Well, I just got a used 2003 Sable LS with the Duratec. Nice car. One little problem with starting the car.

Sometime when you get back into the car and try to start it, nothing happens. I played with the shifter, with the remote, lock and unlock, got in and out repeatedly each time using the remote. But I'd try to start the car and would get nothing but lights. No noise, no nothing.

So then I got out and locked the car with the remote, and then unlocked it with the key, got back in and started it. (The shop I had it at to fix the a/c later in the day said they hit the lights and then it started....)

Sounds like a nasty little computer problem..or something with the anti-theft stuff. this thing has the keypad on the door, which I haven't used yet (i'll look for the code on the fuse box, saw the post on that) and one key and remote.

Anyone been here and done this?

Thanks.

Yeah most Fords are like that now, when you get in just press unlock before you put the key in the ignition then try to start it. It should not be a malfunction when I was a lot attendant/porter I had the same problem sometimes, I just had to remember. Is your car equipped with a Silecer? This may be part of the problem, (its an anti-theft device)

I actually tried the unlock on the remote several times. Lock and unlock both, but it never would start. Then I started getting out and in, messed with the gas cap (I had just filled the tank when it wouldn't start), and finally the thing that seemed to work was just unlocking it with the key. Who knows if that actually did anything, or if it just decided to start.

Sounds possesed. LOL........ I am all out of ideas then, I guess just take it to the dealer and have them look at it.

I had an intermit connection on the Passive Alarm transceiver cable that caused similar problem. Changed the groung pin on the connector and alls well so far. If there is a fault, the computor should retain a trouble code that will point you in the right direction.
Good luck.

look at the theft light when the vehicle dowsn't start - if it is flashing then it is an anti theft problem - if it proves out then the vehicle is accepting the key and the problem is something else - now that said - does the vehicle have any stupid crap like remote start or aftermarket alarm on it that could be giving you problems?