1999-2003 Ford F-150 THEFT light decoding 

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 👍

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! ✌🏾

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!

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 have been dealing with this issue on my 2003 F150. I tried this and it worked thanks so much man!!

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.

Great video , I been messing with this thing for 2 weeks, leaving me stranded almost everywhere I go for 15 min - to an hrs. Or more. I hope it will keep starting.

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 .

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!

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!

6 years later you just almost saved my 14 year anniversary she's still mad at me but my truck is starting. Thanks king

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!

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 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.

Dude! This saved my 2003's life!! You made me look like i knew my s**t!!!Thank you so much!!!

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!

Thank You for very detailed explanation. I have not had this problem on my '00 f150 yet. Will help me in the future :) !!

Thanks for the video. Almost 430,000 views. Good job, you are helping a lot of frustrated owners.

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

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

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

Thank you so much for taking time to aid us diy people.

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!

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

Hey, thanks! Had this problem with my 99 Expedition tried all kinds of youtube advice. Nothing worked except your procedure.

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

You just saved one of my drivers stuck in the middle of a 5 Lane Highway during rush hour traffic. Great video

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

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.

This work like a charm! I appreciate you saving me a hell of a lot of time thank you.

My man !! Thanks ! Looked like a boss , saving the father in law ! .

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

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. 👍

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.

Fixed my issue from watching video! The module was corroded cleaned connections so far so good 👍👍

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!

Wanted to thank you for such a great informative video.. It really helped me out big time.. I appreciate you.. Thanks !

You are a life saver THANK YOU!!

Thanks, that is some good info. It worked on 2000 f-150 like a champ!

Thank you so much for your video, it solved my problem.

can't thank you enough. you saved me.

Thanks for this video helped me a lot.

This was amazing. I was going at this for awhile and you solved it in seconds.

Thank you for making this video. Hit the nail dead on the head. Thank you again👍

Thanks a bunch i saw your viedo and it was exactly what was wrong with my 2002 f 150, 4.6

Hells to the ya. Thanks after four hours stuck IT WORKED!!!!!!

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

Thanks , You Helped me out at walmart parking lot . Swapped out with cruise control relay to get us Home..

omg bro !!! you save my life !!! good video !!!!!

Thank you for posting this video!!!!!!!!!! You saved me. This worked on my 2001 4.2L V6 XLT!!!!!!

i did exactly what you did and it worked for me.thank you very much sir.😇

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.

Thanks for that information because that just fixed my problem

F-yes so much information was given in this video. Thanks.

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

Hi I'm using my wife's RU-vid 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.

That is awesome information for us locksmiths that are non-mechanics

Awesomw!!! Thanks for the help!!

You sir are a life saver

❤️❤️❤️ it worked thanks so much

Hi how did you get your dash looking like that, thank you so much.

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

had this issue ended up being the ECM! 2000 f150 4.2

I'm going to look into trying this my truck does this very randomly and it's not very often.

Does this work for the 2003 ford expedition? The anti lock is on so it wont start and the alarm goes off? Thank you

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

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.

Thanks bro for making this video😊

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

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.

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 👍

Great video!!!

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.

Thank you for taking the time to do this video, i have the same code, so its just taking the relay out and back?, Should i replace it?, Clean it with an electronic cleaner or just compressed air?. Thanks

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.

Did you replace anything or just keep doing this? This worked great for me and will go out and get a new relay to see if that fixes it.

Good Job, Good video, thanks Bro.......

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 💯

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.

I've been trying to get my car to start for about 2 months now. The theft light has been on for years when the car shuts off. I just changed the starter and selonoid and it still wont start. I saw your video, and i took the pcm relay out and then turned the car on. the theft light didnt blink fast like in your video. it started out slow with the pause for a few seconds in between each blink. and the pause inbetween each blink was the same. Does this mean somethink could be terrible wrong with my car?

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?

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

Brother great job! I have an 07 f150 it has a little red light mounted on the dash... it work the same?

Thank you! Saved me a tow bill

Thank you so much bro.

Awesome code 16 $10 at O'Reilly's Thanks again my truck has all its power back again! 👍

can i do this with a 1998 ford explorer?

Cool Thanks for the info

Can this also make it seem as if you have no juice at all and then all the sudden its ok again

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

Mine did this. Didn't run a code. Had to boost it twice. Flashed theft and wouldn't start. Got it to start and had it tested. No idea. I got the relay and switched it. Guess I'll find out if that fixed it later. I can't stand electrical. This helped me alot tho because I had no clue where to even start

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?

_____My 2000 Excursion intermittently (One out of ten times) flashes the theft light and will not start. It will turn over but no fire. My mechanic had it for a month and only wore out my starter. He suspected the PCM but didn't want to be wrong. I told him just replace it, if it's not the problem no biggie. He did and it got rid of the check engine light but now only the theft light issues. Hopefully Auto Zone carries these relays. May just go to ford. I'll let ya know the results if ya want.

I have a code 12 what should I do?

I'll be damn, It work, did everything replace with other relys, fuses, I was just checking my AC relys and fuses Only cause my compressor wasnt turning on, went to start nothing, WTH, Thanks for your Input Friend

I know it’s been 5 years lol. But did you swap out your gauge cluster? If not I’ve never seen a non lightning have one like that

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

I have a 1998 Ford expedition and it doing the same thing is it the same Relay For Expedition or a different one

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