This is just to deter theft. Whether or not your car came with an optional anti-theft system, the light will still be there, simulating a anti-theft system. It's just a light-emitting diode, so it doesn't have enough draw to drain the battery.
that is normal I have three fords in my driveway including a 99 Windstar and they all do it. ======================================================== Just adding to the answer ( once the doors are locked )
had to replace the battery in my 2002 Mercury Mountaineer but now the theft light is blinking, it is cranking up. How can I stop it?
Many vehicles come with an anti-theft feature. The cause for some vehicles system engaging is something as simple as dirt on the key, hitting the wrong pin, and the car not being in Park.
I believe that when the PATS theft light is blinking RAPIDLY it is because you are trying to start the car with a non-PATS coded key. If it is blinking every couple of seconds SLOWLY, it just means the system is monitoring the ignition.
The blinking red light in the dashboard is an indicator that your anti-theft security system is armed and working.
Some have "fake theft" lights. If the light is blinking red near the radio then it is a fake.
If your theft light keeps blinking while driving, chances are you have accidentally hit the toggle switch underneath the dash. Find the toggle switch that is located near the panel and click off the button.
It means that the theft computer has detected a malfunction and set a trouble code.
to tell you it's working
It sounds like an anti-theft indicator light. The blinking light means that the security system is active and is functioning properly.
That depends on when it's blinking. If it's blinking rapidly when you turn the key on, there is a problem in the anti-theft, and the truck probably won't start. If it's blinking every 3 seconds when the key is off, that is a normal condition. It's telling you that the system is armed and ready.
how do you reset the anti-theft system on a 1999 Ford windstar