My truck will not start!

Seems like the electrical system is going berserk. First time I turned the ignition it started cranking up for maybe 1 second then just died. The lights were blinking, sounded like a screeching sound coming from behind the tape player, then no power at all. Turned the ignition several times nothing but flashing (and fading) lights and screeching sound from behind tape player, which slowly dies off. Can also hear CD player starting up then dying off.

Disconnected the battery, removed the chip, reconnected battery, still wouldn't start. Lights would keep blinking like the alarm system was going off or something (theft light was flashing too). Very erratic behavior!

I hit the lock button on the remote twice and the lights barely flashed and the truck barely honked. Tried it again no lights, no honk. Pushed the unlock button cab lights came on the first time but never came on again after that.

Open the door and the lights start flashing like its the alarm system again. Close the door and it stops. What's going on here?

13,000 miles on the truck.

Mike

 

Justen,

I've followed your instructions several times already and as soon as I reconnect the battery the lights start flashing again. Somehow the code is not clearing, either that or something got fried??

After I reconnect the battery and insert the key, if I turn it counter clockwise I can play the stereo like nothings wrong. Once I try to start the truck it goes berserk again. I have also tried my backup key.

Do I need to disconnect both cables?

Is the PATS system part of the computer module?

Thanks,
Mike

 

Mike,
No you would only disconect the 1 battary cable as if you were clearing a code. The PATS system is part of the computer along with everything else.(this is what i was told so) Do you have an aftermarket alarm? If that is not working have it towed to the dealership and have them scan it.
Oh heres a thought, Has someone by chance put another FORD key with the CHIP inside the KEY, in the ignition of the L. I was told by a Tech that if another key(that dosnt belong to that vechile) is stuck in the ignition to try and start the truck that the pats system will think that the vechile is trying to be stolen and goes nuts( resests the key codes, so none of you keys will work) So if that could happen youll need the keys, eec,& insterment cluster programed again. Oh if this happen the key that was stuck i the L that didnt belong there is no good either.

 

Mike
This has happen to me several times aswell(and im stock)but it has to do with the PATS system. Disconect the battery for about 20 mins. Connect the battery back on and let it set for another 5 and then try to start it. It should work. If you ever find out why the hell it dse this let me know, thankfuly it has only done it in my garage, it is very annoying. But my truck also missed qualty control so.
hope this helps some

Justen

[This message has been edited by Burninout101 (edited 10-15-2000).]

 

Burninout101

If your last post is correct, that would really suck for those of us who have more than one Ford with the PATS system and carry both keys on the same ring. Can anyone else verify that inserting the wrong key can actually cause these problems? Potentially you could disable both of your vehicles at the same time if this is true.

Lightning Bob
99 Lightning #624
99 Cobra #1164

 

I too have 2 Ford vehicles, 2000 Lightning and 2001 SportTrac, and needless to say I have put the key in the wrong vehicle with no problems.

Hopefully Ford is not dumb enough not to think this could happen and jack with the PCM.

But the on the other hand.....

------------------
John Armstrong
2000 Red Lightning

 

I've inserted the L key into my Expedition's ignition on accident. No problems...once I figured out why my key didn't work initially.

------------------
Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--597rwhp/590rwtq
96 Cobra (12.34 @ 115.8)--392rwhp/433rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.8)--364rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html

 

Ok well I was going of on info that the dealership gave me, Im glad you guys spoke up tho. Mike if you find outwhat is causeing this let me know it is very annoying.

 

Justen, thanks for all your help. I have disconnected the battery several times, for hours at a time, also letting it set for hours at a time, it still thinks someone is trying to steal the truck as soon as I reconnect the battery. I am going to have to have it towed to the dealership. They will probably end up reprogramming everything, at least I may end up with the CUX2 program afterwards.

By the way I tried both of my Lightning keys and they didn't work so it's not the key that went bad.

I also have a Mustang with PATS and of course I have mixed up keys as well in the past with no problems.

I will let yall know if this is a common problem, and what exactly causes it to think it's being stolen with the right key!

Mike