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This is the grey wire I mentioned in the original post. I am not sure if it is important or if it was even plugged in. Also, I'm not sure if it was maybe plugged into the fuse block area and possibly became unplugged when that was moved forward.
Hello all,
I am having an issue where my 2003 Ford excursion will not start. Initially I had a problem where I could not get the steering selector to work properly and ultimately wound up taking the steering covers off along with the cover over the fuse panel. The batteries were disconnected for a period of time. After I put everything back together I went to start the vehicle and it will turn over but will not start. I noticed that a red theft light was blinking on my dashboard when the vehicle was closed or turned off. I have attempted to to disconnect/turn off the theft system with the process I found online but that doesn't seem to stop the theft light from blinking and the vehicle still will not start. I noticed a gray wire with a spade on the end but I don't know if this was attached to anything so I don't know if that would make a difference or if anyone has encountered this wire. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Swaybar1; Aug 21, 2019 at 11:58 AM.
Reason: Adding video
Sounds like PATS is preventing the start, guessing though. Do you have WTS Light? Ask a Moderator to move this to the Excursion forum, they’ll probably have more information for you.
Try turning the key to the on (run) position for a minute or two. The blinking of the light should change pattern. Then, turn the key off. After that it should start.
I am having an issue where my 2003 Ford excursion will not start. Initially I had a problem where I could not get the steering selector to work properly and ultimately wound up taking the steering covers off along with the cover over the fuse panel. The batteries were disconnected for a period of time. After I put everything back together I went to start the vehicle and it will turn over but will not start. I noticed that a red theft light was blinking on my dashboard when the vehicle was closed or turned off. I have attempted to to disconnect/turn off the theft system with the process I found online but that doesn't seem to stop the theft light from blinking and the vehicle still will not start. I noticed a gray wire with a spade on the end but I don't know if this was attached to anything so I don't know if that would make a difference or if anyone has encountered this wire. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Did you take any pictures of the work you did? I suspect that you might have either connected some wires incorrectly or left out something inadvertently. I have never opened the steering covers on my '03, but I don't think there are any spare wires in there for future work. Also, A video of all the lights and gauges when you attempt a startup will help with providing more insight. The pattern of that red theft light will also help determine the problem. Have you checked for any codes that might be stored in the PCM?
Editing to add the following info that I had saved from my previous troubleshooting of the PATS system: When you have a stock X ( meaning no Chip) If your theft light blinks fast your PATs system and PCM ( vehicle's computer) are no longer in sync/ not recognizing each other. You will need to reset the PATS system.
* THEFT LIGHT (on Excursions) - If the theft light flashes rapidly and the vehicle won't start, the Passive Anti-theft system (PATS) will need to be reset. To reset the PATS, perform the following steps:
Wait for the theft light to quit flashing rapidly. This should take about 45 seconds, after which the THEFT light will flash multiple times about every 3 seconds.
Turn the key off and remove the key from the ignition for 30 seconds.
Insert the key and turn the ignition to the ON position.
The THEFT light should illuminate for about 5 seconds and then go out.
OK, so I attempted to use the directions to cancel the Pats system. I waited over 45 seconds and the theft light never blinked rapidly. When I went to put the key in a second time the theft light blinked once every 1 to 2 seconds. I would upload a video showing this but it will not allow me to do that .
OK, so I attempted to use the directions to cancel the Pats system. I waited over 45 seconds and the theft light never blinked rapidly. When I went to put the key in a second time the theft light blinked once every 1 to 2 seconds. I would upload a video showing this but it will not allow me to do that . Has anyone seen or knows anything about the gray wire in the photo at the top?
I thought the gray wire also looked like something that went to an aftermarket device. I just wasn't sure. We purchased this vehicle recently so I'm not real familiar with the tuner and I'm still trying to work the kinks out of the vehicle. This problem occurred yesterday and my first reaction was to take the top cover and bottom cover off of the column to see if I could observe any cables or anything else that might have gotten loose. When I finally figured out the problem and put everything back together the vehicle wouldn't start and I noticed the theft light.
It turns over great but it just seems like it's not getting that final burst to start.
When the key is in the on position does the theft light flash rapidly or does it turn off? If it turns off the PATS is working and isn't your starting problem. If it's blinking rapidly try a spare programmed key if you have one. Also, if it's flashing and you leave the key on for about 30 seconds or so it'll flash the fault code. It'll be one flash followed by 3-6 flashes to give the 2 digit fault code.
Once we know if the light is flashing or off when the key is turned on we can go from there with the no-start.