Sometimes my '99 V-6 convertible will not start and the theft light on the dash blinks rapidly. The Ford dealer told me the key was bad and $106 later sent me on my way. The next day the problem happened again with the new key, twice. The wrecker driver said if I push the open door button on the remote three times, then wait 5 seconds before inserting the key in the ignition, then wait five seconds before trying to start the car, the will start. He says the theft system needs time to read the key. He tried it and it started. But I can't go through life hoping this procedure will always work. Has anybody had the same problem and do you know what the solution is? And how costly it is?? Thanks very much..

 

do you have a speedpass or similar item on your keychain, they use similar technology and can cause issues. If not the key did not problem correctly or the problem is in the PATS itself. Some stereo shops have disabled the system for remote start installs, see if they have any ideas maybe?

 

Nothing on the keychain except the alarm push-button control and a gas cap key. And I should have mentioned that both car keys have the same problem, not just this new key that Ford sold me. I will definitely check with a stereo shop and see if they can disable it, thanks for the suggestion.