I've been a lurker for some time now and I guess desperation has forced me out in the open. I've searched all the old posts and can't find anything that fits the problem I'm having.
My 99 F-150 5.4 cranks but won't start intermittently. When this happens the theft light flashes (indicating PATS issues) but the odometer reads only dashes. I've gotten 3 different opinions from 3 different dealers as to what the problem might be. I have always been able to re-try the key or fiddle with the dash or just walk away and come back later and it will start. It always seems to be worse during rapid temp changes(cold) or humid(rainy) conditions, short trips tend to make it act up also.
The self-diagnostics in the dash are giving me a
dtcd147 "SCP invalid or missing data for vehicle security"
dtcd262 "Missing SCP message"
One dealer says key is "worn out" I need to get new keys programmed. I only have one programmed key and a "entry" key.
Other dealer says the exciter ring in the column is bad. I thought it had a transponder with antenna. 1999
Other dealer seems to think I need a new PCM. Go figure!!!

Ok anyone willing to help a lurker and take a stab at it. I'm going to pull the OBD2 codes next week with Mastertech. Especially if I have to let the dealer do anything!!!!!!

 

Do you have a chip or an after market intake system or a gasoline PASS key?

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Factory Chip, no pass gas. No gas pass either.

 

I have a friend whose father had a similar problem with his 1 yr old Crown Vic and it turned out his key was bad.

 

did you get a spare key with the truck? if so try that... if not i would sugest trying to get one made for that truck... it sounds like a key problem... i kno i used my "door" key once instead of my actually engine key... it event started dont kno in gods name why it did but the thing ran... try a differant key!

 

I have been reading over wiring diagrams, intently I might add. It seems that the fuel pump relay also drives the the odometer. So if the instrument cluster does not get full power it triggers PATS to a no start and the odometer reads "---------". After finding out that this is the case I can now mimic the intermittent problem by pulling the FPR. So either I have a intermittent FPR or I'm not getting power to the relay to begin with. At least now I'm in the ballpark and I'm thinking a new relay will solve my issues. Only time will tell because this problem only happens every now and then, even though it has gotten worse lately.