Hello I really need help here. I just changed me steering column with the keys on my 1999 ford ranger xl v6. and now it won't start the theft light keeps blinking do I have to program the computer to the new keys that came with the new steering column and if so can anyone help me out as what I have to do because I am stuck. Thanks alot

 

Welcome to FTE.
Get your old & new keys in the cab & follow the Owner Manual instructions for programming the new keys.
If you don't have the manual, one can be viewed, or downloaded at no cost by going to the "Tech Info" thread, located atop this forums thread index page & scrolling down to & following the "owner manual download" link in the "Miscellaneous" section listings. Let us know how it goes.

 

Try removing the bottom cover from the column (3 0r 4 screws) and there is a small hole that looks like a screw is missing ,,,,insert a very small phillips or a ice pick and push and switch will pull out and put in the one from old column ,,,,, if the column is a different year you may need to rekey the switch i watched a you tube video on how to it didnot look that hard to do,,, if your worried try removing the old column switch first you will see how easy it is

 

The new keys have a different RFID response than the former keys and the PATS is not recognizing them. You have several choices.
You can tape or lay the old key on or in the steering column cover, and then use the new key as mechanical key only, or to get the truck mobile to take to a locksmith.
You can remove the new column lock cylinder and replace it with the old lock cylinder, so you can keep using your old keys which are recognized by the PATS.
You can remove the new lock cylinder, and use a screwdriver to program the new keys to be recognized by the PATS. The screwdriver lets you fake having the old keys operate the switch, then follow the procedure as if you were inserting the new keys into the lock cylinder and operating the switch using the screwdriver. Finally, replace the lock cylinder with the new one, and you are done. If you could make the old keys mechanically operate the lock cylinder, they would also be recognized as 'family' keys by the PATS. You are bypassing the mechanical lock by using the screwdriver, and the old keys will become inoperable in the cylinder, but will be recognized if placed near the PATS antenna.
tom