Double Trouble: Air and start problems

[hpb-pathfinder]

I have a 98 Windstar GL and I troubleshooted it for no ar coming out of the front vents. So I removed the radio, ashtray and all that was needed to get to the blend door actuator. I removed the actuator to buy a new one.I drove without any problems without that actuator for about a week.
But last night, when I installed the new actuator, I couldn't start anymore.
Battery is still pretty strong, so that can't be it. At some point I suspected, it could be the Anti Theft system. So I did the procedure from the manual to disarm the anti theft while sitting in the car, and the car started. So I thought everything is back to normal. But again this morning. Same game. Had to sit in the car, lock all doors and the car would start. Alright, here are my questions:

- Could I have tripped or triggered something by removing that part of the console?

- How can I reset the thing to get back to normal?

- And: How do I get to take a good look at those lines running from the intake manifold that are responsible for the blend door vacuum?

Any help would be appreciated.

[hpb-pathfinder]

OK, here is an update to the starting trouble I have: I figured out now that I have to hold down the door lock button on the driver door while starting the car. My suspicion is: It has definitely something to do with the anti theft thing.

Any ideas?

[chasealley]

I can't answer this one for sure as I have no experience in that area.....however....

In the old days I helped out more than one friend with the same problem. Car wouldn't start. Found out if you hold down the power window switch while you turn the key it would start.

Turns out in that case the connection to the battery is the problem. Loose. The starter required more current that could have been supplied through the resistance caused by the loose connection.

Without taking any further guesses at it I would say look at both battery connections for corrosion and tightness.