No Start, Possible PATS Issue?

Xwell · 07-22-2008, 08:25 PM

I have a '99 Windstar that one day just wouldn't start. I have had problems in the past with the battery draining on me, so I purchased a new battery. No change. I pulled the starter and had it tested. It tested good. I started looking to the relays, and they all tested good. Now I get the normal dash lights and everything seems to power up fine, but once I turn the key to start, I get nothing. No clicking, no buzzing, nothing. When I release the key back to run, the gauges go haywire, the CD player spits out the CD, and the LED readout has a bunch of garbled characters in the display. I did a little looking, and pulled the 302 relay (starter interrupt). I jumpered the #30 and #87 contacts and the engine turned over. But even with the key in and in the run position, the van won't start. I've tried both original keys and still nothing. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to try next? I appreciate it!

Thanks,
Grant

BroncoJoe19 · 07-23-2008, 04:52 AM

pulled the 302 relay (starter interrupt). I jumpered the #30 and #87
I guess you are referring to the Ford EVTM. I don't have one for a windstar so I don't know what you are referring to. What did you jumper?

IT seems that you will have to go back to basics. Check your grounds, see if you have spark, check your coil pack etc.

Xwell · 07-23-2008, 06:32 AM

The relay I'm referring to is in the engine compartment fuse panel. It is referred to on the schematic as the Starter Interrupt Relay. There is no issue with grounds, spark, or anything relating to the van actually running, the problem lies in th fact that it will not turn over from the ignition switch. I can jump (bypass) that relay, and the starter spins and turns the engine. I'm trying to figure out why that doesn't happen using the key. I've done all of the basic checks on the ignition switch itself, putting the trans in neutral, jiggling the shifter, etc. There hasn't been any flakiness in the switch itself, and it turns smoothly, so I don't suspect that being the issue. I've inspected the engine compartment wiring as best I can from above and below and don't see any obvious fraying or damage. I've checked every other fuse in the vehicle. I suspected the transmission position sensor untill I read about the PATS. I do get the flashing "theft" light after attempting to start the vehicle. I guess I just need information on testing thea system. I am going to put a OBD2 reader on it tonight, and hopefully I can determine for sure if it is the PATS or not. Does anyone know what kind of codes I need to look for?

Thanks again,

Grant

phantom_smack · 07-23-2008, 06:45 AM

If the Pats lamp is flashing fast its a Pats issue,probably have a P1260 code.

Xwell · 07-23-2008, 08:23 AM

THnks. I haven't tested yet, I'm still at work, but if it is a P1260 code, is there anything I can so about it? Or does this mean a tow to the dealer?

phantom_smack · 07-23-2008, 08:49 AM

For some reason or another its not recognizing the chip key.It could be for a number of reasons though.

Xwell · 07-23-2008, 05:59 PM

OK, I tried using my software based scantool and wasn't able to pull any codes. Unless the P1260 would show up in the standard DTC's area, I don't see anything. I am getting the fast flashing "theft" when I attemt to crank the engine over. After I release the key, the flashing goes to every two seconds or so. I have the two original keys. Why can't I reset this somehow? It seems crazy to me to expect an owner to have to tow a vehicle in if there's an attempted theft. Can someone please steer me to a checklist/troubleshooting guide to check whether or not this is repairable outside of a dealer? I'm nearing a deadline, I need to have this van running, or I need to replace it. Thanks to everyone who's helped so far, and I hope I can get this worked out.

Grant

phantom_smack · 07-24-2008, 07:05 AM

Do you mean there were no codes or you could not pull any codes.Start with checking all the fuses.

Xwell · 07-24-2008, 09:44 AM

Well I looked at the DTC's area (where you'd go to view and reset the codes) and there were no codes. I've checked all fuses. I made the Hail Mary call to my brother-in-law in Maryland. He's a mechanic for the county, and his neighbor is a Ford mechanic of 20 years. He talked to his neighbor, and he told him to have me check the sensor in the ignition switch. It's a plastic ring that encompasses the ignition cylinder. He said that in 95% of the no-start "theft" issues he sees, replacing this plastic ring restores starting ability. I'm going to pull the ignition as soon as I get home today. I don't know if I can replace just that sensor. I haven't been able to find it on the parts sites, just the switch with the anti-theft module. Have you ever heard of this fixing the problem?

phantom_smack · 07-24-2008, 10:27 AM

From what I have seen with transponder(key reader) issues is the wires break going into the connector at the bottom of the steering column.I cant remember if Pats is in the Pcm or IC on that model.I was worried about not being able to read codes in the pcm as in an bad pcm.Also the issue you had with the ic reading funny if pats is in the ic it could be a problem.