I have a 2004 Heritage which means it is a 2003 i guess. 4.6 engine auto tran 4x4 . The other day going down the road it just died Everything works, engine cranks over but won't start.

A couple of years ago I had a key go bad and it did the same thing and I was able to get a odb II reader on it and it said it was in anti theft mode. Put in a different key and everything worked ok.

Tried the same thing this time 2 different keys, cranks good but won't start. I have tried 2 different odb readers and they come up with a message can't connect to the vehicle. Has my PCM gone bad.

I have checked all the fuses and relays that the book says that have anything to do with the PCM and they seem to be ok.

Other than just buying a new PCM any ideas?

Thanks
Larry

 

May be a silly response but have you tried unplugging the battery for a while? simple and may not work but its something to try? Other then that sounds like something has triggered your anti-theft and it hasn't come back from whatever set it off.

 

yes I disconnected the battery for a couple of days. even tried different keys since I had one go bad before.

 

Reclined lazyboy diagnosis (edit: to be clear, this comment was directed at myself)

I'd check the operation of the crank shaft position sensor?

 

Yea, didnt know you had already done that, and i'd agree, I would check CPS next, swap it out and see if it turns over.

 

To check the CPS, first see if you are getting spark. The CPS tells the PCM the position of the crank so the PCM can send spark to the proper cylinder at the right time. If the signal from the CPS is not being received, no spark is sent and your engine does not run. A new CPS is only about $25 and requires you to remove your fan belt, remove the 4 bolts holding the A/C compressor, move the compressor to the side, and remove one bolts that holds the CPS. Often, the CPS gets real dirty and the connections to the harness gets dirty and you don't get a good signal. Clean everything up, install a new CPS and put everything back together if you don't have spark is my recommendation. Clean connection to the harness and add di-electric grease to connection and double check that you don't pinch wires or unplug A/C compressor connection when you are moving around the A/C compressor is also recommended

 

Does the check engine light come on with KOEO? If not, most likely the PCM is not powering up. Would need to start checking powers and grounds at the PCM. Could be why readers wouldn't communicate.

 

Slowly getting things done on this problem.

Fuel pump was fried so new one installed
Fuel pressure sensor not working so new one install
Turn on the key and the pump runs until pressure is correct and then shuts off
Can pour fuel in the intake and the engine will start. until that gas runs out
Replaced the crank shaft sensor
Engine cranks - all the gauges work. the odometer shows all dashes, the theft light flashes.
I have a Griphon installed. It shows error 150 and won't connect to the PCM.
Disconnected the battery for several days. Codes should be cleared.
The alarm button on the key fob turns the alarm on and off
I bought a OBDLink LX. It powers up and will connect to my phone but the error is can't connect to the PCM. Local repair guy has a really expensive ODB scanner and it wouldn't connect to the PCM.

So I guess take out the PCM and get a new one. The problem is the local parts store says it has to be programmed by 'someone" - FORD - with the VIN and milage.
Does anyone know if this is true? Just as soon not get involved with the local dealer if possible.
Are there third parties that can do this if it needs to be done?

Any advise is very welcome

 

I'd clean the PCM ground. It's the ground that all your direct PCM ground sensors use. The PCM uses 3 paths to ground internally from what I remember (counted them). But they all funnel into the ground, passenger side firewall in the corner adjacent from the battery. Should hit them all on the FW and inside the cab under both kick panels, be sure to check that one though.

 

Just for giggles, have you tried replacing the PCM relay?

Have you checked it for function (does it have power coming out of it)?