2002 Expedition w/o warning went to start, sounded normal for a split second then it started dragging like maybe a battery going bad or starter going bad. Replaced the battery & starter (starter tested bad). It cranks better but still wont start. I checked the fuses, grounds, and swapped the relays but still no luck. Not sure which direction to go.

 

One thing is always good to know first, what does the Theft light in the dash do? Does it illuminate and go out, or does it flash rapidly?

I just had one like this not long ago, it turned out to be a failed PCM relay. The symptoms were that it was cranking but no start, the theft light was blinking and when connecting a scantool there were no communication with PCM.

EDIT: Since you said you swapped relays, try to get a NEW relay, the truck I mentioned had multiple failing relays. We didn't replace them, just opened them and cleaned them and they were good again. (atleast for now, the owner of the truck was selling it, was happy with a quick fix.)

 

What does this actually mean????
FYI, PATS will not cause a "No Crank" symptom on an 02 or older ExpyGator, it will cause a "Cranks but does not fire" symptom accompanied by the fast-flashing THEFT light. Starting in the 03 MY, the ExpyGator got the starter interrupt relay for the PATS system.

 

I think I just said that... Accompanied by a question of what his Theft light was doing..

 

I hate people like you that do that and dump the problem on someone else.

 

I convinced the owner to replace the relays, then he went down to the local dealer and they wanted 120 USD per relay and he came back to me and said "**** that, make it run long enough for me to sell it" and I did.

The cleaned relays should work a while though.

 

Yeah, then swintbrian (or someone like him) buys that truck and ends up here needing help...

 

That may be, but I am not a professional mechanic nor do I run a business. I was just helping out a friend, and did as per his requests.

 

I went out this morning and just to see if it would start.....surprisingly it started up as it should. The exhaust looked as though and smelled of gas. Im not sure if when the starter was dragging initially that maybe the cyclinders loaded up on fuel and caused a vapor lock or something & with it sitting overnight the pressure released? Im not sure, but it has consistently started and has ran and drove like normal.

I appreciate everyones advice and help.

 

Job security for us...oh wait, I mean freebie volunteering security for us.