2002 F-150 won't start, not recognizing both original keys. How do I fix? Where is the module located that reads the chip/key? Any help is much appreciated. Can't afford the dealership. Thanks

 

Please tell us what the anti-theft lamp is doing.and how you determined it is not recognizing the keys..

Was anything done to bring this on?

 

Since I owned the truck it has happened twice, but I could reset it by using the method in the owners manual. I would put the switch to the 4th postition for 30 seconds then back to 1st position and then it would start. Last Saturday it did it again but this time it wouldn't start. The theft light stays flashing. I also tried disconnecting the battery to see if it would reset. My truck is in the Aldis parking lot. The Ford dealer wants 280.00 just to put it on the computer to diagnose then charge whatever to fix it. Two years ago I had to use a wrecker service for a different truck and he charged 250.00 to bring it 1 mile to my house.
Even though I'm 70 and terrible health I should be able to switch out the module or ignition switch. I don't know the name of the part that controls/reads the chip in the key. I just hope I don't need a high dollar diagnostic machine to fix it.
Thanks for replying and hope you can steer me in the right direction.