P1260 — Theft Detected — Vehicle/Engine Immobilized
What P1260 means
This is a manufacturer-specific code — its meaning depends on the vehicle’s make (see below).
What P1260 means on specific makes
Ford / Lincoln STOP
PATS detected an invalid or missing key-transponder signal and disabled the engine. The car will crank but not start, or starts and stalls. Common after a dead/low battery wipes Keep-Alive Memory or with a non-programmed key.
- Unprogrammed or non-chip (cut-only) key ($50-250 to program)
- Weak/dead battery wiped KAM ($0-150)
- Failed transceiver antenna ring at ignition ($100-300)
- Bad PATS module ($150-400)
Check first: Verify a known-good programmed key, then check battery voltage and the antenna ring connector at the ignition lock.
Mazda STOP
Mazda's immobilizer has disabled the engine because it didn't get a valid key/transponder signal. The car may crank but won't run until the immobilizer is satisfied (key registration / system reset).
- Unregistered or faulty key transponder
- Weak/dead battery during start
- Immobilizer antenna ring or wiring fault
- PCM<->immobilizer mismatch (needs programming)
Check first: Verify battery and try a known-good registered key; clearing usually needs Mazda immobilizer programming with a capable scan tool. Related immobilizer codes: P1602/P1603/P1621.