My '99 Explorer Sport won't start

[surfinsd]

So last night I threw my keys and part of my key chipped off. Don't ask why, but I went to start my car and it wouldn't start. Now it wanted to start but I'm almost positive that it has something to do with the alarm system. The "THEFT" light was flashing really fast when I tried to turn the key. Everything was fine until I chipped my key. Is there any help on this or is my best bet to go to the dealership and get a new key?

 

[imp]

So last night I threw my keys and part of my key chipped off. Don't ask why, but I went to start my car and it wouldn't start. Now it wanted to start but I'm almost positive that it has something to do with the alarm system. The "THEFT" light was flashing really fast when I tried to turn the key. Everything was fine until I chipped my key. Is there any help on this or is my best bet to go to the dealership and get a new key?

You have accomplished the unthinkable: made a "PATS" (Passive Anti-Theft System) key quit working! If you do not have a spare key, it will remain to be seen whether your old key's "guts" are still readable by a Ford Dealer's equipment. It could be pretty costly.

Keep a stiff upper lip though, most all] car makers are using the idea by now. 2 keys are supplied with the vehicle when new. Ford recommends that a few "spares" be purchased for a nominal amount of cash, then customer-programmed to work in their own vehicle. This is accomplished by a bit of hocus-pocus involving the 2 original keys and the spare(s). Procedure is in the Owners Manual. imp