Hello, I have a F150 v8 4.6L and it will will not start. Also, the odometer reads "---------" and the gauges turn on along with the theft light flashing rapidly. It turns over but will not always start.
I've had this problem before and it seemed to be fixed for a couple weeks after the computer was reprogrammed.
It will start if I leave the battery disconnected and the key on the "on" position then connect the battery.
Any ideas what is causing this issue?

 

What year?

Sounds like a PATS issue, have you tried the second key?

 

2002 and sadly I do not have another key

 

Sounds like it may be time to go visit a dealer once you get it started. Either the chip in your key is going out or the PATS transceiver in the steering column is going.

Don't even waste your time trying to start it if the odometer is all dashes and the theft light is blinking rapidly, all you will do is kill the battery.

 

I started pulling fuses and problems have disappeared when I pulled one titled, "powertrain control module(PMC),cluster"

Looks like I might be on the right track for now.

 

It is NOT a PATS problem, it's a problem with the PCM not getting power. It's usually the PCM Power Relay or a fuse/contact.

 

I pulled PMC fuse and the issues went away. Any ideas on what to do next?

 

THAT helped a lot, and with that info, SHO nailed it for you.

 

Does anyone know where the cluster PCM is located or what it is for?

 

The PCM (powertrain control module) is the main computer. The cluster is all the instruments in the dashboard. You are looking for the PCM Power relay. Location will be in the owner's manual. If you don't have one, click on the link in SHO's sig.

 

Is there a way to check if the relay is bad?

 

Swap it with one of the other relays that doesn't matter. Check your manual for the other relays that are that size. Those are standard relays, any parts store should have them and they aren't expensive.

 

Test your horn. If it works, use that relay.

 

Will that work? The PCM relay is a full relay, the horn relay is a half relay.

 

Crap, you're right. That's what I get for trying to answer from memory. Wrong year/model.

Swap the PCM relay with the trailer tow battery charge relay.