On occasion my 2000 windstar will not start when you turn the key. It clicks and all the gauges in the instrument panel max out slowly and then settle back to zero (the engine is not running). Then it will start and run normal. Battery cables seem to be normal at the battery. Sometimes when it does start the theft light flashes quickly unitl you shut it off and start it again. I'm not sure if the two are related. Could it be the key? I have another Ford key attached to one of the rings I use for my truck. TIA.

 

It was the battery. Not dirty, just at the end of its day.