1998 does explorer. Theft light flashing, turns over but won't stay started. Need help.

[D123]

We bought it and the dude who owned it cut the wires to the radio and we think that's what tripped it. And he thought he had a short so he messed with all the wiring. I hooked the radio back up and everything. If u spray gas in it up front it will stay running. But need away to bypass the theft system.

 

[LoquetusofBorg]

I don't think you can bypass the pats system. Could be the fuel cut off switch on the inside passenger kick panel. If the button on the cut off is up just press it down then retry. Are there any fault codes?
Robert

 

[D123]

When we hooked the computer to it. It showed up about the key. Their has to be away. People steal cars every day

 

[LoquetusofBorg]

Yes, they do steal them everyday but pats system they avoid, unless they have a key, they would have to tow it to steal it, which has been done. There could be a clever way to steal a pats rig that I haven't heard of, anything is possible. Is the pressure in the fuel rails good? could be you have a fuel pump that is going out which is a common occurrence on rigs of this age. Gas filter plugged? I know these are things you have maybe already checked but i am going through the list in my head of things I would check. What exactly have you done to this point to find the failure? I ask this as to narrow the field down to a single culprit.
Robert

 

[LoquetusofBorg]

Also, if it was pats related it would not stay started by squirting fuel in it at least not that I have ever heard of. I believe pats disables the ignition system not the fuel, although it could shut down the fuel pump but I don't think it does.
Robert

 

[1Aauto]

Thanks for joining

Tony

 

[2000StreetRod]

On my 2000 Sport PATS disables the fuel injectors when the theft light is rapidly flashing. That's why the engine will start and run for a few seconds on starting fluid. The only way to disable PATS that I'm aware of is with a custom tune to turn it off. Have you tried both ignition keys?

 

[Afrojoe]

I own a 98 with and from my experience a cut unprogrammed key will turn the vehicle over and can put the switch back to use the radio and what not, but won't start the car. After using an unprogrammed key it takes a minute for my vehicle to turn over. I'd guess without the Pats accepted key the fuel injectors won't open up (that'd explain why it'll fire with starter fluid and not on its own). Now you can program new keys by having the 2 originals that came with the vehicle. Or you can take one programmed key to a ford dealership and have them program another (I was quoted 60 dollars and a half hour to program my already cut key). Could it be possible that none of the keys you have are programmed for the vehicle? I wonder how much Ford would want to program a key without an original. PS. My theft light flashes when off and when turning over. I think it's just a warning/theft deterant