Flashing theft light
Hi all, please take this for whatever it is worth. I'm not a mechanic, just a busy mom. My 1997 Expedition will sometimes flash its theft light, the engine will start, but immediately shuts off. In the past, I had resolved it with a spare key. After it re-sets and starts, the other key that wouldn't start it mysteriously works again too. However, I had a different situation this time. It pulled this little stunt on me again and the spare key trick did not work. I unhooked the battery - no go. Finally, out of pure frustration, I remembered that when I programmed my keys myself (do NOT pay a dealer for this because it is ridiculously easy), it involved using the lock/unlock switch on the door. I had my child waiting impatiently for me to drive her to school and on a whim - I pressed/toggled the lock/unlock switch on the door handle multiple times. How many? Couldn't tell you for sure, but I would guess it was around 20 or so - very rapidly. My daughter looked at me like I had lost my mind and before she could even ask what the heck I was doing, I tried the key again, turned it and VOILA! I have no idea why it worked, but it somehow reset it. No problems since. All keys work again. I suppose that the ECM could be going out - but if you are stuck and just need to get it started (even to just get it to a mechanic), it might be worth a shot. Please, no lectures here about the silliness of it all. It simply worked and I wanted to share. If it helps one person, then I suppose it's worth the time to type it. Best wishes to all! : )