Theft Light Flashes When Driving
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Theft Light Flashes When Driving
I have a 2001 F150 4.2 V6. Three days ago, I noticed the Theft light blinking while driving. At first, there was no issues with performance, although the blinking was most noticeable just as I tapped the accelerator at cruising speed.
I thought it may help to temporarily disconnect the battery, which I did. After hooking it back up, I went for a test drive. About five miles into the drive I picked up an intermittent, though somewhat steady skip--almost like a plug wire. Shortly thereafter, the flashing light returned.
I'm not sure if the two problems are connected (the light and skip) or if it's just a coincidence. Thought I'd check on here to see if anyone had had a similar problem with the light...or light and skip combination.
I've read quite a few posts about the light, but none quite fit my situation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I thought it may help to temporarily disconnect the battery, which I did. After hooking it back up, I went for a test drive. About five miles into the drive I picked up an intermittent, though somewhat steady skip--almost like a plug wire. Shortly thereafter, the flashing light returned.
I'm not sure if the two problems are connected (the light and skip) or if it's just a coincidence. Thought I'd check on here to see if anyone had had a similar problem with the light...or light and skip combination.
I've read quite a few posts about the light, but none quite fit my situation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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After the motor starts the PATS no longer has anything to do with the PCM engine control system.
You may not follow this but some will.
The PATS communicates with the PCM over a hardwire bus pair.
When the PCM gets the correct signal it sets a bit in a 'software word' in the ID block that allows fuel to be delivered to the motor.
Once this completes, the PATS job is over until a reset occurs by turning off the ignition and a restart is performed.
Your PATS is experiencing some other issue affecting the transceiver as a separate issue after the motor is running.
You may or may not see the issue by doing a dash diagnostics if it is intermittent.
Good luck.
You may not follow this but some will.
The PATS communicates with the PCM over a hardwire bus pair.
When the PCM gets the correct signal it sets a bit in a 'software word' in the ID block that allows fuel to be delivered to the motor.
Once this completes, the PATS job is over until a reset occurs by turning off the ignition and a restart is performed.
Your PATS is experiencing some other issue affecting the transceiver as a separate issue after the motor is running.
You may or may not see the issue by doing a dash diagnostics if it is intermittent.
Good luck.
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Thief Light Flashing Fix
Check the fuse for Brake Pedal Position Switch, most probably it is busted. When you start the engine and try to engage to drive, the computer will call the brake pedal position switch sensor and check if you are pressing the brake prior to engaging. If the computer will have no response from the brake pedal position switch sensor as the fuse is busted or not there, it will refuse to unlock your drive and since it is not seeing the brake sensor, the thief warning light will flash. On the 2001 2.3L automatic Ranger, the fuse is no. 9 on the fuse box and 7.5 amp. 
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If the computer will have no response from the brake pedal position switch sensor as the fuse is busted or not there, it will refuse to unlock your drive and since it is not seeing the brake sensor, the thief warning light will flash.
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Rusty_S
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Aug 26, 2015 08:51 PM