1999-2003 Ford F-150 THEFT light decoding
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Seen several posts online about rapid flashing theft lights, and the no starts that come with it. Made a small clip describing how to decode it, and possible causes for the most common PATS code I've seen, code 16.
EDIT: I'm amazed this got so many views. Regardless, I do have to add a note to this concerning possible other issues. MOST of the time, it is just the relay. However, there are two other fuses that can blow in combination with the relay. Both under hood fuses, Fuse #2, a 30A specifically for the PCM. Fuse #18, a 15A fuse that has a few other components it powers, but does also power the PCM.
If you change your relay, and it does not repair it, check these fuses. These two could have very well also failed.
Пікірлер: 332
6 years later you just almost saved my 14 year anniversary she's still mad at me but my truck is starting. Thanks king
Today my truck, (2002 Ford F150), developed the problem that your video covered , a quick trip the the parts store after viewing your video, replaced the relay and started up. Thanks for making a complicated problem really simple!
@CAPSLOCK0616
7 күн бұрын
Same
Thank you. Had this same code 16 with theft light and no start condition. Started out as an occasional issue but only when trying to start warm truck... Then my truck actually shut off while driving, not cool....which led me to researching and ultimately this video. Swapped out the factory relay with an automotive Bosch 12v relay. Just cut the tab off the relay so the fuse block dust cover will still close. Truck is running great 👍
Thank you so much for posting this video. You just saved me from being stuck at a gas station. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I have been dealing with this issue on my 2003 F150. I tried this and it worked thanks so much man!!
Another thank you for this video. Your info got me home from work last night, instead of having ask my wife to drive out into a snowstorm to get me. Huge thanks!
New subscriber , thank you so much , mine is a 03 f150 4x4 recently bought the truck left me stranded 50 miles from home , had it towed ouch , this morning googled and found your video , the relay cost 20 bucks at a zone, and now working great. Your video is the only one that I could find that was helpful. Thanks again .
Thanks so much for this video. I encountered this issue late last night and was contemplating the expense of tow and repair. This video did the trick and saved me a bundle. Greatly appreciated.
I was looking for a reason to why my other keys won’t program. (Bought my 99 Explorer from a friend). Came across your video. Realized I was experiencing the same exact things you were explaining and the guys in the comments were mentioning. I’m happy I stuck around and watched. Thanks a bunch! ✌🏾
Dude! This saved my 2003's life!! You made me look like i knew my s**t!!!Thank you so much!!!
Brother you’re the best!!my 2003 ford f 150 did exactly this yesterday after work. It wouldn’t start with theft light flashing. I installed the extra relay for taillight heater and fixed it. It started 30 times straight last night!!! I’m getting a new relay today after work. God bless!
Thanks for the video. Almost 430,000 views. Good job, you are helping a lot of frustrated owners.
Thank you for making this! I have a 2003 F-150 Lariat and it wouldn't start and had this theft light blinking. After watching your video, I simply swapped the PCM relay with the rear window defroster relay and it started right up!
@louiecarlos7331
Жыл бұрын
That’s exactly what happened to me today. What the cause? Glitch? I have 2003 f150 too
For me the relay popped the #18 fuse. I replaced the relay and fuse then boom! Truck is back to life!!! Thank you for the video and info!!! 2000 f150 still going with 224K
Thank You for very detailed explanation. I have not had this problem on my '00 f150 yet. Will help me in the future :) !!
Thank you so much for taking time to aid us diy people.
Omg thank you, fir making this video, I have a lower intake leak and stopped at the auto store to get my last gasket and my truck wouldn't start no codes or anything they mentioned the theft light and couldn't give me any more info, I thought my engine blew, I took some time to think and googled the light and thanks to you I got back on the road, high five my friend
Comment 206!!! Exact same thing happened to me this morning on my 2003 F150. I was so frustrated trying to troubleshoot this issue and after about an hour on the internet, came across this little video. First I let the key sit in the ignition in the "on" position for about 20 minutes and it fired right up. I also bought a new relay and swapped it out just in case... Seems to be working perfectly for me. Thanks for the video.
