2002 Ford Explorer will not start. Theft light flashes and makes a continuous ping noise.

Paul, links below.
ford explorer 2002 showing theft light and will not start how do you...

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjfh56Gq5vLAhVitYMKHXIvBx4QFggbMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanswers.edmunds.com%2Fquestion-On-2002-Ford-Explorer-alarm-system-times-What-I-disable-it-142401.aspx&usg=AFQjCNHj4FxZfmdawmyonR-f40OUx6XdMQ

https://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080820122447AAVurnC

Is the red light on the top center of the dash pad flashing fast when trying to start ? The engine doesn't turn over ?
Anti-theft system problem !
PATS uses a visual theft indicator. This indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS problem, this indicator will either flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. PATS also "blips" the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual theft deterrent.
PATS differs from the perimeter anti-theft system in that PATS enables and disables the engine from starting. If equipped, the perimeter anti-theft system protects the perimeter of the vehicle (doors, hood and trunk) and sounds an alarm.
The PATS is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from outside the vehicle. These systems may reduce the vehicle security level, and also may cause no-start issues. Remote start systems must be removed before investigation of PATS-related No Start issues.

Call the dealer

When my anti theft went off because I changed a battery, mind you it was an oldsmobile I had to take it to a dealership so that they could reprogram the theft system

How is that possible,they should have a data
base, such as AllData or Mitchell, etc or
they can not work on any product & may as
well close their doors and go out of business

Your owners manual will explain the system as
far as using it

Any repair shop, should have 15 years experience
with an Explorer,there are a million out there

You need to move on to another shop,don't pay that
one anything

if anti theft module not communication with scanner or diagnostic hook up then your vehicle will probably not start till thats corrected and clicking sounds like relay from security system opening up and shutting down power for starting system

could be a starter. is the theft light blinking fast? my email is [email protected]

Could be electrical problem. Your CPU brain for the motor.

check and reset security system

Are you absolutely sure it is the ABS light that is flashing?

Also, to confirm descriptions, when you state that when you try to turn it back on you get "nothing, doesn't even crank" are you saying there is no click for the starter relay, no starter engagement, and the engine doesn't spin over?

Your description of the noise when you turn the truck off sounds a bit like the sound a muffled backfire might make. Maybe the truck is running really right, but that wouldn't explain the ABS light flashing. It could explain the Check Engine Light (CEL) flashing as running rich enough to backfire would be an emissions issue which would cause a flashing CEL.