I parked my 1997 F150 yesterday. When I returned and tried to start it, there was no response at all. The interior bells and lights came on, but there was no click of the starter and no crank at all. I push started it and got it home 90 minutes later. I parked it and turned it off. I tried to start it again and still got no response. Where should I start?

 

Manual or automatic transmission?

Manual - probably a faulty clutch safety switch.

Automatic - probably a faulty MLPS (neutral safety switch).

 

5-speed. This was my first guess, as well, given there was no response when turning the key. Online search says there is a bushing on the shaft of this switch that gets worn down. I'll dig in and see what I can find. Thanks for your response.

 

Could be a number of things besides the switch, that's why there's this thing called "troubleshooting" as opposed to that other thing called "guessing".

Assuming there are no modifications, the circuit is PDB Fuse F20 > Ignition switch (via ALWAYS HOT terminal) > Fuse F21 > CPP Switch > Starter Relay

Start with checking if F21 under the dash god HOT IN START. That splits the circuit in half and narrows it down considerably.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll troubleshoot these.

 

If you have more than one key, try all keys. I discovered that a clone key I had made at Wal-Mart actually has a battery inside that will die after about 2 years. Had a truck act the same as what yours is. Tried my factory key and it started. Replaced the battery in the Wal-Mart clone key and it worked. Of course this was only after trailering the truck and draggin it home. Don't know that this applies to you but it's always worth trying multiple keys.

 

A 1997 does not have PATS keys. 1999 was the first year.

 

... and besides, a PATS event wouldn't cause the reported symptom of "there was no response at all" on a 99-03 F150.

 

My apologies for offering a suggestion to investigate.

 

It usually helps if you first understand what system is being discussed and then, whether or not your experience is applicable. Evidently, you have a newer vehicle than the truck under discussion (you didn't identify yours which is always a good idea), and your situation simply doesn't apply in this instance.

PATS keys were first used in the F150 in the 1999 model year. Other models, other years.