Occasionally no start no click, nothing

[StevenDAntonio]

Hi All

I have a 2007 Ranger, about 300,000 miles. Still in perfect running condition. First I feel I should apologize, I'm not a mechanic in any sense of the word. So I'll probably use all the wrong terms.

OK now that the weather has turned cold I've had the truck not start a few times (twice today). No start, no click, the dash lights all start up including the padlock symbol which I believe is the engine immobilizer light. It appears that if I turn the key to the ACC position for a few seconds it then starts up (but this could be just dumb luck on my part). What I understand from my girlfriend (She restores classic cars and knows all this stuff, but isn't here for a couple months) is that there is a board with a resistor in the starting chain. When the engine is started the potential drop across the resistor is measured and compared to a value stored in the computer. If they match the truck starts, if not, then it doesn't. And apparently over time the resistor wears out. Also I know that resistance is temperature dependent and it may just be drifting out of range with the cold weather.

What workarounds do I have (that I can do in a store parking lot if necessary) to get it to start if this happens again (It's been about 5 times in the last 2 weeks and as I said, twice today, so I expect it will happen again).

Long term, do I look at (1) changing the board, (2) snipping out and replacing the resistor, (3) or is there a better solution to this that I'm not thinking of at this time?

Thank you
Steven

 

[franklin2]

I would make sure it's the anti-theft system. Not too familiar with it, but I think if the theft or "PATS" system is locking you out, the padlock symbol will blink. "IC" in the description below means instrument cluster.

I looked it up, here is a description of it for your model.


PATS vehicles consist of the following components:

1. • Anti-theft indicator (located in the instrument cluster [IC])
   • Encoded ignition key(s) (the key contains a transponder)
   • PATS transceiver
   • IC
   • PCM

Non-PATS vehicles consist of the following components:

1. • Anti-theft indicator (located in the IC)
   • Non-PATS ignition key(s) (conventional ignition key)
   • IC
   • PCM

PATS uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a drive-away theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity by the user.

PATS Function

NOTE

NOTE: If the IC or the PCM is being replaced (or both), the parameters must be reset in both modules or the vehicle will experience a PATS no-start. This will occur even if the vehicle is not equipped with PATS. PATS vehicles and non-PATS vehicleshave parameters in the IC and the PCM and they must be reset whenever either (or both) module(s) is (are) replaced. Refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset in this section.
The PATS function is controlled by the IC. The PATS uses the IC to carry out all of the PATS functions such as receiving the identification code from the PATS key, issuing a signal to the PCM to control the starter and fuel injectors enable,and initiates the key interrogation sequence when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. Because of the interaction between the IC and the PCM, there are parameters that must be set if the IC or the PCM (or both) are replaced.

Referto Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset in this section.

If the IC must be replaced for any reason (PATS concerns or IC concerns), the PATS keys also must be programmed into the new IC.

Refer to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment in this section.

All elements of PATS must be functional before the vehicle will start. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle will notstart.

PATS is active only for a few seconds when the vehicle is starting. It is not a PATS concern if the vehicle stalls after it has been running for a minimum of 3 seconds. PATS will not disable a running vehicle.

PATS is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from the exterior of the vehicle. These systems may reduce the security of the vehicle, and also may be the cause of no-start concerns. Remotestart systems must be removed from the vehicle before any PATS-related no-start concerns are investigated.

Anti-Theft Indicator Operation

With PATS

With the key in the OFF position, the anti-theft indicator will flash every 2 seconds for 10 seconds and then it will go out and stay off. With the key in the ON position, the anti-theft indicator will prove-out for 3 seconds, then go out toindicate the PATS is functional and the vehicle has been enabled.

Without PATS

With the key in the OFF position, the anti-theft indicator will not flash. With the key in the ON position, the anti-theft indicator will prove-out for 3 seconds, then go out to indicate the vehicle has been enabled.

Unlimited Key Mode

PATS contains a feature called unlimited key mode. This feature allows a customer to program more than 8 vehicle keys, if requested. Each vehicle in unlimited key mode is set up with a special unlimited transponder security key code. Thisallows all the customer vehicles to share the same mechanically cut keys. For an individual customer, any randomly selected security key that has been previously mechanically cut and electronically programmed to the vehicle is acceptable. Refer to Spare Key Programming — Unlimited Key Mode in this section.

 

[franklin2]

More info


If the vehicle is equipped with PATS and the key is in the OFF position, the anti-theft indicator will flash every 2 seconds for 10 seconds and then turn off. With the key in the ON position, the anti-theft indicator will prove-out for 3seconds, then go out to indicate the PATS is functional and the vehicle has been enabled.

PATS uses a visual anti-theft indicator located in the IC. The indicator proves out for 3 seconds when the ignition key is in the ON or START position under normal operation, then it will go out to indicate the PATS is functional and thevehicle has been enabled. If there is a PATS concern, this indicator either flashes rapidly or glows steadily when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. PATS also flashes the anti-theft indicator every 2 seconds for 10 seconds andthen turns off when the ignition key is in the OFF position to act as a visual theft deterrent. Refer to Instrumentation and Warning Chimes.