Thank you so much just spent all day trying to figure out why my new motor wouldn’t start when it was just a broken key all along. Grabbed the spare and it started right up
Thank you for this video and contribution. Potentially saved me hours of troubleshooting or a trip to the dealer. Got the $12 Dorman part from O'Reilly and the truck is running like new again. For what it's worth the truck started showing long cranking times intermittently for a couple of months leading up to sitting for a 2 week stretch that ultimately killed the relay.
@xavierdelgado1023
4 жыл бұрын
Will thiscwork on a 99-04 mustang. Why do the dashes show on the odometer...is this a pcm or key issue
This work like a charm! I appreciate you saving me a hell of a lot of time thank you.
You are the man!!! I just bought a new to me 2003 Ford F-150 and after having the truck for 2 weeks it happened to me driving home from getting froyo, I immediately googled year and truck and flashing theft, your video was the first to pop up and I watched your video and within 5 min I was on the road again heading home. Thank you so much for sharing with us all!
@Skidmark0606
2 жыл бұрын
Simple videos like these are top tier and save us from the anxiety of overthinking our car’s problems and shoveling hundreds of dollars to get it fixed.
You just saved one of my drivers stuck in the middle of a 5 Lane Highway during rush hour traffic. Great video
Thank you so much.if you hadn't put the added note .I was at a loss.for one thing I don't know what I'm doing to start with but you helped me figure out why my truck was not starting.appreciate the video and info.a lesson well learned
Hi! I have the same issue with my truck. I fix my expedition 02 by watching this video. Thank you bro! This video is a very big help! I'm from Dumaguete City Negros Oriental Philippines! Mabuhay!
Thank you so much for this video you saved me and my fiancé from being stranded on vacation hours from home you the mvp today
I and so glad you made this video. I think I have this problem. I will look into it a bit more. Seem like an easy fix. I was so worried before i came across this video
I know this video is 2 years old but thank you really much this worked perfectly
Worked for me thank you for the video. Happy holidays to you and your family
My man !! Thanks ! Looked like a boss , saving the father in law ! .
Well, believe this video. My truck had same issue, code 16. I replaced the pcm relay and it fixed my issue. Thank you for the video.
Wanted to thank you for such a great informative video.. It really helped me out big time.. I appreciate you.. Thanks !
Another fix if this isn't helping your situation. Use your key and turn your door lock on the driver side about half way. Not fully unlocked for about 40 seconds. Then turn it about half way to the locked position for about 40 seconds. Open your door from the inside and crank it up. Worked for me today. Driving home from work and my 2000 f150 5.4 died and started flashing theft. I did this and it's been doing fine ever since.
Thank you for making this video. Hit the nail dead on the head. Thank you again👍
Hey, thanks! Had this problem with my 99 Expedition tried all kinds of youtube advice. Nothing worked except your procedure.
@justinhaynes5433
4 жыл бұрын
What was the exact issue? He doesn't say what he did. Having same troubles as he had
@chubbzilla7111
9 ай бұрын
@@justinhaynes5433 did you ever figure it out ?
Thanks , You Helped me out at walmart parking lot . Swapped out with cruise control relay to get us Home..
This was amazing. I was going at this for awhile and you solved it in seconds.
Thanks, that is some good info. It worked on 2000 f-150 like a champ!
Hells to the ya. Thanks after four hours stuck IT WORKED!!!!!!
You are a life saver THANK YOU!!
Thank you so much for your video, it solved my problem.
Fixed my issue from watching video! The module was corroded cleaned connections so far so good 👍👍
can't thank you enough. you saved me.
Thanks for this video helped me a lot.
Thank you for posting this video!!!!!!!!!! You saved me. This worked on my 2001 4.2L V6 XLT!!!!!!
Thanks a bunch i saw your viedo and it was exactly what was wrong with my 2002 f 150, 4.6
PROCEDURE WITHOUT A SCAN TOOL If you do not have a scan tool with PATS programming capability, then you can use the following procedure. Just insert the new key into the lock cylinder and turn the cylinder to the “Run” position. After you do this, the “Theft” indicator light will begin to flash. It will take approximately 15 minutes for the light to stop flashing. Within 5 minutes after the light has stopped flashing, Turn the ignition switch to the “Off” position for one second, and then back to the “Run” position. After doing this, the “Theft” indicator light will begin flashing again for another 15 minutes. When the light stops flashing for the second time, turn the key to the “Off’ position for one second, and then back to the “On” position for the third and final time. The “Theft” light will flash for another 15 minutes. After the third time, which will be approximately 45 minutes from the start of the process, the PATS control module will have erased any of the keys that were programmed into its memory, while programming the new key that you have just used into its memory. This key will now start the car. Any additional keys can now be programmed using the Spare Key Programming procedure.
