04 won't start

[73john]

My 04 won't start. I will check the fuel cutoff switch first. It does seem to have two distinct problems. Sometimes I will get power to the instrument panel but it will not crank. Other times the engine cranks over but will not start. It has been pretty cold here recently and i wonder if that might be part of the problem. I guess a run to Autozone to pull the codes is in the cards.

 

[krugford]

hmmmm, diagnosing a no start condition over the internet..... sounds like fun

If it were me, I'd start by checking for stored codes, checking fuel pressure, make sure the injectors are firing, check for spark, and make sure you're getting air (well, it's hard to NOT get air...). The intermittent crank/no crank makes me wonder if there might be an issue with the starter relay or ignition switch.

You wouldn't happen to have an EVTM or a shop manual for your trucking lying around would you?

 

[rurouni20xx]

turns over sometimes but no spark on a newer model vehicle? might be antitheft related. if you are using a walmart key copy it will not work newer model vehicles have chipped keys. try the original key and see what happens. a friend of mine had an 03 f150 and tried a walmart key and it would spin all day long no spark and the theft light litup in the corner. sounds electrical def.

 

[73john]

Fuel cutoff switch is located at the right side of the passenger footwell, correct? I pushed the button and also shorted the 2 pins on the jumper together, nothing. The anti theft device does blink when the ignition is off. Is it suppose to? I wish I had schematics!! Yes reading codes is great, but I don't have a reader.

 

[rurouni20xx]

if the theft light on the dash is blinking you have a theft system problem, have your dealer look at it, could be a bad computer. make sure your are using the factory key as well. if its the little light on the top of the dash showing that its active then thats not the problem, the light im talking about is in the dash itself it says theft in red or green letters.

 

[73john]

The light blinking when the engine is off, is red and in the instrument cluster with an icon of a padlock. I'm going to take a look today. I'll check fuel pressure etc. Thanks

 

[betomonroy]

I own one of those and the security light is supposed to blink with the engine off.
If you have been running with your MIL on for awhile the only way to more or less figure what is wrong would be with a scanner,
Now for what i read you are NOT a gear head. Save yourself some trouble and have a real gear head/wrench turner check the vehicule. Trust me. If You do not have the sufficient skills to check for fuel or spark or current to the fuel pump... Do not attemp it. it may be more agravating.
It seems more likely that you have a problem with your ignition switch more than anything.
Don't be a Dee dee dee.

 

[73john]

The truck starts with the Ford key but not the spare but the spare matches perfectly side by side. The Ford key doesn't seem to be anything special. Rurouni20xx what does a chipped key look like?

 

[rurouni20xx]

the key w/ the plastic ford emblem, it has the chip integrated. have it taken to the dealer and let them look at the theft system since yours obviously malfuncted if the ford key turns it over but the others wont turn it over. apparently something in the system is in failsafe or something like that and your plugs arent firing. the first thing to do is pull a plug and set it to the side have a buddy crank the trk w/ the ford and see if its sparking, if not then that is prob the problem.

 

[73john]

Rurouni20xx you hit the nail right on the head. Copied key (non Ford) would spin motor all day but not fire. Ford key (chipped) works. I'm going to have a key made but I think I read that you need both keys, PATS 2, or it is going to cost more at the Ford dealer to have a key made. Thanks for all the help.

 

[rurouni20xx]

your welcome if my friend didnt tell me about it in the past and my chevy buddies didnt have the same problem i would be clueless myself. just glad my trk can take walmart copies. hell my trk was driven w/ a walmart copy when my dad had it so long that when i inserted the factory key it wouldnt come out, i had to turn it on and off 4 times to get it to come out...needless to say she works fine now. i just wish the chrome key fitting didnt fall off the ignition itself like it did not too long ago...lol