I have a 2013 Platinum with the Ecoboost. Searched around for this issue, but have not seen anything about it yet, so I am asking.

I have a random issue where, when I turn the key, I here a click (I assume the fuel pump), but the engine will not crank. Try again, it may crank and fire, or it may not. Sometimes I have to do this 5 or 6 times before it will start. If I have been driving it for a bit, it seems to start right up (after a quick trip into the store, or example). When it doesn't start, I get no lights on the dash, or errors that my OBDII computer can see.

I've replaced the battery with a brand new one, the terminals, and checked all the relays and fuses (although it appears I need to check under fuse 27, but I do not get all the lights other people with fuse 27 issues get).

Any guidance or thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

If your fuse 27 was bad; you would NOT hear your fuel pump when turning the key.
You can take a cheap voltmeter; and probe the two sides of fuse 27 (while key in ignition) and ensure it is getting 12v on both sides of the fuse.
Also, physically pull fuse 27 and visually inspect for signs of melting, carbon buildup; etc. Also check the plastic where the fuse inserts for signs of melting.

I once killed my truck during key programming; and it would not start.
Had to get it towed to dealer.
During one of my installs (running lights probably); I had pulled a wire too tight; and it pulled out a factory wire from my passenger kick fuse panel.
The tech said it was a red wire; and it was sitting loose in it's connector.
I still don't know exactly which connector it was; but it totally fixed the issue.

Since your symptoms sound very similar to mine; and especially if you have been down in the passenger kick panel; I would check ALL connections down there.
One of them, I'm sure, has to do with starting the vehicle.
Perhaps your connection is loose also??

 

Fuse 27 should probably be relocated, but if you get no crank, it is not your current problem. And it is a less common problem with the EB, anyway.

Does your PRND display light up properly? Does wiggling the key or shifter change the starting behavior?

 

Wiggling the key doesn't do anything, I'll try the shifter. I had thought about the neutral sensor, but wasn't sure exactly how to check that.

 

It does it when I try remote start too. This is really odd...

 

Well, starter and alternator would be next on my list. The eldest's Taco had something similar happening recently. As soon as I listened to how it was trying/failing to start cranking, I was pretty sure it was the starter. It was.

Checking, unplugging, replugging the connectors a few times at the BCM and PCM might be useful, as Josh mentioned.

 

Thanks, I will check all of that. If it is in the starter, would a parts house (ie O'Reilly or Autozone) test of the starter be an accurate indicator?

 

I would think so.

 

I think I may have found it. The passenger side turbo has a coolant leak, right above the solenoid on the starter. I think the coolant is messing with the current somehow. Looking into fixing the leak, then I can pull and clean the starter...