Can't get a 2000 Explorer Sport Running

[RyanJon22]

According to my 2000 Explorer Owner's Guide:
When ignition off Theft indicator should flash every 2 seconds
When ignition off or start Theft indicator will light for 3 seconds and then go out.
If the Theft indicator stays on for an extended period of time or flashes rapidly there is a problem (i.e. unrecognized key).

Have you tried the 2nd 2000 stock key?

Bolded sections are what happened.. And yes, I tried the second stock key for the sport and had the same results.

The Theft indicator should flash rapidly with the 1999 key.

It did.

 

[2000StreetRod]

then its working correctly

If its working correctly why do you think there's a PATS problem?

 

[RyanJon22]

I think the PCM / Key / Transponder in the steering column.. I think one of them is bad. I really can't think of anything else that it could possibly be. I've tried just about everything that I have to try, that I can do. Tomorrow, I'll check the ground for the fuse box under the hood and the throttle position sensor. I've heard of a couple times where these things caused an Explorer to not fire.

I'm still open to and willing to try suggestions.. So really, anyone.. Just throw ideas out there. I'd be more than happy to try it "just to see". It's going to be a week or two before she has the extra money to get it rollbacked and checked out by the dealership. Still holding some hope that It's something stupid that I'm overlooking somewhere.

I'm almost bald at this point from ripping my hair out! Haha.

 

[RyanJon22]

Quick update here. Tried checking the fuse box ground and the throttle position sensor to no avail. Took it to the dealership.. Roll backed it.. And it fired up. They said they couldn't diagnose if it is working. Took it off the roll back.. Couldn't get it to NOT fire up. Brought it back home.. Parked it.. Tried to start it.. Nothing. I think we're going to call it quits. She decided to go ahead and do the work to her 2000 Ex 4 door.

2000StreetRod.. I sincerely appreciate all the help you gave us. The internet needs more helpful folk like you around.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

......Took it to the dealership..Roll backed it.. And it fired up. They said they couldn't diagnose if it is working. Took it off the roll back.. Couldn't get it to NOT fire up. Brought it back home.. Parked it.. Tried to start it.. Nothing......

This proves it WILL RUN. Don't give up. The trip to the
dealer jostled/jolted whatever it was that caused the
no-start condition.

I think it's an intermittant fuel delivery problem. Try
disconnecting the inertial fuel cut-off switch and
jumper the wires for testing purposes. (I suggest this
because of the jostling around during the trip to the
dealer).

How about the fuel filter? Maybe sitting has clogged it
to the point that pressure will show at the fuel rail but
there's not enough flow to start it when the engine is
cranked. In your first post you state that it sputtered
a time or two; that's why I suspect the filter.

The roll-back trip has jiggled something loose that the
return trip has fouled up again.

This is something simple that just hasn't been found
yet. Don't give up.

2000StreetRod.. I sincerely appreciate all the help you gave us. The internet needs more helpful folk like you around.

Ditto.

 

[RyanJon22]

I'll still tinker with it. Were just not going to put any money into it for a while. She wants to get her 4 door trail ready. Perhaps I'll buy the sport off of her for myself. Either way, it will run at some point or another. Probably just later rather than sooner.

 

[2000StreetRod]

fuel stabilizer

I suggest that you add a bottle of fuel stabilizer to the tank. Otherwise, when you get back to the Sport you may have tank full of non-combustible "lacquer".

 

[RyanJon22]

Will do!