[kristysdevildog]

so here it is I replaced the heater core had the hole dash and and steering column out when i put it back together the theft light blinks and the car starts and shuts right off oh my car is a 96 cobra HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blueoval]

You didnt mess with the computer any did you?

[gmflash]

went to make a copy of my key and they said something about a "chip" inside the key??? could this be a problem or even something that can get damaged over time? I assumed you had the battery unplugged doing this work. If not have you tried to remove the battery cables to reset anything that may be triggered?

[Neko-]

The chip inside the key idea is the PATS system... (PATS = Passive Anti Theft System).

It means that aslong as a known chip is near the ignition, the car will start. When you have a key that has no chip (or an unrecognized one), even if it fits, and will turn, the car will refuse to start. So having your 'regular' key with you, and a non-chip key in the ignition will probably start the car. Remove the 'regular' key, and your car will basically refuse starting.

I did have it with my 99 Cougar once. Using an unrecognized key to start the car and finding it didn't wanna start. Well, then we use the 'regular' key (which I put away on the rear-seat to make sure the spare key would start the car). Great surprise when the car wouldn't start with that one aswell... Needed to wait 30 seconds before the system reset itself, and I could use the 'regular' key to start the car. I did take care of that faulty key pretty soon after that tho

Of what I know of those things it's not something that's prone to actually be damaged. So I doubt you really need to worry about that. A Ford dealer would be able to provide you with a proper key for your car and the page below (aswell as your manual I recall) should provide you with information on how to program the thing. Or take the easy was and let the dealer do it for you :P

There's a bit on PATS and the programming of keys on this page: Program a new Ford PATS Key

That doesn't really explain the fact the car died completely when you never messed with anything electronically. Indeed the most likely cause would be a loose wire, or some system reset. If it actually is the PATS system, that page should help you out.

I'm not sure if the computer would throw a code out on the AntiTheft system engaging, but if it does, you might want to try and get a read-out of the computer. It might specify the exact cause of the problem.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by kristysdevildog

so here it is I replaced the heater core had the hole dash and and steering column out when i put it back together the theft light blinks and the car starts and shuts right off oh my car is a 96 cobra HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you going to give us anymore information or what. You could have knocked something lose not knowing it. The computer will throw the theft light if its lose or not in.

[cafeevil]

Listen guys I think this will help in the future foe anyone having this problem. I am Active Duty Military in Italy I have my Mustang with me. 13 Days ago my theft light started blinking really fast, well it would crank over till the cows or should I say Geep come home but never fire up. I recently had this problem, it is not the Keys, and if you are having this problem it is probably not your keys. It is the Transponder key ring that sits in the console it is made by SEIMENS and it is tough to find. This piece of equipement will fail before your keys will . Your Keys are Inert the TKR reads your key.

[Robirob]

Hello out there. I am new to the site and Ive noticed that some one has or had the same problem as me. I was driving down the highway and my car just shut off. No warning. It will not start at all but will crank all day. I noticed that the Theft light flashes really fast and will not go out. The car locks, unlocks etc, but will not start. I disconnected a box under the dash from "Peripheral" TBFD1 Ford Transporter (PATS) Bypass. Is this my problem?