My mountaineer wont stat-dash lights on-anti theft light blinks-how can I get it to start

Anti theft warning light.

You need to reset the anti theft system

If the anti theft light is blinking and you say that everything else fine.. My first thought is that the key is not programmed to the vehicle. The key has a internal chip that must be programmed to vehicle in order to start. Now my other question is, Is the key your using for the vehicle the original key or have you just recently had a key made? Regardless, in order for the yur Tribute to start, the key. Or keys have to be program to vehicle by your neighbor dealership. Thats the reason for your anti theft light is blinking

The problem may not be with anti-theft but with a bad fuel pump,cam/crank sensor etc. Also, you may try unlocking the drivers door with the key. On most cars that is the standard method for disabling the security system.

Is the anti theft light blinking in the dash display?

I have already gone into this.

this is one way to reset it :
first make sure the battery is fully charged , then do the following:
key in the ignition but do not crank the motor, just leave it at the
ignition mode for ten minutes ,then turn it off POSITION for 5 seconds then REPEAT again 2 more times. at the 3 rd time youre gonna notice the ANTI THEFT light on dash to blink. when doing the last step , remove key , inserted again and turn on motor , good luck , AJ

If your anti theft light is blink when you try to start it then your key needs to be reprogrammed.