No Start - PATS or something else?

Ranger62 · #1 06-14-2019, 06:51 PM

A couple of months after I purchase this Ranger, I had an after-market remote starter system installed. A couple of months afterwards, I experience the no-start situation and had the truck towed to the place that installed the remote starter. Of course it started right up for them. They checked connections, but did not find a problem. I contacted the selling Ford dealer, but they could not troubleshoot unless it failed for them. Fast forward 11 years and the no-start returns.

THE GOOD BEHAVIOR
1) The SecuriLock® (PATS) dash light flashes once every 2 seconds when the vehicle is parked, engine off and no key present. The PATS is "armed." This is expected behavior per the owner's manual. I trust you agree.

2) During "normal" starting event: The key switch is turned to the on position, the PATS light stays on for 3 seconds, then goes out. PATS is "Disarmed" and turning the switch to the "START" position, the truck will start as expected. This is expected behavior and I believe you will agree to this.

THE BAD BEHAVIOR
When the intermittent no-start or failure occurs: (Both keys produce the same results)
The key switch it turned to the "ON" position, the PATS light continues to flash as if no key is present (once every 2 seconds indicating PATS is "armed"), the switch is turned to the "START" position, but no start activity. NOTE the PATS light is not flashing fast.

While the switch in the "START" position, the other dash lights (4X4, battery, etc) will dim or go out, the PATS light goes out while the key is in the "START" position. I believe this is expected and only noted for information.

After a few seconds with the key in the "ON" position, most of the dash lights go out as expected. However, the PATS light continues to flash slow and the "4X4 LOW" remains on solid, but very dim and difficult to detect in daylight. Note: The "4X4 LOW" is next to the flashing PATS light on the dash panel. I would expect the 4X4 LOW to be off at this point. Maybe a SHORT?

THE WORK-AROUNDS
Waiting – let the truck sit from 5 minutes to several hours and the truck will start like nothing is wrong.
I have been able to start the truck by rapidly moving the switch from "ON" to "START" and on about the 4th or 5th hit on "START", it starts. I have done this three times now. Moving the switch between ON and START normally doesn’t seem to do anything to help.

Other known info
All battery to starter connections have been clean and/or replaced a couple of times.
The starter has been replaced twice by a Ford Service Tech. The first time was to remedy the no-start issue, but it wasn’t the problem. The second replacement was due to the starter staying engaged for too long.
The transmission position sensor has been replaced by Ford Service.
The after-market, non-Ford remote starter has been disconnected. Note the wiring remains installed, but the control box has been removed. Both Ford Service and the remote starter tech say this should not be causing the problem.
When the remote start was connected, the same symptoms and results described previously were experienced during a failed start.

Dirtman · #2 06-15-2019, 07:32 AM

I agree

Bob C. of Indiana · #3 06-16-2019, 01:12 AM

My 2004 did that,had it towed, to a shop up the street.They reset the inertia switch, fine for awhile and kept it up and I would reset and it would start.I went to Walgreens came out no start,reset the switch still no start,I leaned over held the reset down and finally started.I ordered a new inertia switch replaced it,no problem since,it has been fine for at least 3 months.The switch is located under the glove box on the firewall with a red rubber button top. Just a suggestion.

Dirtman · #4 06-16-2019, 09:17 AM

The inertia switch is not ment to be re-useable. If tripped its designed to be able to reset once to get the vehicle home or to a shop after which it must be replaced.

Ranger62 · #5 06-16-2019, 10:24 AM

The inertia switch did fail once when I was driving during the summer of 2007. The truck died as if out of fuel or the ignition was shut off. The starter would engage and the engine would turn over, but not start. I had the truck towed to a Ford Dealer and they replaced the switch under warranty.

Can the inertia switch reset itself after a designated time? I have the understanding that once it is tripped, it had to be reset by pushing the red button. Maybe the switch is faulty, but not tripped? At a price of about $55 it might be worth it to replace it, considering I spent just shy of $900 in tow, diagnostics and parts fees - and it still not fixed.

The next time the truck fails to start, I will attempt a reset on the inertia switch. It the works, it will be replaced.

Thanks for the information.

Bob C. of Indiana · #6 06-16-2019, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtman

The inertia switch is not ment to be re-useable. If tripped its designed to be able to reset once to get the vehicle home or to a shop after which it must be replaced.

I bought a new one and repaced it as I stated.

Ranger62 · #7 06-18-2019, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C. of Indiana

,I leaned over held the reset down and finally started.

I had this start issue twice in two days. I tried holding the inertia switch and starting, but no success. I also retried the rocking the key/switch from ON to START, but it did not work this time. I waiting about 10 minutes and the truck started as if nothing was wrong. Having this problem twice in two days is unusual. It usually happens one time, then several days, weeks or even years later it does it again. I noticed today and yesterday it is humid here, not sure if that has anything to do with it.