I'm having a crazy problem with my Ford Escape 2009 Limited AWD during summer time. When the outside temperature is over 90 degrees the antitheft light starts blinking and the car doesn't crank. After ~20 minutes under a shade or if the weather cools down it starts without a problem. I'm having this problem for 2+ years and even at the dealership couldn't find a solution.
In the last two years that I own the car there wasn't even one time that my car started with temperatures over 90 degrees (like it has a thermal sensor).
Until now I tried the following things...
1. Took out IC and PCM put them in the cooler for a while to drop their temperature.. nothing changed
2. Tried almost all the tricks found on internet (turn steering wheel until it locks, open door with key, unlock it with keypad, play with the gear shaft etc)... nothing changed
3. Tried to scan error codes with forscan, but when this happens the software can't connect. When the car starts again no errors except P1260
4. I have to mention that in the meanwhile I installed a remote start with PATS bypass, but when is over 90s it doesn't start even with that.
5. Changed battery.. nothing

I would really appreciate any help I can get.

 

Someone may have tried a different key ,Yes/No ? Have to ask the question anyway !!

 

Nope, I only have the two original keys and I'm the only driver.

 

1206 is anti theft system code (PATS)..weird the issues remains when PATS is bypasses.

Maybe something wonky with ignition key assembly...just a guess

 

Today I started with a hair dryer heating up the cabin. After half an hour I could replicate the problem, PATS light blinking. Cooled it down with a fan and open doors, after 10 minutes everything ok.
Then I started heating specific parts, steering column, IC, door locks, central console... nothing
Next, I left the dryer in front of front passenger seat after 10 minutes, anti theft light started blinking... Cooled it down and car started again.
Finally I tried spot by spot , fuse box, cables behind glove compartment, under carpet, behind passenger airbag... nothing
Left hair dryer again for 30 minutes with doors closed... nothing
Outside temperature 90+ degrees but cloudy... car runs fine...

 

so it's 90+ degrees "interior" temperature…..or outside temp?

 

Somehow it happens when the outside temp is 90+ but it has to do with the cabin temp.

 

well diligent test with the hair dryer...weird problem

when this happens have you tried to tap on the PCM to see if it starts?