the door or trunk
use the fob to deactivate the alarm if have one
check driver side under steering area for a small after market add on switch
if found turn key on and cycle the switch them start
also you can try this open a window
remover negative side of battery step on the brakes
place key in ignition and turn it on
place negative cable back
start the engine \
Nov 4, 2009 at 6:04 AM
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BLKSTALLION575
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I have a 2002 Ford Taurus. the anti theft is malfunctioning. Most of the time I'm unable to start my car. And when I'm able to it sometimes it shuts down a few seconds after starting, and then it may be days before I can start it again. Or I end up being stranded somewhere. Is there a way that I can deactivate it?
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It cant be bypassed it sounds like the GEM is out and needs to be replaced here is the location. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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KOCH
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The anti theft light blinks when the car is turned off it does go out when car is turned on and the car runs fine but I just wanted to know if this was normal and if it would drain the battery ?
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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try resetting it it may take care of it other wise it will need to be scanned to see what is wrong with system. if no manual look online on how to reset it
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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MARILYNDIETZ
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my 2002 ford taurus won't start and the "theft" light is flashing @ about 3X per second....what's going on ? Also , I ahd the starter checked and it was bad. I've installed a new starter and I have power at the starter but no power at the soliniod when the the key is turned.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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FIXITMR
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so which came first? the bad starter or the anti theft light?
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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RORO
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I have a 2002 Ford Taurus, SEL with 60000 miles with DOH V6 larger engine.

The blower motor was replaced yesterday, seems to work fine now.

Car was driven during the day about 10 miles.
Later car was completely dead but the theft light was clicking and blinking very rapidly and the ABS light was a faint steady glow.

I think that the battery needs replacement, that does make sense?

Thank you.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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FIXITMR
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while that does make sense as far as getting power back it may not work, and if it does in the short term, it may not in the long term, say overnight? i would take the current battery in to the parts place and have it tested.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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COLE2002TAURUS
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Electrical problem
2002 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

My engine is stalling while driving and the "Theft" light comes on. It starts right back up.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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Best way to go about it is to check for codes
use a scanner tools
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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What causes the car to cut out all power when I'm driving which makes my anti theft system lock up my car. Please help
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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start with battery and alternator check.

Roy
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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MARILYNDIETZ
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my 2002 ford taurus won't start and the "theft" light is flashing @ about 3X per second....what's going on ? I had the starter tested ,it was bad and I have installed a remanufactured unit. I have ower at the starter but no power to the soliniod when the key is turned.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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You need to have it diagnosed at a dealer. They are the only ones with the proper test equipment to check it.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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JIMMYBOB
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We were driving home on the highway and the theft light came on for about 5 seconds and then we lost a little power. Then about 5 minutes later, it did the same thing, only that time, the fuel light also came on with the theft light... and we lost a little power then too. It always seemed to go off after about 3 -5 seconds, but I was wondering what might be causing this.

P.S. We had about more than a 1/4 tank of gas, so I figure that can't be it. THanks!
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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possible key and or ignition switch
should have it checked
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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EMILIT
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Merlin 2021 helped with this back in June. While driving my theft light comes on if I notice and accelerate then car does not stall. But if I miss it car stalls. I also have trouble starting it sometimes. I turn the key up to 20 times before it starts. I've had the starter, battery, ignition switch replaced and the fuel injection flushed. But I still have problems. Also, a PCV was replaced for the stalling.
Now if I get it to start it stalls soon afterward.
I was told to check the plastic switch part not the key...
I jiggled where the key goes in and I didn't have the problem for 3 months.
Where is the plastic switch part that needs checked?
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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From the sound of it the problem is in the key

-----------dealer is your only help for a new key ___


inside that plastic cover on the key you have a transponder
and that’s what enable the security system
I would make sure I have nothing electronic or magnetic on or with the ignition key
(Mobil speed pass and so on ….)

if you have an after market remote starter
same will happen too



also you can have it scanned as it has a self diagnostic system
and you can retrieve codes that will help pin pointing the issue


good luck
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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CARMENNL
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i would like tyo know whats the problem .. the theft lights comes on and the odometer gets unstable.. car dies.. what is it what do i need to do to get this fixed.. thank you
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the anti theft light is coming on, the system is shutting down the engine. I hate to say it but you need to take it to a dealer to have the problem diagnosed. They are the only ones with the proper test equipment.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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CARMENNL
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ok thank you.. i will do this tomorrow since service departments are closed on sundays. and i will type you back and let you know what was said... again thank you..
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I would appreciate your response.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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PETE954
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Im having the exact same problem.....red theft light will start to flash and car will shut off.....but will always start back up....Have you found a solution to the problem?

Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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KAREN YANNA
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my car keeps leaving me stranded. At times it just wont start. the theft light flashes. I took it to a mechanic, $500 later the car still leaves me stranded. THe mechanic replaced the igination and rekeyed the keys.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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Check for codes?
place ignition key along and away from the rest of what else you have on your key chain
Check if had a remote starter was put in the car as that may be also the cause
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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NATESHELE
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My anit theft light will not go off when the key pad is hit. It is cold as heck in MI. Please help. 2
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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DAVE H
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you need to have the car plugged into a diagnostic computer i'm afraid .. to rectify the fault ..

