Pats systems and PCM system

Tiny
NEAL WAGNER
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD ESCAPE
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I recently bought this vehicle and it will not start be due to the PATS system. I took it into a Ford dealership where they say they managed to reset the program and program two chip keys for me as I did not have the chip key when I bought the vehicle. But the one still will not start or even turn over. Person at Ford tried to tell me it need a new starter parts and labor near $700.00 they wanted. So I checked out a forum or two and seen numerous people having this same issue with Ford's PATS system. They all had different ideas or beliefs on getting their vehicles to start. I would like some professional advice. Please if you can help me. Thanks for your time.
Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 AT 1:01 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,055 POSTS
Okay, first we will make a big assumption and hope that the keys they made are correctly programmed to the vehicle. Did they actually demonstrate that they worked and started the car?

If they did, and nothing was done between the ability to start and the no start now, I would start by hooking a test light to the start terminal on the starter and seeing if there is voltage there when you turn the key to start. You can also try a tap test, you tap the starter with a chunk of wood a couple times and see if it starts working. Do you hear the starter making any noise at all?

Also, check the starter relay, you should feel and hear it actuate when the key is turned to start. Check that in both park and neutral as it is possible the TANS position sensor (neutral switch) is stopping it from starting as well.

What shape is the battery in? If you turn all the lights on and turn the key, what happens?
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 AT 2:15 AM

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