Hi folks, its me with the dead F150 again. I've been tracing wires and/or harnesses off and on today and I stumbled across a tin can with a couple of connectors under the center of the dash that I believe is a processor of some sort. Does anyone know if my assumption is correct and if so if it is shot could it be the reason the truck won't start or the accessories won't work?

As usual any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Gary Durica

 

If engine DOESNT Crank;
Check battery. Should be at least 12.2 Volts.
If battery good, check solenoid. If solenoid good, check starter. If all the above check out OK, Check for a bad starter ground. (Common on f150) It's a braided ground strap. If it's rusted, or worse, broken, attach another ground.



If engine DOES crank, but won't start;
Check for spark (Pull of ignition coil wire, lay it against metal, have someone crank engine). If there is NO spark, Check coil, Check Module, Check Wires, Cap, Rotor, Plugs.

If there is spark, Check Fuel. It should be an electric fuel pump. You'll need a fuel pressure gauge. Pressure should be at least 35psi. If it's excessively low, change fuel filter. If it's STILL low, change fuel pump or Fuel pressure regulator.

If there's Fuel, and spark, It could be a compression problem. Too much to type here, and theres SO much more it could be. Try the spark and fuel tests, and get back to us!

-Jim

 

Jim, Thanks for responding. Absolutely nothing happens using the key however, the engine will crank by shorting the terminals on the solenoid. Also things like the radio, fan, and wipers won't work with the key in the accessory position or the on position.
Gary

 

Do you by chance have a tilt wheel? If you do, when you push the turn signal switch towards the dash and hold it there, it will release the tilt mechanism. If you have tilt you have probably got a broken ignition actuator rod inside the steering column. If so, this requires some major disassembly to replace and needs to be done by somone who knows how the column comes apart.

Robbie

 

I think Bigbronc's got it. Sounds like a broken ignition actuator, or even an ignition cylinder. So it DOES crank at the solenoid, then...Check for spark and fuel while having someone crank it at the 'noid.