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Hello I own a 99 ranger 3.0 liter. When it is cold outside the truck will not start and the theft light flashes rapidly. I’ve tried the on and off x’s 8 trick with no luck. Taken it to a Ford dealership and out $1200 with no fix. They aren’t sure what’s wrong. If it’s above 50 degrees the truck starts with no issues. Any help would be highly appreciated!
Yes, the flashing THEFT light prevents starter motor activation, the fuel pump and fuel injectors are also OFF, so there is no "bypass" for this
If you leave key on then the Flashing THEFT light will start to flash a 2 digit code after 45-60 seconds, first digit is always 1
PATS error codes
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.
See if you can get a code
And just a heads up, after 3 or 4 attempts to start with THEFT light flashing, the PCM will go into "Lock Down" mode
So engine wouldn't crank or start for the next 90-min even if you fixed the problem
And no, disconnecting the battery does effect this 90-min timer
Much easier to just count the flashed 2 digit code, as an intermittent PATS issue may not set the "B" code
Cold issue in my opinion would be low voltage caused by cold temps
Battery voltage drops as temps go down
So test battery voltage, at any temp, but test it AFTER vehicle has been sitting for over 4 hours, 8+ hours is better
Acceptable "at rest" battery voltage is 12.8 to 12.3volts
12.8v is a new battery
12.3v is a 5/6 year old battery and time to shop for battery sale
12.2v or under is a done battery, its run out of chemicals to hold a charge
Just FYI
"P" codes are for power train, engine and transmission<<<what most code readers are used for
"B" codes are for body systems, comfort, convenience and safety
"C" codes are for chassis, brakes, steering and suspension
"U" codes are for network communications between the computer and modules in the vehicle
The truck has a new battery that reads 12.8 v. I thought it might be the battery too a few months ago and replaced it. I’ve been looking at code readers to purchase, but don’t want to buy one that won’t read pats codes. Ron you said it’s easier to read the flashing code, but I didn’t get what you meant.
If you leave key on then the Flashing THEFT light will start to flash a 2 digit code after 45-60 seconds, first digit is always 1
PATS error codes
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.
Just check the OBD2 readers online manual to see what codes it can read, P07XX are transmission codes, many readers can't see these
And check if it can get B, C and U codes
Ron you said it’s easier to read the flashing code, but I didn’t get what you meant.
After 45-60 seconds, the Theft light will stop flashing and go out. Then, it will Flash once (1), and then go out. It will pause, and then it will flash again, and how many times it flashes after the pause depends on the code.
If you try to start the engine more than 4 times with Flashing theft light, or you disconnect battery, and reconnect it you will get P1260 "theft attempt detected"
Computer will shut down for 60-90minutes, 90 minutes I think, so no start is possible even if you fix the problem, until computer start up again, and no, unhooking battery can't speed this up, but it can cause it, lol
B1600(code 13) can mean a few things, it does mean Startng is not possible
Could be your key's RFID tag is bad, no longer sending out a code, try another key if you have one
Could mean PATS module is dead or fuse is blow, fuses 19 and 25 in cab fuse box
PATS module powers the transceiver in 1999/2000 Rangers so probably not transceiver issue, or you would get different codes
