"I have a 2016 f350 gas truck I just bought that was wrecked in front. It started and ran several times but now does nothing when key turned to start. The message in dash reads starter system fault, although the starter battery and cables are fine because it turns over fine when you jump the wires at starter selenoid. I tried my old scan tool to try to read trouble codes, but I get message on it "communication error" and can't read codes. Is there a not too expensive scan tool that works well with these newer superduties? Any ideas what to check next? Don't want to have to tow to a shop to diagnose.
thanks, kurt

 

I have found even cheapo scanners from Harbor Freight have the ability to pull codes from these trucks.

 

Mine worked fine to pull codes until something changed with the truck that caused truck to not start and not communicate with my scan tool. Was wondering if there was a tool like the dealer uses that could do more than mine.

 

The combination of the "Starting System Fault" (indicates failure of PATS to prove out) plus the lack of communications with the PCM suggests that the problem is due to the PCM or the BCM is not responding. Verify/troubleshoot that operation first.

Nobody, including a dealer, has a scan tool that will troubleshoot a network that isn't responding to a scan tool. The technician has to do that themselves based on other testing and observation including seeing if the scan tool can communicate with other modules on the network.

Issue could be a PCM or BCM that isn't getting power, has "failed" internally, some other module on the network that is killing the network signals, or a wiring fault (open circuit or a short to power, ground, or whatever).

Start by checking the fuses and relay that supplies power to the PCM and the BCM.

Remember, you've got a freakin' computer network on wheels, this ain't old school stuff any more.

 

I've just checked all the fuses labeled for pcm and ecm and pats, and even changed the relay for ecm, but no change. What is a bcm and where would it's fuses and or relays be?

 

Could it be that chip in key has failed? I tried my actron scan tool on my 2012 superduty and it works fine, but still get "communicating error, check connections" on this 2016 truck. The scan tool gets power and turns on when plugged into the diag. Connector, but other than that it acts like it is not even connected or key is not on when it is.

 

Do you think it may be a good idea to try swapping ecms from my 2012 f250 with this 2016 f350 to see if that is the problem? Both have 6.2 4x4 and I'm hoping would be the same like most other parts in these two trucks I own. Is swapping ecms plug and play or is there extensive programming that must be performed by dealer to replace it?

 

No. If it was simply an issue with the key, you'd still be able to communicate with the PCM.

No idea.... probably not. Be (pleasantly) surprised if it works.

 

[QUOTE=projectSHO89;20296938]No. If it was simply an issue with the key, you'd still be able to communicate with the PCM.

My question is that if you have to have "key on engine off" for communicating with ecm by scan tool, could it be that a failed key's chip is not allowing ecm to believe key is on? It just seems like the key is not turning system on. So you are sure that you do not have to have a functioning key chip to communicate with the ecm? Thank for your time, Kurt

 

See previous. Don't make this harder than it already is.

 

I called a locksmith to come and see if the fault was with the key chip and of course once he was on his way it started working on its own. I paid him for a new extra key so I'll now for sure once it happens again if it is related to the chip. Does the fact that it is an intermittent problem suggest any possible causes? ECM? I hope it doesn't happen at the least opportune time and of course have to have it towed a long distance. Thanks for any knowledgeable advice.

 

It's going to fail while in Podunk, and it's going to sit for 3 weeks before Billy Bob can get to it.