why wont my car start

First step is to try your spare key. If the theft light is flashing with the key you've always used, it can only be one of two things. Either there is a problem with the chip in the key or there is a problem with the PATS system. There is no way to start it with any kind of reset. If it doesn't start with your spare key, 90% of the time it's the PATS transponder which receives the code from the key. There will be codes stored in the PCM related to this problem. Oh, the odd time to many keys on a key ring can cause problems. Try with the key alone, not likely the problem but eliminate the easy things first. Put spare key in the ignition, turn key on for 4 seconds and then try to start.

This happened to me. I have a 1998 GT. I tried everything out there and then one day I was stuck in the Home Depot parking lot. Everyone that walked by tried to help. Even my mechanic, who just happened to be at the store, tried. After a couple of hours of disconnecting the battery, checking the spark plugs, pulling each fuse, trying a different key, checking the switch in the trunk, fuel line, you name it, I was just about to give up and have it towed. Then this guy walked by and asked if the steering wheel was in the locked position and it was not. He pulled it until it locked and she started right up! I couldn't believe it. So, long story short ... if your "theft" light is flashing, pull the steering wheel until it locks and it should start right up. Since that day, I've had the same thing occur more than a few times and pulling on the steering wheel has worked every time. Even if the steering wheel won't lock, pull on it both ways and then try it. So far, so good. Also, this problem seems to occur in batches. It hadn't happened for a couple months and then it happened two times in two days. Now, when I put the key in the ignition, I automatically look to see if the theft light is blinking. If it is, I turn the key off, pull the steering wheel and then turn the key back on. Theft light is off, car starts. Good Luck! I hope this works for you!

The same thing happened to my son's 2001 Mustang. After unhooking the fuel pump connector to check for voltage. What did it talk to resolve the problem with your's?

Omg thank you for your post was just broke down and you were right turn wheel til it locks and then car will start right up your a savior and thank God this woman was smart enough to check the forums whoot whoot on my way!

OK guys I'm having the same problem. It started one minute. Shut it off to go inside and came right back out-and-out it won't even turn over. The starter just clicks once but nothing else. Theft light is flashing only when the key is out of the if ignition. I do not have a spare key to try that out... any help?

Mine runs with the theft light flashing, and when the engine speed varies, the theft light flashes faster and slower, with the engine.

I have the same problem as Ktz. It's the strangest thing.... It will work for months then all of a sudden it won't start. I found three things that seem to work but I can't necessarily explain why... 1. The wheel thing KTZMEOW mentioned... That works sometimes. 2. If I work the key back and forth (short strokes... from the start position back to the ACC ON (not KEY OFF) position... It often starts. 3. Can't explain this one at all, but spraying Contact Cleaner on the key seems to work the most consistently. I think the PATS gets the key data from an RF chip, but maybe the key grounds the power source for teh PATS chip and that allows it to start? Can't fire the chip without a good ground. Also... Seems to happen more when its rainy or really humid.

I was working on my Dash switch light now my car won't start

Any one find any thing ? My car does the same , has theft flashing and will not start at times

I had to replace the ecu.

I just had tbis happen. I locked the wheel and it wouldn't start. I walked away with the key in my hand and came back and ot started up.... walking away with the key reset the theft problem.

Same exact problem... 1. Would not start- it would only turn over. 2. Theft light flashing.... and would only flash when cranking. Simply turn the steering wheel in both directions, and re-crank the car. So weird- the cars starts right up..

I will try this tomorrow morning before I take it in for a new starter. The battery completely died and the car couldn't start. I told the repair guys I need a new starter and they instead replaced the alternator and serpentine belt with labor costing me $500. Same problem occurred the very next day. No response from battery and I took it to Auto Zone and they said the battery is full charged. Plug it back in and it worked just fine. I had to pay $120 to have my car towed home from an address I delivered a pizza to yesterday because yet again my car wouldn't start. Lights and all worked just fine, but I thought I needed a starter. So if it is actually the anti theft light. How do I disable it?

I have a 2006 mustang gt I went into emergency room came out will not start.It doesn't crank over or nothing any suggestions battery is good so is alternator

I have a Mustang GT 1999 and the Windows, the windshield cleaners don't work how can i do yo know what is happening..?

i need help i have 1997 mustang and every time i open the car door the alarm goes and it wont crank up, i dont know what to do.

My 02 runs and drives but when I trun the key to the no the theft light comes on till it starts and it comes on if I try to accelerate real quick and it kills the cluster and bogs down the engine. And why does the car idle runs at 500 RPMs in park and when you put it in drive or reverse the car runs at 500 RPM still

This just happened to me, I tried everything on here, even my key fob was unresponsive to locks, or trunk... Steering wheel trick didn't work, key turning didn't work... But, someone above posted about multiple keys on your ring, and maybe messing up the chip in key (I don't even know if there is one in mine) anyways... I unhooked the battery, reconnected it, the key fob works until you try to start it.. then .repeated the non responsive.. so here's what you do.. (if you have to unhook and reconnect your battery to get the key fob to work, do that) pop the trunk (since for some reason, there is no trunk button inside the car???) Rub your key around on the bottom of your speaker (it's a giant magnet) which is located under the rear deck (on top of the underside of your trunk) and I'm guessing it reset, or resolved the RFID chip, cause the bastard started right up!!! I just bought this car from a neighbor, b/c a tree fell and totalled our other. It's a 2000 gt.. good luck to anyone with this ridiculous problem! Weirdest sh** ever!

