coopab
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2009
- Messages
- 66
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Central Massachusetts
- Vehicle Year
- 1999
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 4.0 L
- Transmission
- Automatic
Solved
For a couple of weeks I've been unable to start my 99 4.0 XLT automatic transmission when in Park. In fact it seems that the linkage is not allowing it to shift fully into Park. However, I have been able to start it reliably by putting it in Neutral to start. If I jam it into Park it seems to hold as long as I'm not on a steepish incline.
Today I started the engine drove less than 1/2 mile to the gas station, fueled it up and when I went to start it the engine fired up but immediately shut down. I tried several more times and most often got nothing except the started turning the engine over. A couple of times the engine roared to life only to die after a couple of seconds. Once the alarm started the horn beeping. I was able to shut it down using the remote keyless transmitter. After several more attempts I called for help and got towed back to my house. That's when I noticed that the "THEFT" light was flashing madly.
From what I've read in my owner's manual and from other threads on this forum it appears that the factory anti-theft system is causing the problem. Here's an exact quote from the owner's manual.
coopab
After tightening up the linkage of the steering column shift linkage I had to charge my battery and after that the flashing "THEFT" light went away and my Ranger runs again.
For a couple of weeks I've been unable to start my 99 4.0 XLT automatic transmission when in Park. In fact it seems that the linkage is not allowing it to shift fully into Park. However, I have been able to start it reliably by putting it in Neutral to start. If I jam it into Park it seems to hold as long as I'm not on a steepish incline.
Today I started the engine drove less than 1/2 mile to the gas station, fueled it up and when I went to start it the engine fired up but immediately shut down. I tried several more times and most often got nothing except the started turning the engine over. A couple of times the engine roared to life only to die after a couple of seconds. Once the alarm started the horn beeping. I was able to shut it down using the remote keyless transmitter. After several more attempts I called for help and got towed back to my house. That's when I noticed that the "THEFT" light was flashing madly.
From what I've read in my owner's manual and from other threads on this forum it appears that the factory anti-theft system is causing the problem. Here's an exact quote from the owner's manual.
I believe my truck has the SecuriLock™system Are there any Ford techs here who would have some idea of what a dealership might charge to service this system? Alternately, is there a DIY way to simply reset the system or shut it down completely without disabling other features such as the remote keyless entry?"If the theft indicator stays on for an extended period of time or flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your dealership or a qualified technician."
coopab
After tightening up the linkage of the steering column shift linkage I had to charge my battery and after that the flashing "THEFT" light went away and my Ranger runs again.
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