Hello all-<br />My 2001 F150 5.4L s-crew was stolen and recovered. I can put the key in the ignition and crank the engine. The antenna ring around the cylinder is broken, and there is a black wire (I'm told it may be 2 wires) pulled out of a connector which is right up against the base of the steering wheel. When I turn the key, I do not hear the fuel pump pressurize. There seems to be some fuel getting to the rail as there is a little fuel that seeps from the Schrader valve when depressed (or maybe residual?). The inertia switch is not tripped. The engine will fire briefly when starting fluid is sprayed past the MAF.<br />The theft light flashes fast when cranking the engine and there is a 1260 code.<br />The thieves did drive it a bit (and were chased by the police at one point), so I know they were able to get it to run. My question is: does the PATS shut down the fuel pump? Fuel pump fuse and relay are ok. I added 3 gallons just in case.<br /><br />This is a beater work truck. I'm told to replace the steering column because things are broken, but the aesthetics do not bother me, its a beater truck. I'd hate to replace the column to find out that's not the problem.<br /><br />I'm just not clear on what the PATS disables on this year truck.<br /><br />TIA for any info that can be shared.<br />

 

It shuts down the injectors. I'd start by replacing the transceiver ring and/or reconnecting those wires. It does not need programming.

 

Not sure I can reconnect the wire.
It was suggested I replace the steering column, which would essentially replace the pats ring and the wire. I'm just fearing that's not the reason for the crank/no start.
If the injectors are shut down, wouldn't I still be able to hear the pump pressurize? Or is that shut down as well?

 

I've never actually heard the pump run on my truck. I think that it's just too quiet.

You could remove the cap from the Schrader valve, press the plunger and see if fuel squirts. Or even measure fuel pressure. Regardless, it will never start without an an intact PATS transceiver. The transceiver can be replaced without removing the column. The "replace column" advice seems like bad advice.

Here's what the transceiver looks like. It plugs in.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/37529462034...mis&media=COPY

 

Why not start with the 1260 code and see if it leads you down the right path
That is why they program in the diagnostic codes in the first place
Always start with the pinpoint test steps for the codes you retrieve.
In your case, start with the broken wires, fix those first and maybe the code will go away, and the theft light quit flashing
Good luck

 

Absolutely correct. Until you either fix or delete PATS, you're not going to have an engine that runs.

The P1260 is the PATS code, no need to wander down a path until you fix the OBVIOUS PATS problem.

 

I agree with the statements made. I am concerned I may have more than 1 problem. Obviously they stole and drove the truck, so I wondered if the pulled wire disabled the pats, and out of coincidence the fuel pump failed and they abandoned the truck.
I'm not sure this wire can be repaired as it was yanked out of the connector.

 

Maybe the gas tank is empty. You're doing a lot of wondering but not a lot of doing.

Follow the wires from the transceiver and see where they go. They should end at that white plug.

On the other side of the connector that you're wondering about there would be more wires. Wires can be cut and spliced. Some butt connectors and a crimping tool, or even just the old-timey twist-and-tape for troubleshooting. Try some stuff.

p.s transceiver and antenna ring are the same thing. Good luck.

 

I appreciate the input, but this statement isn't accurate. I'm wondering about the workings of the PATS system, of which I don't have intimate knowledge.

First thing I did was pour 4 gallons into the tank, no change.
Scanned and found code 1260 for theft.
Checked the inertia switch, no problem seen there.
Listened for fuel pump and rapped on tank while cranking: no go.
Sprayed starting fluid into intake to verify spark, compression, etc - it ran briefly.

This led me to wonder what is shut down by the PATS. Bear in mind - they were driving this before it was recovered. Did they break the antenna ring after they drove it? Possible, but not likely. The antenna ring, which I am aware is the transceiver (or also antenna light ring, etc, by other manufacturers), is not a complete ring, but is present. Would that affect the signal reception? Not sure The wire pulled out is not the antenna ring per se, but to a connector abutting the steering wheel. Is this something that allowed them to circumvent the PATS and start the truck despite theft system codes? Don't know, I'm not a thief as I assume most on here are not.

The first advice I received was to replace the column, which seems like overkill as it might be solved with the antenna ring and wire repair (if possible). Also thought fuel pump replacement might be necessary - it could explain why they stopped driving it.

I came here looking for info on what the PATS does to disable the truck. Another poster stated it shuts down the injectors, apparently not the pump. If PATS were to shut down ignition (for discussions sake) then fuel delivery would've been the culprit and I'd be dropping the tank next. I'll likely order the antenna ring and attempt the wire repair. If that doesn't work, I'd guess drop the tank and check the pump.

 

Wasn't trying to offend just pointing out the lack of action.

Really, there was no need to do anything as long as the THEFT light was flashing quickly. No need to add fuel or check the inertia switch or listen for pump noise or plan to drop the tank. It won't start if the THEFT light is flashing.

Why don't you pull the transceiver out and see if the black wires have anything to do with it? It's broke anyway. Post a picture.

 

Any chance the original thieves had a key and took it with them when they dumped the truck? And the damage was done by a second thief trying unsuccessfully to steal it again.

 

I do appreciate your input. I didn't want to throw parts at the truck without some knowledge, and I've been buried with other more pressing needs, so it'll be a slow process I'm afraid.
Transceiver is ordered.

 

Being it was found in Detroit, anything is possible...

 

Update:
Finally had time to install the used transceiver ring last night and low and behold, she fired up. Looks like the loose wire is just the "key in ignition" warning chime, so no worries there. I was concerned because I couldn't get any more than a dribble from the Schrader valve on the fuel line, but all is well now.