Anti theft system

I have had great luck by by disconnecting the battery and letting it sit for 30 minutes. Then reconnect it and lock and unlock the door. This should reset the system.

Here is a link as well.

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

Is the theft indicator light flashing or on constantly ?? if not the PATS is okay .. check starter motor and wiring

By the book:

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) contains a theft indicator, encoded ignition key, transceiver module, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Standard Corporate Protocol (SCP) communication network, PCM power and start interrupt relays. PATS uses radio frequency identification technology to deter driveaway theft.

Passive means it does not require any activity from user. PATS uses specially encoded keys containing permanently installed transponders. Each transponder contains an identification code.

Each replacement encoded ignition key must be programmed into PCM before it is able to start engine. Encoded keys are larger than traditional keys, do not require batteries and should last lifetime of vehicle.

PATS transceiver module communicates with encoded ignition key. During each vehicle start sequence, transceiver module reads encoded identification code and sends data to PCM. PCM initiates key interrogation sequence when vehicle ignition switch is turned to ON or START position. PATS uses PCM to enable or disable engine.
PATS also disables starter motor.

Theft indicator will prove out for 3 seconds when ignition switch is turned to ON or START position. If PATS is malfunctioning, theft indicator will flash rapidly or glow steadily. PATS theft indicator flashes every 2 seconds after ignition switch is turned to OFF to act as a visual deterrent.

PATS will not store DTC or flash theft indicator if valid encoded ignition key is used and a failure occurs in starter relay circuit.
An unlimited key mode system is featured to allow programming of more than 8 keys to vehicle if needed. Each vehicle in unlimited key mode is set up with a special unlimited transponder security key.

This allows all customer vehicle to share same keys, but no other keys from outside can be used to operate vehicles. For an individual customer, any randomly selected security key is acceptable.

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers

Its sounds like it could be the alarm module going bad, I would try to get a used one with the remotes it would be cheaper.

Yes, sometime the anti theft gets confused, remove the negative battery cable and wait five minutes and then reconnect it. This should reset the system.

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken

Yep the starter sounds like it went bad, here is a link to help you test it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Let me know what happens

Best, Ken

Yes, you would need to have the new keys programmed into the system. Without that being done the vehicle will not start.

I do not personally own a Windstar, but I have seen this A LOT! Ford released a bulliten for Windstars and wiring problems. You have a spot somewhere on the vehicle where the wire harness is pinched or rubbing. There are several known pinchpoints on the vehicle where they inadvertently pinched a wire between the body and a panel clip. A BIG one that has been the most common is located on the bottom of the pillar post just behind the driver's seat. Since all the inputs are ground signals to the computers when something grounds out, the computer goes stupid. Most of the time this is the problem, but every now and then it turned out to be the modules themselves. But I would investigate the pinched wire first.

I will try to get you a copy of that bulliten. There are several spots on the vehicle, but the most commen one is at the base of the pillar just behind the driver's door. It also may be a loose ground from a module. I'll post back with some more ideas when I get the info. Please be patient, it may take some time.

I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU WITH "THEFT"

I'M OLD SCHOOL, JEEPS AND FORDS

IF IT AIN'T TURNING OVER AT ALL, LET'S TRY THIS STUFF 1ST

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1994-jaguar-xj6-ignition-key-turned-car-doesnt-crank

I MAY HAVE NOT MENTIONED THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH IN THE LINK, IT IS A POSSIBILITY TOO

THE MEDIC

Contained in computer. You need a fob to dis arm system

Roy

The anti theft shouldn't draw on the battery. What to do is check for an electrical draw. If there is one, remove one fuse at a time to determine which circuit is causing the draw. Then you can focus on the items that are powered by that circuit.

If you need directions to check for an electrical draw, see our homepage under the DIY section.