GoBig

I have a 1998 Grand Marquis. When I first go to start my car after it's been sitting over night it starts right up. I'll drive for a few miles then park and turn off the car. When I come back 20 minutes later I'll turn the key and the battery will kick in but when I turn it further there is nothing. The engine doesn't turn over at all. What I usually do is open the hood to "cool" the engine more quickly. I'll get out of the car and lock it via the key pad. I'll wait a few minutes then enter the car via the keypad. When I try again it kicks in and starts normally.

The only thing I can think of is in the past I couldn't get my key fob to work. A dealership said they key pad module wasn't good and that's why they couldn't get the key fob to work.

Is there a chip in the key that communicates with the key pad module? If that communication is broken the care won't start? Has anyone heard of that before? I can't think of anything else that would cause my no start behavior. Thanks in advance for you help!

tbird100636

When the engine doesn't crank is there any audible click??? Does any of the warning lights go dim or completely dead when it won't crank??? Is there a flashing THEFT light in the cluster???

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Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic

360ci

If the battery terminals are connected solidly, I'd get the battery load tested. An inoperable key fob won't matter if the car can start when warmed up. It might be putting off the inevitable, but I'm sure you could get a 180F stat which will lower running temps and should make for easier starts.

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'00 Durango R/T 360ci 290hp (modded); 138,500m
'06 Pontiac G6 GT 3.5L 220hp; 44,000m
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Stick462

Your talking about a PATS error ( Pasive Anti Theft ) and this sounds like it could be the problem .This can be corrected bye the dealer or your key chip could have been damaged ??Do you have another key you could try?? Try resetting the PATS CODE to your key FOB .The code should be in your ford manual.