1999 Ranger 3.0 will not turn over

[masondupre]

3.0 Liter flex fuel, automatic tranny, 153K miles. Just replaced the heater core, Got everything reassembled. Refilled coolant. Truck fired right up. Ran flawlessly for 30 minutes. Was sitting in the truck resetting radio stations when it died. Now it will not turn over. Dash lights come on. No blown fuses. No starter solenoid engagement. Sure could use some guidance. Bought used

 

[adsm08]

Can you spin it by hand?

 

[masondupre]

Affirmative, can spin by hand. When it died there was no indication of a problem. Engine sounded normal.

 

[adsm08]

Do the headlights work? Will they stay on when you try to crank it?

 

[masondupre]

Headlights burn normally. No change to headlight intensity when I rotate ignition switch to start position.

 

[masondupre]

Is is possible the electronic key failed? I hope not. Bought used with a single key.

 

[triumphrider-1]

Any wiring look damaged under the hood?

 

[masondupre]

No sign of damaged wiring.

 

[adsm08]

Key failure is unlikely. The PATS system is a starter inhibit, it, in theory, cannot shut off a running engine. If the theft light isn't flashing fast with the key in then you don't have a PATS issue.

 

[masondupre]

Been doing more research and troubleshooting. With no key in the ignition the theft light flashes every approx 1-2 seconds. No change with a non-programmable key in any ignition position. No change with the programmable key in any ignition position. Until I double checked fuses 19 & 28 (they were good). When I inserted the non-programmable key the theft light continuously flashed fast which I believe is the normal indication. When I inserted the programmable key and rolled it to ON, the theft light stayed on for approx 3 seconds and then extinguished. I rolled the key onward to start and she fired right up, but only for a second when it shut down again. Back to theft light flashing every 1-2 seconds and engine will not turn over. Keeping in mind I had the interior dismantled including the steering column I intend to go back in tomorrow. What can you tell me about whatever it is that senses a programmable key? If a key failure is not likely what about the component that senses the coded key? I assume the removal and reinsertion of fuses 19 & 28 had nothing to do with the symptoms.

 

[masondupre]

I have triple checked all the connectors. Attached an OBD-II scanner. Scanner does not link to computer. Had my coded ignition key confirmed to be operational. Suggestions are welcome.

 

[adsm08]

From what you posted there the PATS system seems to be working correctly. If the PATS transceiver was not working all keys would act like a non-chipped key and make the light go nuts.

The fact that a scanner won't link up makes me suspect a computer or power issue.

 

[masondupre]

Yea, I'm going to track down PCM power tomorrow. I'm suspecting a relay problem. I was doing more Internet research when my 16 year old daughter came in from school. In jest I told her to go outside and just "fix it". Wouldn't you know it, she walks out there, turns the key, and it roars to life! I shut it down and restarted several times without issue. OBD II scanner connects, no codes. Then l left it idling, after approx 20 minutes it once again abruptly shuts down. There is a difference this time. Engine will crank over, but will not start. Scanner will not link.

 

[masondupre]

Finally found the root cause. If only I had "listened" to all the things I pointed out in post #10.... It was indeed fuse related. Fuse 19 in the interior panel to be precise. When I wiggle F19 I can hear the circuits drop in and out. I have tried different fuses in F19 slot so I am fairly confident it is a connection problem. And words of wisdom for repairing the mini-blade fuse holders? Or is the best course of action to cut the wires and install a stand alone fuse holder?