@illwill2212
6 ай бұрын
Dnt work
hey man i really appreciate this video I've had this issue with my 2003 ford f150 for 2 years I've bought 2 new computers for it. but i tired what you put on this video and so far today it has worked but thanks again brother
F-yes so much information was given in this video. Thanks.
omg bro !!! you save my life !!! good video !!!!!
That is awesome information for us locksmiths that are non-mechanics
You sir are a life saver
I tried it and it worked! But now I don't have a spare relay that I used right below the the relay I replaced. It says spare from the layout. Anyways thanks man! Appreciate it! Now on to the online store to purchase another one. 👍
Awesomw!!! Thanks for the help!!
i did exactly what you did and it worked for me.thank you very much sir.😇
@fawfulize
6 жыл бұрын
Noe Molina Glad to help! It's great seeing this getting out there and helping others out!
@noemolina8946
6 жыл бұрын
i change the relay .it worked fine.houston tx.thank you again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got to say thanks! Don't know if I solved problem or just put off. Stoped at a store came back out tried to start 06 f150 and it would just crank..pulled relay cycled ignition put relay back in and fired right up. Saved my night after a very long monday!
Thanks for that information because that just fixed my problem
❤️❤️❤️ it worked thanks so much
Hi there, I’ve got a 98 explorer and I’m getting a code 12 from the pats. Do you know what I have to do to get it going again? Thanks Mark
Great video!!!
Hi I'm using my wife's KZread account, I have a Ford f150 with the same thing as in the anti theft light flashing. I had no idea I could use it as a code reader, I will check it out when I get back home tonight.
Thanks bro for making this video😊
THANK YOU! My 2003 F-150 had this issue (Code 16). Replaced the PCM relay ($11 @ Advance Auto Parts) and voila - back in business! You saved me a tow and possibly reprogramming the key.
@MrLozano212
3 жыл бұрын
This is what I’m dealing with now. I have a 2010 Fx4 and my PCM itself went out. So I have replaced the PCM and now it’s throwing a Autotheft Code but not sure which one it is. I will check after work. I will pass by Auto Parts store and get a PCM Relay also. Hopefully this works if not I will bring it to dealership and most likely get ripped off. 🤦🏽🤦🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽
Try this trick 1st if your car won't start & your theft light is blinking: 1)put key in the ignition and turn to the ON position so the dash lights up 2) leave the key in the on position for about 90 sec until the theft light stops blinking 3) crank the car for about 3 sec (it will not start) 4) quickly turn the key to the off position & crank again (should start this time) Note: This works for me with my 2001 Ford F150 4.6. I think my key is worn down and I need a replacement. Hope this can help someone in a pinch.
What a life saver just got stuck at Home Depot and the same thing was happening to my truck I’m glad I ran into this video 💯
Good Job, Good video, thanks Bro.......
Thank you so much bro.
Hi, I have a 2003 F150 Supercross with the 5.4L V8. After I had a code alarm installed with remote start, the truck won't start in cold weather below 50 degrees including the the remote start. It flashes the theft light. After 3 or 4 tries the truck only starts with the key
Cool Thanks for the info
Awesome code 16 $10 at O'Reilly's Thanks again my truck has all its power back again! 👍
Does this work for the 2003 ford expedition? The anti lock is on so it wont start and the alarm goes off? Thank you
So my theft light on my 1998 Ford Expedition stops and then it doesn’t give me a code. Then if I take the key out and turn it over again it flashes rapidly for a little while then goes out completely again.
my 2000 f150 has P1260 and still starts an runs. I only hooked up a scanner hoping to get a trans code . 50MPH and 3400 RPM.. Transmission fluid is reddish and doesn't smell burnt. Any ideas on either issue are appreciated.