DESCRIPTION
The passive anti-theft system is designed to prevent driveaway thefts. The system is passive in that it does not require any activity from user. System uses a radio frequency identification technology to verify proper key is being used to attempt to start the vehicle.
During each starting sequence, Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver module, located behind steering wheel column shroud, and contains an antenna connected to a small electronic module. PATS transceiver module reads encoded ignition key identification code, during each vehicle start sequence. If identification code is programmed into anti-theft system, vehicle is capable of starting. If identification code is incorrect or missing, vehicle is prevented from starting.
PATS module communicates with Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through Module Communication Network (MCN). PCM then determines if engine will be enabled to start. If PCM prevents vehicles from starting because of PATS, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be stored in memory.
PATS vehicle protection system consists of: PATS transceiver module, THEFT indicator light, encoded ignition key, PCM and Data Link Connector (DLC). A maximum of 8 keys can be programmed into system.
OPERATION
THEFT INDICATOR LIGHT
THEFT indicator light, located in instrument cluster, is used to prove out system operation status. Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) uses THEFT indicator light when ignition switch is in START or RUN positions. THEFT indicator light will turn on for 3 seconds, then turn off. Vehicle will be enabled to start. If there is a problem in PATS, THEFT indicator light will flash rapidly or glow constantly for more than 3 seconds when ignition is turned to START or RUN positions.
ENCODED IGNITION KEY
When ignition switch is in START or RUN positions, Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver module initiates encoded ignition key interrogation process. Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into Powertrain Control Module (PCM) before is can be used to start vehicle. This encoded ignition key is much larger is size to accommodate electronics located inside plastic cover.
PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) TRANSCEIVER MODULE
Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver module communicates with encoded ignition key. During each starting sequence, PATS transceiver module reads encoded identification code and sends data to Powertrain Control Module (PCM). PATS uses PCM to enable or disable vehicle.
PROGRAMMING
SECURITY ACCESS PROCEDURE
NOTE:Security access is used to erase ignition keys, enable/disable spare key programming switch or perform parameter resets for Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver module. This procedure has a 10 minute time delay prior to security access.

Connect New Generation Star (NGS) tester to Data Link Connector (DLC). Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Enter Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Select SECURITY ACCESS PROCEDURE. After 10 minute time delay, NGS tester will display command options. Select as many functions as required before exiting menu. Once menu is exited, security access procedure must be performed again for additional commands.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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PAULEASTER
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How do you by-pass this? My car was broken into and that destroyed the ignition switch..
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM (Merged)
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BTRIPP
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how do you reset the anti-lock system without taking it to a dealer?
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:45 AM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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Hello,

To hard reboot the system remove the negative battery cable and touch it to the positive battery terminal this will discharge all system capiators and give you a fresh start. this guide can help as well.

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

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers

Oct 31, 2018 at 11:45 AM (Merged)
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TONY BLUNDELL
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A scan revealed "catalist efficieny below threshold (bank 2)
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:45 AM (Merged)
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RENAUDTN
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-Check for exhaust leak at the exhaust manifold, cat. converter, and pipe (before downstream O2 sensor).
-Check your o2 sensors
-Check your cat.converter
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:45 AM (Merged)
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ATURLEY
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why is my mom's panic alarm going off constantly? The horns beeps and lights flash and she needs to press the panic button on the remote to stop it. She replaced the battery in the remote and checked her battery.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:45 AM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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Have to have it checked for open switch
Best way to go about it is to having it scanned for codes and check for malfunction door switch
Scan tool is needed
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:45 AM (Merged)
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SHIREE
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I just replaced the transmission/motor/starter/ and a few more things. The air condition pump went out too, but we are rerouting the belt.
I am tired of spending $$$$ for this LEMON.

So know that we have it all together- the security factory security system is locking up. I have tried putting the key in the door turned it then put the key in the ignition, but nothing is shutting this thing off.

I just want to know how to eliminate the security system with out spending more $$ iI don't have. I can't take the car to a Ford dealer-they want $87 an hour to look at it.

I have spent over 2K and now it's the security system.

Please help me.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:46 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If it doesn't shut down with the door, I hate to say it, but it has to go to the dealer. They are the only ones that have the equipment to test the system and determine where the problem is coming from.
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:46 AM (Merged)
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TAKIRA2012
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The theft light blink on and off it will not stop and is killing the battery as well as causing the.car not to start
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:46 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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it is built into the computer and cannot be disabled.

did you try another key??

you may end up at the dealer as they are one of the very few that can program the security system for fords.

Roy
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:46 AM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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I have a 2001 Ford Taurus, Today while driving in the rain my car started flashing the theft light and then it stalled and just cut off. The steering wheel locked and the brakes did also. After I sat for a little while it cranked back up, I made a little bit down the road and when it got to another stop light it cut off. Well I left it parked for a good 8hours and tried it again and about 20min later it did the same what could be the problem..please tell me. someone told me it could be electric
Oct 31, 2018 at 11:46 AM (Merged)