Hey guys so I got a 3.0 v6 flex 2000 ford ranger and I did a complete engine rebuild on it and now when u go to start it it will crank over and want to start but just won't turn over. All lights are working when I turn the key over it just won't start I did notice when I turn the key the theft light blinks rapidly. Not sure what to do ford won't work on it or help me cause the engine is rebuilt. I've been thinking maybe they keys need to be reset, the computer has been unplugged for about month or so

 

Welcome to the forum

System is called PATS, passive anti-theft system
Not an alarm, just disables fuel pump AND fuel injectors, if correct key is not used to start it, Flashing THEFT light mean that has happened

What you need to do is to just turn the key on, don't try to start the engine
Wait
After 45-60 seconds the rapidly flashing THEFT light will start to flash a 2 digit code, 11 to 16, so one flash, pause, then 1 to 6 flashes, longer pause, repeat, it repeats several times
Codes mean:
11 Transceiver [transponder coil] not connected, or there is no power to it.
12 Transceiver internal fault.
13 No Key/no PATS key has been used to turn the ignition switch.
14 Incomplete key code received.
15 Invalid key code received.
16 CAN communications error.

Get the code

The transceiver is the ring around the ignition key cylinder, it reads the "transponder" key in the ignition when you turn the key on

Fuses to check, 19 and 26, in Cab Fuse box, pull them out and look or test


Heads up
If you try to start the engine 3 or 4 times with THEFT light flashing rapidly, the Computer will go into LOCKDOWN MODE, it thinks vehicle is being stolen, it takes 90min to reset
Unhooking battery won't help, it would just restart the 90min timer when powered back on

 

The theft system flashes 7 times stops and then 7 again and I just realized the computer doesn't connect to are reader. The car doesn't wanna crank anymore just a click noise

 

Battery is dead, charge it up

 

Just bought a brand new battery still says no connection to computer Maybe the wire harness is broke not getting right connection

 

Does the CEL(check engine light) come on with key on, it should?
If not then computer is not powering up with key on

 

The check engine light has never worked sadly