had this issue ended up being the ECM! 2000 f150 4.2
Thank you! Saved me a tow bill
HEY, MAYBE YOU CAN HELP.I GET THE BLINKING CODE 77.I PUT A ON/OFF STYLE RELAY AND IT STARTED,THEN INSTALLED A NEW ONE AND NO GO,PUT OTHER BACK ON AND STARTS WHEN WANTS TOO UNTILL IT FRIED MY TEST RELAY,I KNOW SO BECAUSE IT STARTS WITH A WHIRE JUMPING BOTH TERMINALS AND NOT WITH OTHERS.ITS BEEN SITTING 5 YEARS.AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS RELAY BUT DEFF HAD THE FUEL PUMP DEFECTIVE,INSTALLED NEW ONE NOW WORKS BUT NO GO WITH ITS RELAYS.AND NOW INSTEAD OG DOTS ON CLUSTER IT NOW READS NO MILEAGE AT ALL.ANY HELP WOULD BE APRITIATED.
I currently have this code show up after replacing my engine computer module. Any suggestions?
So since you're probably the most helpful person on the web regarding this matter--single mom🙄so dealership not an option. BROKE the stupid key off in the ignition, wait it gets better...now I've lost the damn transponder! Going on two weeks with no transportation!!! Any solutions from anyone? Have the key fob?
@fawfulize
5 жыл бұрын
Thats... a bit of a sticky wicket. If you lost the actual black part of the key with the chip (which is what it sounds like)... a locksmith MIGHT be able to help you out, depending if they can program it without the key or chip. The system can be disabled, but that requires somewhat pricey tuners to do so. Going with a junkyard key is possible, but that is a bit of a... pain, to say the least. The PCM, cluster, and key all talk to each other. Youd have to pull all three from a similar drivetrain truck then swap it out and the locks to get it to work. Not exactly a route I'd suggest. Best and cheapest bet is the first thing I said, which would be locksmith. Good luck with it.
@rebelliarosetm2008
5 жыл бұрын
@@fawfulize forgot to mention it's a 2003 focus:/
@fawfulize
5 жыл бұрын
@@rebelliarosetm2008 Gotcha. I'd still stick to my original statement, as the PATS system didnt change... too much. They use the same keys, and programming keys and fobs works the same also. I'd still try and see if a locksmith can help. Older systems like make an easier time getting ahold of the proper equipment.
@rebelliarosetm2008
5 жыл бұрын
@@fawfulize would you happen to know what year the focus began to utilize the PATS system in the ECU?
@fawfulize
5 жыл бұрын
@@rebelliarosetm2008 I wouldn't off the top of my head, however i do know when they started in the F-150's, which was 1999. If your key had the fat black key handle, you have PATS.
Would this work on a 01 f150 xl no tachometer and bought a cluster with a tachometer but it wouldn’t start because of the theft and once I put the old cluster back it did start please help
Thank you
I'm going to look into trying this my truck does this very randomly and it's not very often.
Thanks a zillion brother!!!
THANK YOU
Mine has the same code but my odometer doesn’t have the dashes it still tells me my mileage. Is it still the same issue?
Your the man
EXCELLENT.
Hi I have a 2003 King Ranch F150 the theft light is flashing the only way I can get it to start is the push on the airbag and it'll start any ideas
Hi how did you get your dash looking like that, thank you so much.
@fawfulize
6 жыл бұрын
Sure, no problem! First thing was swapping the gauge cluster out to a Navigator cluster. Mileage is stored in the circuit board along with PATS info. You can slide it off the back of the cluster after removing the plastic cover and unplugging the odometer plug. Just slide it onto the Navigator cluster, and everything will work. The ONLY stipulation is that you lose your cruise lamp. For some reason, Navigator clusters don't have one. After that, you'll need LEDs. Autolumination has the brightest lighting, but reliability issues. VLeds have better reliability, but aren't as bright. You're going to need 6 T5 LEDs, and to match this color... probably around 5500k color temp.
I Changed my pcm relay and I still have theft light flashing, still have code16 , I tried it with a jumper wire in place of relay. Still won't start.was running great when I parked it .just sat 2 days .replaced relay again can you help me??
