2002 Continenal can't get started!

Yesterday, when I switched the key to 'Acc' mode to listen to the radio and CD in my car, I touched the brake (I did not do this deliberately), the screen showing the radio information suddenly became dark and 1 second later, it recovered. But then I could here some clicking noise in the CD magazine. And I tried to turn from the radio the CD, it told me there was no CD. About 10 sec later, the whole car seemed out of electricity.

Then no matter which mode I switched my key to, there was no response. Even the electronic lock did work. The car did not blare. The CD could be ejected. (Still click noise when I tried.) The remote did not work. I could not open the trunk. Everything seemed out of power.

But I could adjust driver's seat and the power mirror, which are the only things seemed to have electricity to run.

Today I tried to jump start it. When connected to the good car's battery and switched to the 'on' mode, eveything get powered again, and strange enough, the radio was automatically on! But still no way of starting the engine! A jump start didn't recover it.

Now it has been towed to the dealer. No idea what happened and how much it will take to recover. Maybe I have to change a battery? But it has only 66k miles on it. Really need ideas from you! Many thanks.

Sounds like it could possibly be a PATS problem, thats passive anti theft system for non Ford guys. If it wouldnt jump start, it wont just be a battery or alternator issue, something is keeping the starter from engaging.

Thanks so much for your suggestion!

Then what should I do with it? Now it is in the dealer shop, I just wonder should I tell the dealer the possible problem as you suggested, and how much it may take.

And what if next time I encounter the same problem by myself, what steps could I follow to recover it?

Many thanks.



Sounds like it could possibly be a PATS problem, thats passive anti theft system for non Ford guys. If it wouldnt jump start, it wont just be a battery or alternator issue, something is keeping the starter from engaging.

A PATS problem is usually pretty easily identified. The scan too will almost always pick it up right away. After reading your post a second time, I noticed you used another car to try and jumpstart the vehicle? What kind of vehicle? They all use 12 volt systems, but different vehicles require a higher cranking amperage battery... A jump start from a weaker system may not prove to be a definitive diagnostic method. For example, my Aviator will jumpstart my other car, but not a diesel.

Sir, thanks for your response.

Now the dealer has solved the problem simply by charging the battery.

Here everything is okay with my car.

The only problem I still have now is that my remote doesn't work now. I want to reprogram myself, and have no idea of what to do. Do you have any idea of that?

Many thanks.


A PATS problem is usually pretty easily identified. The scan too will almost always pick it up right away. After reading your post a second time, I noticed you used another car to try and jumpstart the vehicle? What kind of vehicle? They all use 12 volt systems, but different vehicles require a higher cranking amperage battery... A jump start from a weaker system may not prove to be a definitive diagnostic method. For example, my Aviator will jumpstart my other car, but not a diesel.