I own a 2001 ford tarus i am having problems getting it to start its not the starter but i believe it is the anti theft system i have tried to over ride the sustem but it doesnt seem to be working any advice you can give will be great

check for worn --damaged key-- ignition cylinder --ignition switch

probs your key unit.needs a new battery

What year is the vehicle ? engine size ? Is the anti-theft system light lit or flashing fast when trying to start ? The ford PATS - anti-theft system will disable starting system .

From my experience...
A non PATS coded key SHOULD not turn the STARTER...!

If ANTI-THEFT were invoked... you can attain a not start condition which the Owners Manual says must be cleared by the dealer.

A working PATS key should disable the anti theft... by turning the ignition on... ELSE try your other key.

The SecuriLock [PATS]
passive anti-theft system is not compatible with
non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection.

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)

OWNERS MANUAL
Ford 2003 Mustang Owner Manual

SHOP MANUAL
Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual

02 Ford Taurus Anti-Theft problem? - YouTube

? 1:04
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLYhlnWaZVw
Apr 11, 2014 - Uploaded by Devin Jarrett
Have you tried to force the starter to turn over? ... 2008-2012Ford Escape No Start Theft Light Flashing Diagnostic Walkthrough - Duration: ...

No where in the DTC - description does it say anything about replacing any modules . An does not have anything to do with a communication problem ! You need a professional grade scan tool to communicate with the PATS system ! An if you don't know these thing's you better take it to pro !!!!!!!
P1260 - Theft Detected - Vehicle Immobilized Indicates that the passive anti-theft system (PATS) has determined a theft condition existed and the engine is disabled. This DTC is a good indicator to check the PATS for DTCs.

• Previous theft condition
• Anti-Theft System failure

Theft indicator flashing rapidly or on solid when ignition switch is in the ON position. Check anti-theft system for DTCs. Typical vehicle symptoms are: Start/Stall or Crank/No Start. NOTE: No crank symptom only on vehicles equipped with PATS starter disable feature

You need a bypass kit from Ford. Otherwise just disconnecting the harness will not allow the car to start.

Its a good possibility that the Anti-theft is interferring with the circuit. If you have an extra ignition key, use that in case the password chip in your regular FOB has detriorated.

There is a brake sensor which is on the upper brake pedal. It interlocks with the starter to prevent starting without having your foot on the brake pedal. Check your brake lights for operation. If the brake lights stay dark with your foot on the pedal, the switch is broke or knocked out of position. A common problem.

Next, there are small wires for the starter solenoid. You can use a test light on one removed wire and ground the test light to the vehicle, the other end in the small wire. Turn the keyswitch to start, with brake pedal pressed and see if it lights up. If it does light up, the starter solenoid may be bad.

Battery level. Ford Anti-theft and some say Battery-saver, can cause both starting and charging problems. A fully charged battery can be at 13.2V- 13.6V. When Ford systems detect low voltage it can activate the Anti-theft, battery-saver, and even disconnect the charging system to allow the battery to completely drain. In some cases the Anti-theft drops starter voltage to around 7V so the starter will not spin. Have the battery tested.

I know of 2004 trucks that were jump started and showed charging, then after 5-10 minutes they lost the charging system. Some people lost the charging system at 70MPH and drove until they stalled. All because of the automatic features built into the trucks. A new battery fixed the problem. Your problem could stem from this.

sounds like aaa might have popped your main fuse. i would call aaa back and tell them your problem. they are responsible.

Try taking out the fuse for the alarm system. If that works it's a short in the system.