My 97 Expedition turns over but will not start. The problem started when it was going down the highway, with cruise control on, and just died.

I have traced the fuel system and determined that I am getting no voltage to the fuel pump relay. I tested the fuel shut off switch; and, it is ok.

Also, when I turn the key to "on", I get a flashing 'Theft' light on the dash. This makes me think there is an electrical problem.

Does anyone have any ideas about what this could be?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Sounds like the PATS system is having problems. Do you have a remote start installed on this vehicle? Look in your owners manual for info on Securilock (or whatever they were calling it in '97), but I think your "theft" light should go out a few seconds after you turn the ign on.

 

No remote start system. I have the alarm; but, I haven't used it in a long time - the batteries are dead in the keychain remotes.

 

When you say "alarm", I assume you mean the OEM keyless entry remotes? Did you buy the truck new or used?
Does the "THEFT" light ever stop flashing, when you turn the key to 'run' (without turning it to 'crank')?

 

Yes,

It is just whatever came from the factory. I bought the truck new from the dealer. It is keyless entry, but has some sort of alarm function (it may just be the horn, I really can't remember). The fob also has a PANIC button on it that sets off the 'alarm'. I haven't used these functions in years.

 

What is the status of the Theft light?

 

When I turn the key to the 'on' position...

it blinks rapidly - never turns off.

 

If I remember correctly, this signifies that the PATS key is NOT recognized, thereby disabling your fuel pump.

Have you tried any of your other keys?

Check your owners manual. It will tell you how to interpret the theft light message (tell you how it is supposed to proceed through blinking to not blinking...).

 

I've tried two keys...neither worked.

The problem initially occurred while the vehicle was running. Does anyone know if the PATS system can disable a vehicle while it is running?

Also, I have an OBDII reader, which I have used on the Expedition before. Now, it cannot communicate with the vehicle. I think this is likely related?

 

I would have to agree that they are related. The PATS system can not normally disable the truck, once it has successfully started. It sounds to me like you may have a PCM failure??? But I don't know. There are a few FORD techs here, I guess you will have to see if one of them chimes in...

Sorry I can't help more...

Let us know what you find.

 

Do the keys have the chip in them??? Learned that one on a $140 bill for a $20 key.

 

Thanks to all who replied...my problem is solved - sort of. My truck is now running again - the only problem is I don't know exactly what went wrong:

It died while going down the highway, in a light rain, with cruise control on. All of the sudden, the engine died, the pedal went to the floor, and it was dead.

I discovered that the fuel pump was not pumping. I traced the problem the the fuse block and discovered that no power was going to the fuel pump relay. I also checked the fuel pump fuse, which was ok. This pointed to the PCM.

The whole time, I was also getting a flashing 'theft' light on the dash, whenever I tried to start it. This had me thinking about the PATS.

I have a code reader; but, it couldn't even make a link with the computer.

I started checking all of the fuses - and one was blown. I looked it up, and it turns out that it was the PCM fuse. I replaced it; and, it works.

So, I was successful in getting the truck going again. Unfortunately, I have no idea what blew the fuse in the first place. I suspect the rain had something to do with it.

Has anybody else had a similar problem?

 

I hear your pain...it's the first thing I did at the dealership BEFORE I even left the lot w/the new car...I had them cut a new key and I said "I'll program it myself while I still have two factory keys, thank you very much"...

Tony