I have a 2001 2.3. my theft light is flashing. I turned it off at the gas station and come back out now won't start I have dash lights and a flashing theft light any suggestions

 

@RonD has more information, but the THEFT light will flash codes if there is an issue with it.

Does the THEFT light blink intermittently while parked, truck off, key out of ignition?

When you try to start the truck, does the THEFT light rapidly flash?

 

Yes to both questions. I have already tried disconnecting battery for afew hours. It didn't change anything. Also tried a theft reset I read about. Inserting the key then turning to on position with out starting engine and waiting for 2or3 minutes. I did that 7or 8 times. Changed nothing

 

You need to turn the key to run, but then watch the THEFT light flash. After awhile it will stop, then it will flash once, and then it will stop again, and then it will start flashing in a sequence. See below for a worded example:

Flash, Stop. Flash = Code 11
Flash, Stop. Flash Flash = Code 12
Flash, Stop. Flash Flash Flash = Code 13
Etc.

The codes range from 11 to 17 or 18 if I remember correctly. There's only a few, but knowing the code will help diagnose the issue.

 

A low battery can also cause this.

 

Heyyy guys. So I have a 1999 ranger 3.0 auto. I was having a no crank no start issue. After trying/checking/replacing different things, i narrowed it down to it being a bad PATS module (the one behind the the pass. side airbag). I went ahead & bought a used/refurbished PCM on ebay for a 1998 ranger 3.0 a/t without PATS obviously, lol. I also cut the blue/orange stripe wire at the pats module and I ground it. After I got all of that put back together, I tried starting it and still got a no crank no click no start. I tried all 4 keys, nothing. UGH! So then i climbed under it, with the ignition on, and jumped the starter with a screwdriver, and what do ya know?! She fired right up! I was like "sweeet! Finally got it figured out!" BUT, i had parked it and shut it off. A couple hours later I go and try to start it, and nothing. Even if I try jumping it at the starter it'll crank but won't start!?!! What do I need to do??? I have Forscan on my laptop, and I have the vGate obd2 linker adapter as well. I'm not all that familiar with Forscan honestly. I've been doing lots of reading tho so I'm tryin to learn! Do I need to flash the pcm or something? I'm so lost, lol. If anyone can help me I'd appreciate ya for life! I may even donate some beer money to ya! 👍