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Good afternoon,
I purchased a 2005 F150, 4.2 for my 16-year-old son. The key was really loose in the column, so I changed out with a new key and cylinder. At the same time, I read that the truck had an open recall on the steering wheel air bag harness, so that was changed with the improved Motorcraft pigtail. Now, it won't start, key on, dash lights on but no crank. Not sure if it is the PATS or something with air bag system. Any ideas?
Jim
Last edited by james8147; Feb 17, 2025 at 11:58 AM.
Issues with the air bag shouldn't cause a no crank no start condition. I don't know for sure if all these have the chipped key and PATS or not but if you have the fat key vs the old thin basic key then it most likely does. There should be a light that will flash on the cluster if its active. The replacement key would have to be paired to the truck. Otherwise I would triple check the wiring in the column and verify everything is hooked up correctly and wired correctly. The shift interlock could cause a no crank issue as well. If the vehicle doesn't sense it's fully in park it will not allow it to crank. Try starting in neutral. If it does then the shifter mechanism is loose in the column. I am trying to locate a wiring diagram for the column but no such luck so far.
Okay, thanks for the information, eliminating the air bag system narrows it down. The old single key was a thin one, maybe had a chip. I knew nothing about the about the PATS system before changing, I have a '71 F100 and 2013 F150, so this style was foreign to me. What would be the next step if I don't have the original key? I have replaced all the locks, door, tailgate and spare tire with an aftermarket set to match the new ignition switch.
I will look for a light on the dash, the truck only has 45K miles and everything in the column is solid and was working great until I blindly dug into it.
Yeah you replaced the key with new one its not been programmed to the truck. Next step call a locksmith who does auto keys they will have to get programed to truck. I recommend if you have not done so have at least two one hand when they come have two done for it. If old key was shaped like this its a PATS key being a 05 I do not think getting one without PATS was A option I believe that is standard
The key looked just like that, just no Ford emblem. The new kit came with 2 keys shaped like that but no names as well. Thanks for the tip, I will call a Locksmith.
Quick update, locksmith came out and did the programming, spent more time talking about the truck than it took to get it started. Thanks to those who pointed me in the right direction.
