I work with a young fella in the bush...he's got an 02 F150 supercab.....the problem he has as of late, is that the darn thing will go into "theft mode" and he can't start it......he has figured out that if he disconnects the battery cables and the reconnects,it will start and run fine for him

Any thoughts as to what the problem may be......I am sorry to be so vague,this all the info I have from him
Thanks in advance for offering any light on this subject.

 

does the theft light flash when he tries to turn it over? does it get power to everything just not turn over? if thats the case it sounds like the PATS key(passive anti theft system) if he has another key try using it. it should have at least 2. the keys are coded and if the vehicle doesnt sense the key it will go into anti theft mode. possibly something wrong with the transmitter in the key or maybe the recieving end.

 

Sometimes if there is a lot of extra junk (things on the key ring) near the key it will throw things off.

 

just talked to him....it only happens with one key.........he is gonna get her checked out at the Ford dealer in town....

Thanks for the reply

 

highlanescape- When you try to start my truck with a non-PATS key it keeps turning over, just won't start. Not that it matters, just thought I would correct you...

 

maybe the trucks are different, but when i try to start my escape with a non pats key, the theft light flashes but WILL NOT turn the engine over

 

I had a non chiped key made at the hardware store, just to carry in case I lock my keys in the truck. My 03 f150 will crank till the cows come home, but wont start without the chiped key.

Multiple chiped keys on the same key ring could be the problem too.

Cheers

 

my 2002 f150 7700 had the same issue - One good key and one bad key[no crank] - I had to get another key from ford

 

I had same issue on my 03 Screw, dealer wanted an extreme amount of money for the key & coding. Plus I had to get to them during their limited service hours. I called a locksmith who came to my home & did it for $40 less than dealer.