I have an 2002 4.6l S/crew 4x4. Today on the way home from work it died at an intersection about 1/2 mile from home. It acted like it wanted to start when turned over but would not. I just had the gas tank straps replaced under recall and figured they f'd up the gage somehow so I hoped I was just out of gas even though the gage read 1/4. NOPE. I had my wife push me home (with our Chevy Minivan.) I figured fuel pump or clogged filter but I had no starter fluid to verify it would start. So i had dinner and a beer.

Now an hour after it died it starts right up. Where do I start?

 

I'd start simple...& work up the food chain of items.

Now 1st off, is there a CEL (Check Engine Light), on?? If so...get the codes scanned and see what pops up....really, even if there is no CEL...scan the codes anyway....sometimes a code can be tripped and won't trigger the CEL. Then post back what the findings are...so to save you time, money and frustration.

2nd, If you have not replaced the fuel filter in sometime....it might be good place to start.

then 3rd.... clean your MAF sensor, use cleaner that says it is safe for MAF sensors, their kinda delicate.

if that doesn't do the trick then post back and tell us more about your truck and what it is doing...& go from there

 

Last night I checked for codes and pending codes. Nothing.

This AM I found the negative battery connection loose. I could not get it to tighten on the post no matter how tight I cinched the terminal. I replaced the terminal and then I ran a bunch of errands which included pick up a fuel filter, starting fluid, and MAF cleaner, etc. about 15 miles total without a problem.

I will change the fuel filter and clean the MAF it could use it i'm sure. I am original owner and truck has 114,000 miles and I have not performed either of these.

Wait and see. Thanks again.

 

Died again this evening...

With ket in the on position or cranking i observed:

the theft light flashing and the odometer was all dashes.

cranks but won't start any thoughts?

getting it flat bedded home tomorrow.

 

Fuel pump time

 

You have a dash power issue.
The PATS system is involved with it from the flashing you see.
When this happens the PCM does not get the correct signal from PATS and inhibits fuel delivery to the motor, as it is supposed to do.
If you turn the key on and let it set for a couple minutes does the THEFT lamp flash a two digit code? If yes what is the code?
Good luck.

 

..I would try a different key also.....Could be the transponder in "your" key is bad

 

Tried spare key that night... Nothing.

Before committing to a $100 plus flat bed bill I took a long lunch and went to try a few things I saw on here. Needless to say before I tried anything I tried to start the truck. Nothing. All dashes on the odo and theft light was blinking fast. I turned the key off and then on again and low and behold the fuel pump kicked in, odo lit up with mileage and I was in business. I drove the truck to work and finished up my day.

When leaving work and I had to repeat the above steps a few times before I was able to get her started.

I got home with the intention of getting a code either through the blinking theft light or with my OBD reader, but, I can't get it to fault out at all. She starts right up every time!

Any thoughts. Could the key be on its way out?

 

Replace your PCM Power Relay in the under-hood fusebox. If that relay doesn't work, nothing will work.

All of your symptoms are very common with its imminent demise.

There's a few fuses and some other stuff that can cause such issues, but the relay is the most common.

 

PCM Relay... I pulled it out and tried to start the truck. The theft light flashed and the odo went to dashes while cranking over. (exactly what happened the other night.) Put it back in and the truck came to life. Picking up a few spares this afternoon. One to put in and one to keep in the glove box.

Thank you all for your help.