Newbie needs advice.

[J Allen]

Hello everyone. Recently bought a 2004 Explorer XLT 4.0 to tow my SCCA ITA racecar.
Weak battery died so I replaced battery but now won't start. Electrics (dash, windows, locks) work but no ignition. Code scan indicated key fob needed reprogramming. Did that, cleared code, but still no ignition. Can hear starter solenoid and relays clicking but still nothing. Another code scan came up clean.
Any ideas out there? I'd be grateful for some good advice.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody.

JAllen

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Connect a test light to the starter then crank the engine, and check to see if the test light illuminates.

 

[J Allen]

Thanx but it won't crank at all. I've been told it may have something to do with the PATS system but I have no idea how to diagnose, or better yet, fix the dang thing. Somebody told me to detach both pos and neg battery cables for 48 hrs. but this doesn't seem to make sense. Before the old battery totally died I was able to jump start, but then it wouldn't jump start at all, not even crank. Then a bought the new battery and still won't crank even though the new battery tested at 920cca. I can jump the starter solenoid to make it crank but it still won't fire. So it would seem my problem has something to do with the electronics.
Any advice out there? My daily driver is crunched and I'm getting damn tired of walking in the cold. My new year is not off to an auspicious start.

Thanx,
JAllen

 

[BrooklynBay]

I wanted to see if the test light turns on when you turn the key to the crank position.

 

[J Allen]

Will try that tomorrow. Thanx a bunch.