Mountaneer Theft System Problem

[DSpencer51]

My '98 Mountaneer has an intermittent problem with the theft system. Sometimes the truck won't start and the "theft" dash indicator flashes. After using the remote to lock/unlock, open the door, open the rear lift, turn the ignition on/off/acc/etc. It will eventually allow a start. It looks like a Monty Python skit trying to start this truck sometimes. Any ideas on how to start troubleshooting? Thanks.

 

[joshuaj0214]

From my understanding, when the theft light flashes, it means the anti-theft system isn't reading the key. I had a similar problem when I did my engine swap. A few people on here told me I also had to change the ignition key and anti-theft module as they are a "closed loop system". As I said, it sounds like a key problem, but see what some others say before you take my advice.


Good luck, Josh

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Do you have a spare key which is programmed? You could try it, and see if you are still having the same problem.

 

[CDW6212R]

Welcome, and I had that same problem with my 98 Mountaineer. I went through a fuel pump, inertia switch wiring etc. before learning that it was a key code issue.

The PATS system is not recognizing the key, which may be the key or the code reading device. I had two keys to try after discovering the problem was the PATS issue. I only had the truck not want to start about four times in a month after that. The problem has not happened since then, two years ago. I know that my keys have not changed, nor anything else.

I suspect that it's an issue with the key reader alone, or possibly a wiring connection between that and the PATS module. It is not the PATS module, I would bet on that. I would remove the cover over the steering column at the ignition switch. Check the wires carefully at the ignition and surrounding parts. If nothing is obvious I would replace that key reader, it may be called a transmitter or something else. My issue went away so I didn't have to go that far. Regards,