I've got 2003 f150 4.6 4x4 100k miles. Canadian truck. I owned it over 2 yrs now and really like it. However i keep having an intermittent starting issue. When it first happpened I could start the truck but it would immediately die. If I cycled the key off and on a few times it would eventually start and run. Sometimes it would happen once a week sometimes 3 times a day. But would run great otherwise. I took it to Champion
Ford here locally to diagnose. They said it wouldn't stay not starting long enough to figure it out. And that their best guess was that because it has an aftermarket windshield that it could be leaking on to some electronics.
I have figured out a few clues;
1. After failing to start, the last key cycle before starting the guages sweep.
2. Never happens when the temp is below 40 outside.
3. If it fails to start a smack to the dash with my palm between the guages and radio always results in a start next key cycle.
4. When it wont start, I can't hear the fuel pump prime.
5. After happening it throws a code for anti theft system vehicle immobilized.
Could it just be a bad cluster, or is there something else under the dash that could be effected with the smack? The dealership checked all the connections and said they were good. Thanks in advance

 

The only clue you have is the code in 5.
What is the code, not your discription of it?
When it does not start, let it set with the key on RUN a few minutes to see if the Theft lamp flashes a two digit code.
If yes, what is it?
Good luck.

 

My scanner pulls the code; p1260 THFT DET VEH IMMOB. I will watch for the theft light flashes next time it acts up. Thanks.

 

You have a PATS issue.
In addition, do the following with the Dash.
Hold the reset button in, switch ignition to Run and wait for 'tESt to appear in the mileage display.
Release and repress to step to the 'dtc' indication.
Read the 4 digit code and post it.
Turning the ignition off returns the dash to normal.
Good luck.

 

came up with 4A24

 

There is no code with that sequence.
Did you do it more than once to be sure?
Be sure you step to the 'dtc' indicator to see the code.
A Pats code will be one of 4 in the 96xx range and two with an A139 or A141.
Others will be in the 92xx, 93xx range.
The seperate Theft lamp two digit code will be 13,14,15 or 16.
If you have a two diget code , it will = one of the 96xx codes.
I need this to tell you what's going on.
This is why these diagnostics are available.
Good luck.

 

Sorry i stopped at the dt, not dtc. However next to dtc it says none. Probably because i reset the ses light with my scanner the other day when it happened last. It will probably happen again in the next 24 hrs. I will post up the numbers, thanks.

 

Truck wouldn't start 5 times today. Smacked the dash all five times and then it would start. Still says none next to dtc in the mileage display.

 

Until some lead other than banging the dash is found, you will have a hard time.
Check all the fuses on the panel for seating when it happens to see if there is any that is affecting it.
Good luck.

 

I guess my next question is; I have heard that the pats system runs through the cluster. Is there any other pats related hardware near that part of the dash? Trying to decide if replacing the cluster is worth the chance that it will fix it. I havent priced one yet. I can get one out of u-pull it. What would you do?

 

Update. Finally got a code out of the mileage indicator. Came up dtc 5284. That doesnt sound like a pats code but what is it?

 

Code 5284 is an Oil switch failure.
These codes can show up as a code C1284 if a high end scanner were used to look at other codes besides P codes.
At this time, I don't know if this would inhibit the motor from starting because no oil switch issues in the past have been the cause of a no start that I have seen..
Change the switch for the low cost of it.
It is located on the oil filter to block adapter.
Has a locking connector on it.
This is why I had asked you to try looking for a code as a possible clue.
Good luck.

 

That means the engine wasn't running when you pulled the code. Ignore it since you are not working on that portion of the system and it has nothing to do with the PATS system.

 

2 days ago i had to drive down a muddy gravel rd, and when i got back i hosed out the under side of truck. I guess that could have caused the oil switch to mess up.

 

Highly unlikely.

If your oil "gauge" operates correctly, there's nothing wrong with the pressure switch. Most likely, as I already suggested, you pulled the cluster DTCs with the engine not running, a suggestion you ignored addressing.

If the gauge is normal and the engine was running, there's still no issue. It's probably just a "glitch' in the cluster's check of the switch and the cluster was too finicky.