Ford Taurus anti-theft light flashing and car won't start in cold weather on Ford Taurus

Submitted by annettel · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Ford Taurus owners report experiencing issues with the anti-theft light flashing and the car not starting in cold weather. These problems may arise when the security system mistakenly interprets low temperatures as a theft attempt, leading to the system engaging and preventing the vehicle from starting. Additionally, the sensitivity of the anti-theft system is known to increase in colder conditions, making this a common concern among Ford Taurus models. Owners often find that resetting the anti-theft system can help, which can be done by turning the key to the "RUN" position without starting the car until the light blinks rapidly, then slowing down after a minute. It’s important to note that while the anti-theft system does not disable the starter, it can affect ignition and fuel injection, and using a bad key may result in a rapidly blinking theft light while the engine cranks without starting. Understanding these factors can assist owners in troubleshooting and resolving the issue effectively.

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