I recently developed a problem with starting the vehicle. It won't start when when the THEFT light flashes very rapidly after I turn the ignition key. I can get it to start by moving the shift lever (automatic) down to 1st and back up to park. However, sometimes it takes several tries before it will start.

It's an intermittent problem. Happens about once every 10 starts or so, and seems to be getting more frequent with time. All other times when the THEFT light is normal, it starts just fine.

Suggestions about the cause and a fix would be appreciated!

 

Your '98 Explorer is a column shift, correct (versus console shift on the floor)? The flashing Theft light indicates the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) is not recognizing the key. There's a transponder in the key, and the transponder is energized by an antenna loop around the ignition key cylinder switch. Since moving the shift lever seems to have an effect, I'd suspect there's an issue with the PATS antenna loop. It could be the connection at the key loop or an issue with one of the connections further down the steering column.

-Rod

 

Thanks, I appreciate the help! Yes, it is a column shifter.

 

try your spare key also... just an idea... they do get weak or bad.

 

Great idea. If the problem disappears I'll know it's the key. If not, then it's likely in the cylinder.

 

Mine seems related to the tilting of the steering wheel. When wheel is flipped up, anti theft light and no start. Column kept all the way down, never a problem. I was afraid to have it looked at for cost reasons. And afraid to tackle it myself. I just keep the wheel down, a few years now.

 

If the spare key doesn't solve the problem, I'll try tilting the steering wheel down. Once you start it, do you tilt it up again?

 

I keep it down, all the time. I used to be in the habit of always flipping the wheel up, now I'm in the habit of always keeping it down. Whenever it goes into a shop, I place a note on the wheel," do not tilt" LOL. It really works as an anti theft device now, flip the wheel up and it won't start.