If the vehicle is not equipped with PATS, the anti-theft indicator will not flash with the key in the OFF position. If the vehicle does not have PATS, the anti-theft indicator will prove-out for 3 seconds, then go out to indicate the vehiclehas been enabled when the key is turned to the ON position.

Encoded PATS Keys

PATS uses a special ignition key that is larger than a conventional ignition key because it contains a permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique encrypted identification code which is oneof a very large number of combinations. The addition of this transponder to the key makes it an "encoded" key. The PATS key does not require batteries and should last the lifetime of the vehicle. Each PATS key must be programmed into the IC beforeit can be used to start the vehicle. There are special diagnostic procedures described in this section that must be carried out if a new PATS key is necessary. Refer to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment in this section.

PATS Transceiver

The PATS transceiver is located under the steering column shroud and communicates with the encoded ignition key. During each vehicle start sequence, the PATS transceiver reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends data to theIC. The IC validates the code, and if it is the correct code, will send a message to the PCM to ground the starter relay solenoid coil and to also allow the fuel injectors to operate. For the removal and installation information of the PATStransceiver, refer to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Transceiver in this section.

 

[franklin2]

There are some error codes that can be retrieved from the vehicle if you have a scanner.


B1015 CEI Unconfigured The instrument cluster (IC) (configurable engine immobilizer [CEI]) was not locked after being configured for PATS at the assembly plant or the Cluster Service Center. After the mileage limit was reached, it self-locked. This DTC may notbe able to be erased. INSTALL a new IC.

REFER to Instrumentation and Warning Chimes.
PROGRAM the PATS keys into the new IC.

REFER to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment in this section.
RESET the parameters in the IC and the PCM.

REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset inthis section.
CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test.


B1213 Anti-Theft Number of Programmed Keys is Below Minimum If DTCs B1600, B1601, B1602, B1681 or B2103 are present, they must be addressed first. If DTC B1213 is the only DTC present, PROGRAM additional keys. REFER to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment inthis section. CLEAR the DTCs. CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test.

B1318 Battery Voltage Low If DTC U2510 and/or PCM DTC P1260 is also present, REFER to the applicable TSBs for this vehicle. If DTC B1318 is the only DTC present, REFER to Instrumentation and Warning Chimes.

B1342 ECU is Faulted CLEAR the DTCs. CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test. If DTC B1342 is retrieved again, INSTALL a new IC.
REFER to Instrumentation and Warning Chimes.
RESET the parameters in the IC and the PCM.
REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset in this section.
CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test.

B1600 PATS Ignition Key Transponder Signal is Not Received No PATS key has been read by the IC. GO to Pinpoint Test B.

B1601 PATS Received Incorrect Key-Code From Ignition Key Transponder There is an unprogrammed PATS key. GO to Pinpoint Test C.

B1602 PATS Received Invalid Format of Key-Code From Ignition Key Transponder Only a partial PATS key was read. GO to Pinpoint Test D.

B1681 PATS Transceiver Module Signal is Not Received The IC did not receive the PATS transceiver signal. GO to Pinpoint Test E.

B2103 Antenna Not Connected There has been a PATS transceiver antenna failure. GO to Pinpoint Test A.

B2141 NVM Configuration Failure There is no PCM ID stored in the IC. CARRY OUT a parameter reset of the IC and the PCM. REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset in this section. CYCLE the ignition, and then attempt tostart the vehicle.

B2431 Transponder Programming Failed The ignition key was not programmed. PROGRAM the key. REFER to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment in this section. CLEAR the DTCs. CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test.

U2510 CAN - Invalid Data for Vehicle Security.

NOTE
NOTE: REFER to the applicable TSBs for this vehicle.
RESET the parameters in the IC and the PCM.
REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset in this section.
CLEAR the DTCs. CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test. If the DTC is retrievedagain, VERIFY the PCM calibration is correct for the vehicle. If correct, INSTALL a new IC.
REFER to Instrumentation and Warning Chimes.
PROGRAM the keys.
REFER to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment in this section.
RESET the parameters in the IC and the PCM.
REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset inthis section.
CLEAR the DTCs. CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test.

U2511 CAN - Data Mis-Match (Receive data does not match expected) RESET the parameters in the IC and the PCM.
REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset in this section.
CLEAR the DTCs. CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test. If the DTC is retrievedagain, VERIFY the PCM calibration is correct for the vehicle. If correct, INSTALL a new IC.
REFER to Instrumentation and Warning Chimes.
PROGRAM the keys.
REFER to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment in this section.
RESET the parameters in the IC and the PCM.
REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Parameter Reset inthis section.
CLEAR the DTCs. CYCLE the ignition. REPEAT the self-test.
All other DTCs — REFER to Multifunction Electronic Modules.
PCM DTC Chart

DTC
Description
Action
P1260 Theft Detected, Vehicle Immobilized

NOTE

NOTE: REFER to the applicable TSBs for this vehicle.
If there are any PATS DTCs present, ADDRESS them first. This DTC may also indicate a controller area network (CAN) issue. Be sure to verify if there are any communication issues/DTCs with any modules.

REFER to Module Communications Network.
If DTC P1260 is the only DTC present, there may be a power or ground concern with the PCM.

REFER to theDiagnostics manual.