Hello all I have a 2016 Ford Focus Titanium that won't start. It is a push button start. It doesn't recognize the key and I have to place it in the console box to even try to turn the dash on. Is it possible the anti-theft system is preventing it from starting and if so, what options do you suggest?

Events:

Hot weather running AC perfectly cold stopped for five minutes turned car off - got in and AC is pumping out very hot air. The car had no prior issues. Only has 64k miles, purchased new in 2016.
Switched the Horn Relay with the AC relay - then horn relay promptly trips.
Leave car for the night - next day will not start
Tried to jump start thinking it was battery no luck
Replaced battery - no luck
Replaced starter - (it was a bit sluggish on bench test) - no luck
Bypassed the starter and tried to jumper from the relay switch to the starter - no luck ( not sure I am explaining this one correctly it has been a minute since I did this - it would try to start, but never turn over. almost like it wasn't getting fuel)

It does seem to get any fuel when bypassing items. Just getting in the car and pushing button does absolutely nothing. It doesn't even try to turn over.

My thoughts on the AC were that the compressor has a wire shorting in the bearing area that probably touches metal and that kills the relays. I can understand this issue, but I have not taken it off to verify. Kind of want to get it running before I create or do anything else.

I did try buying a OBD scanner, but the car just would not link up.

The car does power on with the key in the box, but it gives the message something to do with 911 not operational.

I live in the country and to have it towed to ford is almost 300. I will pay this if I cannot resolve the issue, but before I do that does anyone have thoughts? I mean would a local mechanic be able to fix the issue if it is a software issue? Lately I seem to go down the wrong path on things.

Thank you for reading.

Jennifer