Won't start after disconnecting battery

[Flikk]

Unhooked the battery and alternator when replacing the power steering pump, now won't start. When connect the battery, flashers go on for a bit then back off. Asked someone who used to work on vehicles and he said that the computer has to be reset when the battery is removed when there is a security system, but he couldn't remember how to do it. Since it's Sunday, none of the garages are open so can't call and ask... anyone know how to get my vehicle started?

[wiswind]

I am not at all familiar with the security system.
Do you have the owner's manual?
I do NOT recall the flashers flashing when I reconnected my battery.....(that is with them turned off)....but I do not have a security system.

Try posting the year of your windstar.....
I am assuming that you are talking about the factory security system?

Also, try doing a search in this forum on "security"...or other key words....like "won't start"..
I am sure that someone who has the security system has been through this.
Having the battery disconnected for as long as you did.....would certainly have cleared the computer. So the steps of disconnecting the battery, with the headlights on.....and waiting 5 minutes before reconnecting.......would be the same. (your underhood light would have drained anything that the headlights would have in your work time...unless you are a lot faster at the power steering pump change than I am).

Also, look around for anything that you may have forgotten to connect.....like the alternator.....a plug....and a wire.

[Flikk]

It's a 1998. I have the manual, but there is nothing in it that can help me out... it just says take to an authorized dealer for battery replacement. It's a factory system, but th!ere is an additional "horn" mounted to the left side that might be added in, however the wire was disconnected.

Yeah, the battery was out plenty long to reset the computer, so it has to have something to do with the security system. I will try a search on this forum and hopefully find an answer... or take another day off of work tomorrow!

[wiswind]

I tried to read about the security system for '96 on alldatadiy. It does not list anything about a reset of the security system. Maybe.....close all doors, and the hood....and liftgate. See if you can arm the system. Then disarm the system.....and try to see if you can start the car. If not.....not starting is relative to the "starter interrupt relay". I am guessing that it may be in the box in the engine compartment...along with the other relays.

Also, check your fuses relative to the security system.

[Flikk]

Okay, now I'm wondering if there is an add on security system since there is a toggle switch below the steering column on the left. I think that the problem is the starter interrupt and the system needs to be disarmed in order to start the vehicle. The key in the ignition does not disarm, nor does the door unlock or the key in the door. There is a dash light that comes on when the system is armed, so I assumed it was a factory system, but would an add on have a light in the same place? Now the problem would be to figure out what system was installed and how to manually disarm it... if that's the problem. Since I bought it used and there are no additional manuals, who knows. There's probably supposed to be keyless entry that we didn't get to boot.

At least I know that the security system works.