99 Ford Explorer Wont Start, Possible PATS Problem

[FFjohn88]

Hello everyone, been a long time lurker for my ford when I've had problems, but I'm at my wits end with this.

Last week I disconnected the negative terminal of my battery to reset the check engine light (o2 sensor problem I'm getting fixed soon). Prior to this, the car ran fine, I could start it every single time, no PATS related problems. It's a very dependable car. So after about 10 minutes I reconnect everything and the car won't start.

I turn the key from ON to START and the THEFT light is solid for a few seconds, but this disappeared. I've read the countless other threads about this but can't find a fix.

The thing is, if I play with it (lock all the doors with the remote, then unlock and try to start again) the car WILL start. It's always so random every time I do it it's very unreliable. I have two factory keys that came with the car and both remotes are programmed for the car. Am I missing something here?

The battery finally died on me today. I am disconnecting the negative battery overnight and am gonna try and jump it tomorrow night when my girlfriend gets home.

I just got a job as a firefighter here and am suppose to start soon and this is my only vehicle at the moment. Thanks for your help in advanced guys.

 

[bobflood]

While you you don't say so, it sounds like you might have a battery or alternator going bad. A low/weak battery can cause really strange stuff with the security system. Good luck.