I'm wondering if anyone else has run into this..

My 02' F150 wont start untill you hold the ignition key forward for atleast 2-3 minutes. It does this when its hot or cold, although when the problem first started showing up it only did it when the engine was cold.

A [trusted] mechanic friend replaced the solenoid and claimed it was resolved but it's still doing it. The starter and ignition have also been tested and are ok.
I've checked all fuses, relays, the battery, and have gone over most of the engine wiring in search for cut/frayed/loose wires; still nothing.

The only thing I haven't done is go through the wiring in the steering column leading to the ignition, does anyone have any information on the safest procedure for doing this? (i.e. disabling the airbag safeley, etc..)

I suspect a weak ground somewhere in/near the ignition, anyone have any ideas?

Any advice is appreciated,

Patrick

Info:
2002 F150XLT
Trition 5.4L V8
All scheduled maintenance performed
70k Miles

 

Could be a problem with the Passive Anti -theft System (PATS). Look at the security light on the dash when the problem occurs,if its flashing then the system is malfunctioning . Might try your other key, if you have one, might not be reading the key signal properly.