1998 Ford Explorer electrical

DEBBIEDR

MEMBER
1998 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
104,000 MILES

My explorer sport was stolen at Christmas time. When CHP found it they had run it out of gas. We put gas in it and it still won't start. I had an inoperative after market alarm on it and we took that out because the theft light on the dash keeps blinking. Once we took it out though, it still continues to blink and now there is no spark when there was at first. We've checked everything and still can't figure it out why it won't start. Whats odd is that the repair manuals for that year when you look at the pictures of the engine comprtment and wiring for that year are completely different in the book. It also says that there were some that had a anti theft device in them which were thinking it might have with that theft light still blinking but we can't seem to find it either. Can you help on this?

Thank you

1 Reply

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

If you have a "THEFT" light blinking on the dash, then you do have what is known as PATS (Passive Anti Theft System). If it blinks rapidly while you are trying to start it, the PATS is active. The PATS system is part of the engine computer and cannot be bypassed. It uses a transponder signal from the key and each key has to be programmed to the computer. If you are trying to use a key that is not programmed the PATS will disable fuel and spark. Your best bet is to get the vehicle to you local dealer. If you have theft insurance on the vehicle contact you insurance company before you even have it towed. Find out what they cover and then have it looked at. It can get very deep from here. Shout if you need more help.
Dave