So yesterday I went out to my car, turned the key, and... Ticking? Not a click like the solenoid, a constant clicking from behind the dash. When I let go of the key, the light and the radio didn't come back on, and the only thing on in the car was the blinking Theft light and whatever was making the ticking before seems to be on whenever there is anything pulling current. Close the door with the key out and the ticking goes away though. I replaced the battery today, and the exact same thing happened when I turned the key. Ideas?

 

starter would be the only other thing I could think of. Check the COP's and whatnot as well. Starting the car only has so many parts.

 

my mark 8 did that one day. I just shut the switch off & back on & it quit. My ticking was coming from the driver's quarter panel tho. I suspect it was from the antitheft system. If you have a spare key, try it.

 

I read elsewhere that someone had to have the entire antitheft system replaced..

 

Take the car to a dyno shop and they can tune the theft system out of the ECM

 

Its called PATS. I always turn iy off on my cars. There is a ring behind the ignition that senses a chip in your key. Pretty common failure on fords and it makes it seem like bad fuel pump. Basically it cits fuel system off as part of theft deterent. Its worth it to turn it off

 

and you wonder why us old codgers yearn for the day of points and carbs ..

 

I made a completely dark video, but hopefully it will at least get the point across. It is not the starter, it is not the battery, it is not fuel or spark. The car just acts like the battery died, except it keeps the THEFT light blinking. I have tried to jump start the car with my brother's car, to no avail. Exactly the same result. I have not tried to push start it, though, for fear of pushing it down the street, just to have to push it back...

 

1 part baking soda, 4 parts water, 100 parts ego, let cables sit for 5 minutes. Presto.

 

just a thought...you tried to change the LED's in the instrument panel, could it be something from that possibly?

 

The negative battery cable was corroded. I soaked it in baking soda, and all was good in the world again. Thanks guys.