Theft light flashing want start

The fuel pump or ignition circuit is disabled by the anti-theft system. Beginning with some higher-end models in 1996, Ford embedded an RFID chip in the plastic on the key handle. If that is broken out or damaged, you're locked out, and you'll have to replace the key.

Your vehicle has two theft systems - content theft , if the door is opened without the key or keyless entry key fob the horn honks lights flash . PATS - passive anti-theft system ,this keeps the vehicle from starting if the computers don't see the right code from the transponder pellet in the head of the key .
You can turn off the content theft but not the PATS , when trying to start the vehicle does the theft light flash fast ? Red light on top of the dash .

The Anti Theft light is programmed to operate four different ways. A slow flash is visible while the engine is off. This is an added theft deterrent and is by design. With the key in the run position (not running) the Light will function three different ways. A "Fast Flash" will alert you of an active fault and "Solid Light" indicates a stored fault. Both faults will disable the starting system. Lastly a "Slow three Flash, then the lights turns off" indicates the system is operating normal. More than likely the issue will be at the ignition key but diagnostics is needed. Any questions please write back. Good Luck.

Anti-theft system can keep vehicle from starting , Alarm is for vehicle content theft , open door without key alarm sounds (horns) ! PATS - passive anti theft system PATS enables and disables the engine from starting ,it will not cause the engine to die ! You have some other kind of problem ! If the vehicle engine doesn't turn over an red light on top of dash flashes fast ,then you have anti-theft system problem !
PATS differs from the perimeter anti-theft system in that PATS enables and disables the engine from starting. If equipped, the perimeter anti-theft system protects the perimeter of the vehicle (doors, hood and trunk) and sounds an alarm.

When the car is off, a slowly flashing anti-theft light is normal. When the key is in one of the on positions, that light should go off. If it thinks it detects a theft condition, the light will flash quite rapidly and prevent starting. You can also check the mileage readings in the odometer display. If you see dashes instead of numbers, that is a clue that some part of the onboard computer has gone wacky.

You already tried one of the steps that I would recommend (unlocking the door, though that may not be enough by itself. Here are a couple of things to try.

First, pray that this isn't the anti-theft computer gone awry. That is uber expensive to replace. Following that prayer ...

Verify that the battery is fully charged and showing about 12.8 volts with the headlights off and about 12 volts with headlights on. If the voltages are low, try jumping the battery to see if you can get it to start. (A low battery can occasionally cause an anit-theft fault.)

If you have another key, try that one. The chip in the first key may have gone bad. If that doesn't work ...

Disconnect the battery negative cable for 5 minutes. Reconnect, and lock and unlock the doors several times with the remote. Check to see if the anti-theft light is still flashing rapidly. If not, try starting.

Anything more than these steps will need to be handled by a qualified shop. (For example, a wire in the steering column could be damaged by the tilt mechanism, or the computer malfunctioning).

Good luck.

you have problem with the anti theft sistem of the vehicle and you wont be able to start your vehicle with that key. you can try to start the vehicle with the other key but if the anti theft light is flashing fast with both keys you will have to send the car to the dealer for service

yes... the PATS system can cause the vehicle not to start

however, if it is the cause then the theft light will be flashing fast

the pats system has been activated. youre going to need to get it towed to ford and they to need to reprogram it using their laptop. bring all of your keys with you. there is no bypassing this system without damage.

This means that your key is not being recogonized.Ethier the chip in the key is bad or the patts transciever at the lock cylinder. Do you have a spare key? If not you will have to get 2 new keyss cut and programmed.

1st the system alarm is intagrated into the engine control electronics, it can not be disabled without poss damage to ther systems and controls, 2nd the most common cause of your issue is the sensor in the ignition lock cylinder being defective, this is the most common issue on all GM anti-theft systems.