Intermittent Start 2002 Explorer XLT
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 263
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From: Blue Ball, PA
Intermittent Start 2002 Explorer XLT
I am experiencing an intermittent starting issue with my Explorer. If the vehicle has been sitting awhile, at least 5-10 minutes, it will start up 99% of the time. I say 99% because the first non starting issue happened when it was sitting for a half of a day. Now as I am diagnosing the problem, it starts right up after about 5-10 minutes of sitting and not attempting to start it. Once it starts and runs for a short period, I shut it off and then try to start it again and no go, it won't start. What I noticed during the non starting attempts is that the theft light keeps blinking even after the initial key turning and dash light self test is done. I assume I have a PATS problem. Three questions: Is there away that I can fix the PATS at home? If not, any idea what it will cost at the dealer? Why would it start initially and then the PATS kick in after the shut down? It seems like there is a timeout to the PATS.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,823
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
You might be able to get a head start on the diagnostics by finding someone with a professional scan tool to pull he PATS diagnostic codes to see why the light is flashing. You might have a wiring issue for the PATS antenna loop that picks up the transponder in the key head.
-Rod
-Rod
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,206
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From: Oakhust NJ Jersey Shore
Do you have an auto start installed in this truck, When they install an auto start they mess around with the pats system, or else it wont auto start. the systems are different some use a spare key hidden in the steering column, some use a wire wrapped around the ignition cylinder that could be a problem, it doesn't make to much sense why it would start cold then not start again if something was wrong with the key fob or the pats sensor it usually goes out and wont start. Do you have a service engine soon light on? could be a bad crank sensor.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 263
Likes: 6
From: Blue Ball, PA
Thanks for the replies. ShoRod, I am probably going to have to have the dealer hook it up to their scan tool, currently seems to be my only option. David7.3, I just recently bought this used, so I have no idea if the po had anything like that installed. I agree that it doesn't make much sense how it is acting. It has actually has been starting and running as it should for the last couple of days with the exception of one time. I'll start with a dealer scan and go from there. It'll be a couple of days, but I'll let you know what I find out.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 263
Likes: 6
From: Blue Ball, PA
Update on my intermittent non starting issue. I've discovered the problem is coming from the theft detterent circuitry and if I keep the steering column in the "sweet spot" position, I rarely, if at all experience the non starting problem. My guess is I'll have to replace some wiring in the steering column to completely resolve the issue.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
That was a good find. There have been other years of Explorer, and other systems, that had issues with wires in the steering columns. Seems to me most of them were related to the multifunction switch and wires being too short so they were strained when the steering wheel tilt feature was used frequently.
-Rod
-Rod
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