What could be the problem?

[ignorantmonkey]

I have posted same thing before but have not had any answer: My 2002 XLT runs perfectly as of today; the remaining issue is:
Every time, no matter morning, afternoon or night when I put in the key and turn it without cranking will NEVER crank. WHY? For about 2 weeks until today this first situation when I turn on the key (without cranking the engine) the first time, the mileage will NOT SHOW, and if I crank it will turn on but will stop the engine immediately. So for these two weeks until today I turn the key one time and put it back to the initial position, then when I turn it for the second time the mileage magically shows up and all the needles of the gauges turn as well, then I know the engine will start. Why could this be happening? This has been a recurring thing for more than 2 weeks now. I am afraid someday the engine will not crank at all no matter how many times I try to.

 

[Racenut]

I have posted same thing before but have not had any answer: My 2002 XLT runs perfectly as of today; the remaining issue is:
Every time, no matter morning, afternoon or night when I put in the key and turn it without cranking will NEVER crank. WHY? For about 2 weeks until today this first situation when I turn on the key (without cranking the engine) the first time, the mileage will NOT SHOW, and if I crank it will turn on but will stop the engine immediately. So for these two weeks until today I turn the key one time and put it back to the initial position, then when I turn it for the second time the mileage magically shows up and all the needles of the gauges turn as well, then I know the engine will start. Why could this be happening? This has been a recurring thing for more than 2 weeks now. I am afraid someday the engine will not crank at all no matter how many times I try to.

Sounds like it could be an issue with the PATS security system. Basically the expy's computer is not reading the chip in the key the first time you try to turn it on. It could be a problem with the key, or it could be an issue with the sensing ring on the inside of the steering coloum.

When the computer does not sense the chip in the key it will alow the engine to CRANK but it will not start due to the fact the security system disables the fuel injectors.

It could also be your ignition switch itself is starting to go out.

 

[ignorantmonkey]

Dang!...Now I am worried at the thought of being left out there while trying to fix the issue...Your response makes much sense... Will the computer scanner used to get the codes (don't recall the name given to that) could advise on that issue?

 

[TheGuyWho]

Dang!...Now I am worried at the thought of being left out there while trying to fix the issue...Your response makes much sense... Will the computer scanner used to get the codes (don't recall the name given to that) could advise on that issue?

Its possible, but then again I don't know if it will show any codes if the check engine light doesn't come on.

 

[Racenut]

If there is no check engine light then the scanner will not pick it up. The dealer does have trouble shooting guides to diagnose the problem but they are usually the only ones which means you will have to pay.

 

[ignorantmonkey]

It does show the dreaded CHECK ENGINE light...I hope it shows WTF the problem is with this.

 

[Eric]

Should be logging a code if the light is on. A buddy of mine had similar electrical issues but no codes so it took a long time to diagnose but turned out the GEM module had a short from water that was dripping on it from a leaking windshield seal. Something for the mechanic to check.

 

[corlon]

is the theft light flashing when you 1st turn the ignition on? or does it come on and then go out? ive seen ford vehicles forget previously programmed keys and just need them to be reprogrammed. but could also be a bad ignition switch.

 

[ignorantmonkey]

is the theft light flashing when you 1st turn the ignition on? or does it come on and then go out? ive seen ford vehicles forget previously programmed keys and just need them to be reprogrammed. but could also be a bad ignition switch.

When I slide in the key and turn it for the first time nothing shows up. Then I put it to the initial position and turn it again; then all the lights, gear needles and mileage show; it is then when I crank the engine and it turns on with the CHECK ENGINE light of course. If I try to turn on the engine that first time it will crank but will the engine turn off immediately.