Update on my answer above... so it finally just wouldn’t start at all. Luckily it was in the garage. To keep it brief... troubleshooting the battery, starter, etc. led me to the ignition switch itself. Remember how I said it would work if Ii sprayed contact cleaner in the switch or on the key? So I removed the ignition switch and found the Sringarm was gulled up that applies pressure to the contact in the switch (which was also gunned up and dirty). I freed the spring arm with contact cleaner, hit the contact with an Emory board and car fires 100% of the time now with no issue. It’s been a month

I had this happen with my Mustang, the theft light will be flashing, I will let it sit for 4 seconds and turn the key and you can hear the solenoid clicking but it won't start, I've tried wiggling my key and that doesn't work, what did work for me once, I stuck my foot above the clutch and played with the clutch ignition switch why the key was turned on and my odometer started flashing, it's a possibility that my clutch ignition switch is worn out, but it also could be a problem with the theft system as well like you guys say

Same issue here. 02 mustang gt. Start it up pull it out of my drive way drive a few miles turn it off . Then it won’t start. Won’t jump or anything after playing with a few electrical connections on the positive side it finally fires. But now is doing same thing. I cleaned all contacts and everything. Can’t figure this out. Gonna try the steering wheel trick

Well here's something interesting about my 96 gt. The car typically has no issues starting. But once in a while, well, actually anytime it's hot. Which is all the time here in Texas. The theft light will flash and will only turn over it won't start. Not the engine being hot. The interior. The cab. When it's hot inside the car from the sun shining on it, the theft light will blink and it won't start. I have to open the doors and fan out the heat. Which is typically a problem if I'm in a parking lot with no power to plug a fan. So I'll hand fan it. Once it cools off inside the cab the car starts right up everytime. It's been this way for about 5 years now. It's only a project car so I've never fixed it plus I can't figure out exactly whats causing it. Anyoneelse's doing it when it's hot ? Ever thought about that.. I figure some people may not have notice that it was hot inside and put two and two together. It would be pretty easy to miss. I got lucky that I notice it while running a fan to dry spilled water on the floor. Anyone have any ideas why that may happen ?

Get in the car, turn it on and off, until you hear a slight sound coming from the back of the car. After that, starts right up.

I’m having problems with my 02 gt theft light blinks but it starts and runs but the light stays on constant after the car starts up then turns off after a few minutes hoping it won’t leave me stranded anyone have any advice on why it is doing it problem started after replacing the battery

Same problem in 02 GT, theft light blinks. Used keyfob to lock/unlock and I can hear a relay click under the dash when I do. Theft light goes out, then I try to start and theft light flashes and no start. Tried turning wheel lock to lock w/ign on and again with ign off (off it locks) and still no start either way. Checked rollover switch in trunk (had been unbolted) but after putting upright still no start. Swapped to the spare key and it started right up. Interestingly both keys were on the same keychain but the spare had to be used to start the car.

Open your trunk the fuel shut off button is in your trunk on the drivers side by the tail light

I had changed battery terminals and my issues with the theft light flashing stopped.

Did you ever find the issue 2004 mustang GT won't start no fuel no fire theft light blinks rapidly odometer reads --------

I bought a 2010 mustang. After 2 months car would not start. Warranty had expired. Bought new transceiver. Car worked for two days. Tried shaking steering wheel, resetting PATS system. Bought new battery, had new alarm key made, had after market remote starter removed etc. However, vehicle would randomly not start. Took it to four different mechanics including two Ford dealerships. Finally It was determined that the computer engine module was the issue. Apparently, the PATS security system signal was not being picked up my computer engine module. And it would cost two thousand dollars for a replacement. Had my car at dealership for six weeks, when dealership said the part was on back order. After two more weeks dealership calls me and tells me the computer part is discontinued. Had car in my possession for five days now. I keep car key FOB in the ignition in the hope that the alarm signal will not be broken. Mustang has been working. I now have to cover the steering column so a thief doesn’t see the key in the ignition. In addition, I put a steering wheel lock on the wheel, and use a separate key to lock and unlock the doors. Has anyone else had problems with Fords PATS security system, if so do you have any useful input on this issue?

i have a 2001 roush stage 3, awesome car but the starting problem is driving me nuts, replace fuel pump, fuel tank , i have had to so many dignostic shop, ford dealership, different shop, spent thousand of dollars on this problem, look at many u tubes sites and i still have this problem, going to try some of things mentions on this site, Randy Racer

I just bought an 04 Mustang and had to disconnect the battery to replace about alternator cable extender...now my headlights flash off and on while driving...any ideas? I think it may have something to do with the anti theft system..but can't get it to reset