Another PATS problem... I think
 

2000 F150 approx 190K rusty but trusty... until now.

Insert key, turn and getting the quickly flashing antitheft light followed by code 16

connect scan tool, it will power up but will only show a link error

what I have done:
-pulled, cleaned and reinstalled cabin fuse box
-swapped PCM and fuel pump relay in engine fuse box-no change
-started tracing wires. I am slightly color blind which can make this a challenge.
-checked all fuses in both boxes

Questions I have
-should there be power at pin 30 of the pcm relay?
-I am thinking the problem is the PCM is bad/not getting power it is fairly buried behind the battery, how do people check the pins with it in place?
-Is there a step by step troubleshooting or is pats a dealership only repair when it is code 16?

problems I have are
-I only have one key.
-the truck is not worth having towed to the dealership to diagnose

any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Steve

Have you checked the battery and grounds?

By checking the battery, I mean having the battery load tested?

I cleaned all grounds on the engine firewall and all of the ones I could find under the dash. Is there a picture of all the grounds on a f150?

Did not load test the battery, but it cranks the car at normal speed. I could try a battery out of one of my other cars that I know is good. I will update that in the morning.

Check to see if you have a PCM power relay. If you do swap it with another relay in the box of the same type, preferably to something that isn't used all the time like a wiper relay.

Quick update:
-swapped battery with a known good one from another car, brought original to be load tested. Battery is good, no change with another battery
-New PCM relay no change

Should there be power at pin 30 of the PCM relay? Key on power?

Pin 30 of the PCM relay should be "ALWAYS HOT", fed by fuse F2 in the underhood fuse box. Yes, it HAS to be hot, otherwise a whole lot of things won't work, including the computer that runs everything. What do you have there?

Do you have the digital odometer? if so, what is it's state when the key is turned from OFF to RUN?

Does the check engine light come on when the key is turned from OFF to RUN?

F2 at underhood fuse box 12.06V
-both sides of fuse at same voltage
Pin30 0.0 Volts-key on or off
-is it a straight shot from F2 to pin 30? could I jump power from F2 to pin 30? this is what it looks like on the wiring diagram
Check engine light comes on and stays on



again very much appcrectiate the help

Steve

Truck is running again! pulled the under hood fuse box, Found a bunch of green-never a good sign. Cleaned it up, replaced a few broken wires (including the one going to pin 30 on the PCM relay) and the truck is running again. It is warming up as we talk. and I get to reassemble half of the dash. Very much appreciate the help. Let me know if anyone needs anything in upstate NY and I will try to help.

Steve

Great to hear!

Where about in Upstate NY do you live? I'm in Vernon (Oneida County).

I'm late to the party. Glad you got her running!

I am in Schenectady, just outside of Albany, NY

True confession time...
-I am not really a truck guy
I have the truck to support the other cars:
-2007 mustang convertible (yes its a 6 cylinder but at least its a manual)
-1987 Corvette
-1977 MGB

Again I do appreciate the responses!

Steve

Ahh, ok! You're not too far from me on I90...

My truck is a '07 with the v6 and 5 speed manual... :) Hence ManualF150. LOL