99 4.6 xlt dead?

[popeye47]

Hi Guys,
The expy wouldn't start last week no crank at all or any click from the starter, totally dead.but plenty of battery power internal lights etc. I moved through the gears and back into park and it fired right up. well it happened again today but now no matter how many times I run through the gears nothing. about a month ago I changed the brake switch under the dash as it was stuck in park and that worked. two questions where is the engine control relay {so I can check it} secondly any other ideas at what this might be.
thanks guys
Tony

 

[popeye47]

update

Went back to the expy about three hours later and used the spare key and it fired right up first time. Now I'm really baffled. Ant ideas would be most welcome.

 

[MedicMoe]

most likely the PATS on the truck (the ford antitheft device). Mine did a simular thing a few years ago. I had to remove the ring around the key tumbler, and have that replaced. it was a pain.

 

[Bedrck47]

How long have you owned the expy?

Did it ever have a remote start system installed?

Can you read and understand wiring diagrams?

Do you have a multi meter?

 

[popeye47]

expy dead

I have had the expy for about five years and it hasn't had a remote start since I have had it just the fob for locking and unlocking. I can get by with wiring diagrams and have a multi meter

 

[Bedrck47]

does it fire up every time with the spare key?

 

[docraymund]

Try cleaning battery tetminals first and tighten connections.

 

[Bedrck47]

Try cleaning battery tetminals first and tighten connections.

Maybe you can provide him with the wiring diagrams he may need

 

[stamp11127]

First step in diagnosing electrical issues is always establish the source voltage. I don't care that your interior lights come on since their brightness can vary according to the batteries state of charge.

So, what is that battery voltage?

If you have 12+ volts there, what is the voltage on the little wire at the starter solenoid mounted on the passenger side firewall while trying to start? The link below is to another "no start" thread with a picture of the solenoid and wires.

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f42/help-wont-start-28349/

 

[1955moose]

If you want to order the Ford repair books/CDs call Helms publications at 1 800 782-4356. With the books you can buy 1 or all 3-4. Never ordered the cd rom version, kinda like taking it with me when working, but that's me. I'm old school. Good luck Moose


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[popeye47]

expy dead

Battery is 12.8 cold and 14.28 running solenoid is 14.39 running

 

[1955moose]

Charging seems to be ok, did battery pass load test when you brought it to Autozone?


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[stamp11127]

Since the battery voltage is reading slightly above 100% charge you can say a cell hasn't dropped out. The next thing may be reduced reserve capacity & CCA. That will manifest as slower than normal cranking speed. Since he hasn't said anything about that we will assume that the battery is good.

Need to know the voltage reading at the small stud on the starter solenoid the next time it doesn't start.

 

[popeye47]

expy dead

Here's a weird situation I got a new solenoid and while taking off the old one I noticed the lower nut that holds the cables seemed a little loose, anyway I replaced the dam thing and fired up the truck twice then it wouldn't start again and the theft light on the dash was flashing constantly which I might add it does flash anyway when the vehicle is turned off and the key is out,always has. So I took the new solenoid off and put the old one back on and it fired right up. This is getting stupid. What do you guys think.

 

[popeye47]

expy dead

Is the little brown wire that goes to the stud on the solenoid a part of the anti theft circuit.

 

[1955moose]

The flashing theft light is a normal thing on my 2000 expy. It flashes about every second. When you get this no start condition again, hook up a remote starter to the starter solenoid and see if starter turns over. If it does then you know your solenoid and starter are good. Try it repeated times. If it works then doesn't you have a dead spot on your starter. If all is good with remote switch then you will have to test back to hour ignition switch. I used to drive a Lincoln mark 7 that was famous for electrical ignition switch failure. I'm sure one of the guys on this forum have a link on how to test switch and wiring up to it.


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[IMINYOURCHAIR]

key symptom. the gar selector can kill starting. check the bolts behind the column to make sure they are tight. two torx bolts that attach the column shiftier to a shaft. if they are loose the truck will say park but really be in reverse.

 

[1955moose]

Kinda explains how when he runs through gears it sometimes starts. Looks like time to pull column. Thanks for update, Moose.


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[popeye47]

expy dead

Thanks for all the help guys it was the solenoid on the starter.

 

[1955moose]

You mean the new starter solenoid on firewall was bad? What brand was it?


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