1996 ford explorer anti theft system

Four door, explorer sport two door? Theft light flashes?1998 model? Do you know what (PATS) is? fords anti-theft system. Most ford vehicle the Pats system disables the starter electrical - keeping the starter from working. Not in the case of your vehicle, does not disable the starter , probably cuts power to the fuel injectors killing the engine that way. Need to have vehicle scanned for codes.

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 .

Is the red light on the top center of the dash pad flashing fast when trying to start ? The engine doesn't turn over ?
Anti-theft system problem !
PATS uses a visual theft indicator. This indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS problem, this indicator will either flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. PATS also "blips" the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual theft deterrent.
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.
The PATS is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from outside the vehicle. These systems may reduce the vehicle security level, and also may cause no-start issues. Remote start systems must be removed before investigation of PATS-related No Start issues.

Call the dealer

How to disconnect anti theft system in may ford explorer 1996 v6

Try re-setting the computer...Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and leave off for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the computer to reset. The charger may have interupted the signal or something.

Yes you have a problem with the theft system. Have you tried a different key? It has a transponder system.

Do you have a keyless entry? You could try to enter your vehicle using the keypad on the drivers side door, This should turn off the anti-theft security.

Yes I agree it's the 'smart key'. Normally when you buy an explorer new, you will get 3 keys. 1 of the keys is a valet key.
If you were to copy another key that has a smart chip (transponder) in it, the new key won't work until you 'program' the third (new) key. To program it you need the original 2 keys that work.
The only other thing could be that there was a remote start in the vehicle and there could be something wrong with the module that bypasses the transponder. If there is a remote start in the vehicle you might be lucky to some extent if it still works.
If you move the shifter hard and it worked before, like you said, there could also be damage to the wires that goto the key cylinder, the reciever for the transponder in the key. Try having someone hold the key in start and use the tilt wheel, that too will tell you theres damaged wires if it starts.
Unfortunately you probably will have to bring the vehicle to a ford dealer to get additional keys programmed or the damaged part replaced.
It shouldn't cost too, too much. Just be glad you don't have a Saab, replacement key's are $145 Ea!
If your inclined, you can dissassemble the plastic shroud around the steering column and look for damaged wires coming from the black ring around the key down the the connector under the dash.