Anti-thief light flashes and dashes on odometer

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May 6, 2022

#26

RonD

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iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jan 2014

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From: Vancouver, BC

Well if someone on site couldn't figure it out then we won't have much luck solving it over the internet

May need to get a car hauler to pick it up and take it into a shop that can diagnose Ford PATS issues
Shop needs to have a subscription to Ford's Security site, so they can replace or reprogram the Dash or PCM as needed

If it is just a loose wire then it shouldn't cost too much to repair

Sep 3, 2025

#27

coastal ranger15

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Joined: Sep 2025

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: Florence, OR

same issue here

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidpwayne59@gmail.com

My 2010 4.0 ranger needs your help. I had to replace timing chain tensioner and cassette. Also had new valves and had the heads redone. Put everything back together and then the anti-thief light came on and couldn't get it out of no start mode. Had 2 new keys made and reprogrammed still nothing.replaced the transceiver, no start. Finally I was wiggling the fuse box inside the engine compartment and all of a sudden anti-thief light went out and I was able to start. It was missing real bad so i disconnected battery to check timing was right. It was . connected battery and anti-thief light was blinking again and had dashes on odometer. No start again Checked all my grounds,checked fuses and relays nothing.anyone have any ideas that can help.please its been 3 weeks of hell trying to find the problem

I'm having the same exasperating issue only I had the ant-theft kick on and I reset it by leaving the key on run for ten minutes. Later that evening after driving it in the afternoon it stalled on my way home (60mi) and it would not reset. I had it towed home but after finally getting the hood open I disconnected the battery for the day and it started right up. But, I drove it to town and on the way home it stalled. I had it towed again. In hindsight I think it was because the fuel system was shut down and I didn't reset it. I believe this because after ruminating about it awhile I remembered that I have had to reset the inertia switch on my '94 a few times so I did it on the new one and it started. and I replaced the battery decided to go through it and check all the grounds and wiring. The previous owner had trashed it and flooded the interior at some point so it was pretty rusty. Now the anti theft is on again. I replaced the ignition switch and transceiver but no luck. According to the dealership service department and from what I've read I don't need to reprogram PATS. I had replaced the starter and PCM relays but the PCM relay was making a noise on run and I think I fixed it but the anti theft is still on and flashing the same 16 code. I think I may need to reset it but I'm unable to tow it to get serviced. Maybe if I clear the codes through the OBD II it will work but I'm having trouble with the scanner being able to communicate through CANS. Ugh!

Sep 3, 2025

#28

2011Supercab

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Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 2,362

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From: Everett, WA

PATS will not shut off an engine that is running, I don't know why your engine is shutting off while you are driving, but it's not a PATS issue.

A code 16 is an electrical issue, a low battery or a bad electrical connection,

Check all the under hood fuses make sure they have good clean connections, a bad connection could also cause your engine stalling while driving.

Check the connections on the back of the instrument panel that they are clean and tight.