Where is the fuse? Replaced pcm relay and it still won’t fire but I have the exact symptoms and mine did exactly what yours did with the theft code 16
That was very helpful knowledge for someone like me. But my 2002 Windstar sport gauge cluster goes crazy. It also if you leave it idle the radio starts to fade out the fan fades out to nothing and things get them then you hit the gas it comes back. And then also sometimes you can just turn it off and try to start it and you just clicks like it's a dead battery real fast clicking noise like a ground bad. That's what I have 👍
@robertgray9861
2 жыл бұрын
Bad alternator !
Nice thanks amigo
2000 Ford Excursion: When the theft light blinks rapidly it means there's a (Code) problem with the PCM system.....so when he turned on the key, it blinked fast for about 45 secs....then it paused.....then it blinked once (for 1).....paused...then blinked 6 times (for 6)....That means a code 16........and then it started over....once...then 6....and so on. There are other codes like 15, 17, maybe a 14 but it's usually a 16...that usually means it needs a new "PCM relay" (under $20..00) from the dealer or salvage. easy fix. Find the relays in the fuse box(s). see manual. UPDATE!!!!....I wasn't my PCM relays after all.... I had my charging system checked a few months ago when my 1 year old battery was failing.....turned out that the alternator's diodes were no good! (along with its bearings) ...allowing voltage back into the CPU/PCM when turned off, causing it to do all kinds of weird stuff. Went to Ford and bought a remanufactured Alternator ($215.00) and NO MORE ISSUES!!!!!!
it worked thanks
2000 F-150, Did you replace the fuse, or just take it out and put it back later.Had a key made, no luck! Thanks
@fawfulize
6 жыл бұрын
jerry goen I removed the relay to force the trigger. There are actually two fuses under hood for the PCM, so check both. Also, replace the relay. There's a heated backlight relay you can pull and swap to get it started back up. I can send you a picture of the locations of both fuses, if you'd like.
@jerrygoen1389
6 жыл бұрын
fawfulize please do
@fawfulize
6 жыл бұрын
jerry goen here's the picture from my owners manual. Fuse #2 and Fuse #18 are tied to the PCM. #2 is 30A, #18 15A. Relay #304 is your PCM relay. If you don't have a spare one, you should have the same type of relay in #303. That is your heated backlight relay, so you can swap it out so the truck will at least run. imgur.com/a/vSZHL
@lotomau1183
6 жыл бұрын
I need to know, because the theft light blink 3 times then long pause. Blink and then repeat blinking 3 times. What code is it and what causes it? Ty
@fawfulize
6 жыл бұрын
Lotomau you may have a code 12; which is a defective transceiver, frolm what I can find out. I don't think there is a code 3, so check the flashes again. If you see mine with a code 16, it flashed once, had a short pause, then flashed 6 times.
I have a 2003 F150 doing the same thing alarm is going off and lights flashing and won't start. I replace the PCM and still no start and still flashing THEFT. Help please.
Like to thank you for this video was about to drop mY full tank when I ran across this don't know what caused it yet but took it out and changed with another now working fine thanks
Mine gave this code while running just now? Any ideas. Then I stopped while driving.
Hello thanks for this great video, my truck does the exact same thing BUT it does turn on sometimes it’s like an intermittent issue where in the mornings does not start but later during the day it does, do you think my relay is getting bad? Thanks for the help
@terryandstephaniemorris1039
4 жыл бұрын
did you figure out the problem. my 2002 is doing the same thing and I have changed the immobilizer, pcm, new key, everything reprogrammed, new battery, new fuses and so forth. it turns over but won't start. if I let it set for a week then it starts and runs for 15 minutes then shuts off again with anti theft flashing and code 16
Sorry for so many questions. We have not removed relay yet but am getting code 16, should we replace that relay?Damned if we are having this towed to dealer
@fawfulize
5 жыл бұрын
Check the other fuses if you dont have a spare relay; they could also be burned out. If you need to drive the truck, swap it with your heated backlight relay. Same relay is used, and you can drive on that until you get a replacement.
@helenelewis4843
5 жыл бұрын
Went and bought new relay, still not working.
@fawfulize
5 жыл бұрын
Check the fuses then. I've had cases where both fuse(s) and relay have failed. I believe there are two fuses for the PCM in the underhood fuse box. If I remember correctly, they're 20 amp fuses.