No crank no start

Tiny
ETHELAINTSCARED
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MERCURY SABLE
  • 150,000 MILES
Anti theft system light is blinking.
Have tried all reset methods.
Can a bad crankshaft sensor cause no start no crank?
Can I test this possibility before purchasing a new crankshaft sensor?
Tuesday, December 17th, 2019 AT 6:18 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Yes, a bad crankshaft sensor will definitely cause a no start issue on your vehicle, but that is not the problem here. The problem is going to be a Passive Anti Theft System [PATS] issue because the security light is blinking. It sounds to me like the wrong key is being used here and the vehicle's PATS system is not recognizing it and the immobilizer is not letting the vehicle start. The only fix available here would be to have the key programmed to the PATS system by either the dealership or a locksmith. This is the only option if the ignition lock cylinder/key has been replaced. I hope that this helps.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, December 17th, 2019 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
The anti theft light always flashes on these vehicles for the most part. I would suspect a faulty starter. An immobilizer issue will let the vehicle crank over and start for a second or two before cutting out the injectors. Here is a link on battery, alternator, and starter test. Jump down to section 2 for the basic steps on checking.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

The headline says crank no start but it also includes no crank no start. Let us know the results of the battery and if you are measuring battery voltage at the trigger wire on the starter.
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Tuesday, December 17th, 2019 AT 10:08 PM

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