Car Alarms: Disabled car starter circuit, ford windstar van, ford windstar

Question
Hi friend,

For no known reason, my 1996 Ford Windstar Van did not start and the anti-theft indicator light turns on when the ignition key is turned on. I used the remote unlock and the key at no avail. How can I get the car starting? I could live without anti-theft alarm system if necessary. Thanks.

Answer
I do not believe the 96 Windstar has a pats system installed.  PATS is Ford's Passive Anti Theft System this system uses a transponder in the key to verify the key is legitimate for the vehicle.  If your key has a rather large head on it it has PATS, if it is a normal size key it does not.  I believe your van only has a factory alarm.

To disarm your factory alarm you only need to unlock the door with a key.  Once unlocked the security light should extinguish.  If you still can not start the vehicle I would look into having the vehicle's starter looked at.