2006 Expedition won't crank over, no instruments panel

[Keith B]

Hi Folks, I have a very frustrating problem with my 06 Expedition. Car was running great although it did have a few electronic issues which I will explain here later. Parked the car for a couple of days and when I attempted to start the car on the third day nothing happened....the only noises I could here was #1 sounded like fuel pump clicked on and a buzzing from fuse panel. My assumption was that I had blown a fuse. I have checked the battery and also do not see any broken or corroded wires. I have switched a few fuses and replays however I really have no idea which one to check. I shorted the solenoid and the starter turned but the engine did not crack over. The main thing I notice is that I have no instrument panel. No gauges at all!!! I can run the fan and a few other items. When I try to turn it over I have observed that the headlights do not dim so I am assuming no power is being drawn during that attempt. Ok the electronic issues most for quite some time which didn't seem to effect start at least in the past.

Erratic fuel guage....shows full or empty randomly

Door locks freeze in winter.

MOST RECENT ISSUE WAS REAR HATCH UNLOCKING OFTEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON.

FYI - security light is blinking, blinks fast when attempting to crank.

Thanks for any ideas.

Keith

 

[stamp11127]

The fast blinking is telling you the pcm isn't validating the key you are using to start the vehicle. Read up on how the PATS system works for more info. There are a few articles on the site and a Google search will bring up some good ones also

 

[Keith B]

Thanks for the reply, as you can tell I am not very experienced with the site so any hints as to where to look for PATS articles is appreciated. Also I should mention to other things just in case they apply. I have had the terminals off the battery and it may have been run down just prior to problem....I don't think it was run down but it might have been. Battery is fully charged now either way. I also might have tried to use a key that never worked to start the car by accident but quickly realized my error. Is it possible that trying to use an incorrect key could cause this issue with PATS? I am pretty sure I have tried the key by accident in the past and it didn't screw things up.

I have heard problems with PATS can only be fixed by dealer, is that true?

Thanks again!

 

[Keith B]

I should have also mentioned that dome lights don't come on when doors are opened.

 

[Bedrck47]

Have you check all fuses to see if they are good Use a meter or test lamp

Fuse # 5 and 28 are for the PATS system

 

[Keith B]

I have visually inspected and tried replacing a few but not 28, I will check that one. What do you make of no instruments and domes?

 

[Bedrck47]

Just looking at fuses is not a good test. Same would go for the battery if you can't start Would you look at it and say It looks good or would you test it??

Use a meter and test the fuses

Your question "What do you make of no instruments and domes?" Start by properly "TESTING" the fuses

 

[Bedrck47]

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f16/fuse-testing-101-a-24587/#post200023

 

[Keith B]

Your right I should be more careful checking fuses, I checked all regular fuses with test light but may have missed something. Can relays be checked with test light ?

 

[stamp11127]

Only if you have a test socket or access to the blades with the relay removed slightly.
It is easier to the two circuits for the presence of power with the relay removed. If they pass you can moved to the next item in the cicuit after jumping the load side of the relay.

 

[Keith B]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions guys!!!!

 

[Keith B]

OK - I have a lot of fuses with no power with the key on. #7,8,22,23,25,35,36,42 Those are all small normal fuses....haven't figured out how to check the relays and other type of fuses.

 

[stamp11127]

Send me your email address in a pm and I'll send you some info.