# 1999 Ford F-150 - Theft deterrent stops ME **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ford\ **Created:** [July 24, 2022, 11:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-ford-f-150-theft-deterrent-stops-me/185443 "2022-07-24T11:42:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![F15058](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ee59a6/32.png) [@F15058](https://community.cartalk.com/u/F15058)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2022, 11:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-ford-f-150-theft-deterrent-stops-me/185443/1 "2022-07-24T11:42:00Z")
My theft deterrent system causes my engine to stop while driving. ---
**Author:** ![davepsinbox\_157004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@davepsinbox\_157004](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davepsinbox_157004)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2022, 6:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-ford-f-150-theft-deterrent-stops-me/185443/2 "2022-07-24T18:28:19Z")
From what I can find it’s usually the result of frayed wires in the steering column. It’s a known problem. [Ford F-150 Anti-theft Controller Problems](https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/f-150/anti-theft-controller-problems.php) ---
**Author:** ![It\_s-Me](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/it_s-me/32/12660_2.png) [@It\_s-Me](https://community.cartalk.com/u/It_s-Me)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2022, 11:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-ford-f-150-theft-deterrent-stops-me/185443/3 "2022-07-25T11:45:26Z")
Fords anti theft “SecuriLock” - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) If your engine is dying while driving, It is **NOT** a (PATS) issue. Low battery voltage can kill the engine, and low enough voltage will trigger the anti theft light and stop you from starting the truck. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2022, 1:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-ford-f-150-theft-deterrent-stops-me/185443/4 "2022-07-25T13:53:05Z")
A bad crankshaft position sensor can cause the engine to just shut off. > **[Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor Symptoms & Problems](https://www.1aauto.com/content/articles/bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor-symptoms)** > > Problems with the crankshaft sensor will often present as problems with engine timing. If you think your sensor has failed, here are some common symptoms of a bad crankshaft sensor that can help you in determining whether or not it has failed. Tester ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2022, 9:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-ford-f-150-theft-deterrent-stops-me/185443/5 "2022-07-25T21:57:46Z")
OP, explain why you think the anti-theft system is causing the engine to shut off when driving. That’s a possibility, but there are many other reasons that can cause the engine to shut off. ---
**Author:** ![F15058](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ee59a6/32.png) [@F15058](https://community.cartalk.com/u/F15058)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 2:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-ford-f-150-theft-deterrent-stops-me/185443/6 "2022-07-26T02:56:59Z")
Theft light flashes…it cuts off I followed a theft deterrent reset technique…put ignition switch in A/C position and tap on fuse link box …if memory serves me. It started. I drove it. Unfortunately, the problem keeps occurring. The reset technique did not seem to work again. Lastly, when it cut off, I put key in door …light went off …it started. Drove a little, it cut off. I could not get it started. Theft light flashes as I try to start it. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 10:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-ford-f-150-theft-deterrent-stops-me/185443/7 "2022-07-26T22:34:46Z")
Best bet probably is to take your truck to a Ford dealership with proof it belongs to you. Hopefully they’ll be able to resolve the problem for you. Before doing that, make sure the battery and charging system are working correctly. Shop’s have special test equipment for that common test. My diy’er driveway version: Before the first start of the day (truck sitting unused overnight) the battery should measure about 12.6 volts, then immediately after starting the engine, 13.5 - 15.5 volts.