Just bought a 99 windstar it has a no start problem. The Theft light blinks when van does'nt start. I towed it to a Ford Service Center. I was told the key usedis the valet key with no chip in it. That I need two chip keys and a transmitter because someone had removed the old one. How does the van start without this part installed and sometimes not start at all?
the service person said I need a new reciever for 700.00 + keys.

Help!

 

You might pull the cover off the steering column to check if there is a key strapped to the column, near the ignition switch. This vehicle does have a pats system on it and does require a chip key to start. If the remote mounted key is near enough to the transciever, that is the piece around the key tumbler, when you turn the non-chipped key in the ignition, it will still start. It requires two programmed keys to work properly. That is where I would start. The keys should run you about 25.00 apiece, plus program. The price is dependent on the shop doing the service. It will not start without a programmed key, so I would look for one attached to the column.