I've had this 1998 vert mustang for about a year now. Never gave me any trouble except for a tear in the seal holding the tank and the pump together. I got that replaced for cheap. Suddenly I start seeing a "theft" light come on and blink rapidly. After some research I learn about this PAT system. The car continued to drive though. After a while I figured out how to make that light go away by putting the key in the ignition and turning it but not starting it. This way the theft light cleared with all the other lights. When i turned the car on I had no theft light blinking.

Then it got weird. The next day I go to turn the car on and the lights come on as usual and then clear. I turn the key to start the car and I hear a single click and it just dies. I try again and no lights even come on. I wait about 5-10 minutes and try again, the lights come on but then it does just as I turn it.

I'm not sure if this is a dead battery or if it's a blown fuse or busted PAT system. Any ideas guys?

 

Have you checked the reset button in the trunk??

 

I wasn't aware that there was a reset button in the trunk. Where exactly in the trunk is it?

 

sounds like a dead battery. turn your head lights on and try to start the car. if they go very dim/off then its a dead battery.

 

The reset button is on the left side of the trunk in a hole where the tail light is,, just a red reset button just push it down until it clicks.

 

I'm pretty sure it was the PATs system. I unplugged the battery for a few minutes then put it back in and the car fired right up.

 

The "reset button" cuts off the fuel pump. First check your battery voltage and connections. If they're ok, check your starter connections too. Start from there.

 

I had that exact problem about a week ago. The wire connecting to the negative side battery terminal was loose and rusty. I brushed off the rust and tightened the cable. Easy fix. Afterward, I cleaned both battery posts just to do it.