Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Starting Problem

PATS light is in the clock or in the dash under the center vents, the red led that blinks all the time when you leave the car, take the keys. You might just have a weak battery, try recharging it first, and check the connections at the battery posts. I've had a few batteries go bad like that, lights on, no crank, even with charging it up. If you get the car running, check voltage at battery terminals, 14 volt range means the alternator is OK.

The PATS light is flashing the whole time. Not sure what that means though. I tried to jump the car with cables but nothing happened.

Is it flashing with the key on run position? Flashing in off position is normal, like for an alarm. Clutch down when starting, I am sure you are doing that My neighbor's Taurus had a battery you couldn't jump. It could be the starter is stuck. Maybe, take a socket extension and rest it against the starter motor, and give it a light tap with a mallet. Do the dome lights go dead if you try the starter?

The lights do not go dim when trying to start the car. I'm not sure what the PATS light does when the key is turned and the clutch is engage?

The lights don't dim, to me that means the starter is not even attempting to turn. Try a different key, the PATS keys must be programmed, I wonder if you have one that's not.

Turn key on to try to start, clutch up (foot off)
PATS light does:

Turn key on to try to start, clutch down, PATS light does:

Maybe there is a clue there. I had a new key, before I programmed it the car acted just like yours.

Don't forget about the clutch safety switch. Mine went out, and cost a dollar (I think) to replace.
Sean

That could be it! Good idea, cheap too.