My inheritance - explorer issues

[Epixlorer]

First of all wanted to say hi as I'm new here. I just recently inhertited a 1998 explorer Eddie Bauer v8 after totally my 06 focus.

I'm having 2 strange issues and was wondering if anyone could share some input. Background on the truck. It has 135k miles and was only driven 6 months out of the year. It sat in the mountains in North Carolina during the winters.

1. Major issue - had the truck for 3 weeks and over the last 2 days I've been having a semi serious issue. I noticed there was an issue with the door locks. Remote and inside door switch would work intermittently not FULLY locking/unlocking. I believe this to be contributing to a bigger issue. The truck now has issues starting. When turning the key no dash lights come (check engine could be seen very Dim) on and the truck will not even crank. (Tried listening to fuel pump but heard nothing) but there is a clicking sound coming from under the dash and the theft light would come on. After wiggling the key and leaving it in the on position for about 30sec-1min all te dash lights lit up and it started free cranking.

Not sure if this has to do with the door locks/anti theft system, key cylinder not making connection, fuel pump, etc.

2. I hear a rattling (plastic or metal) noise coming from the rear passenger side when driving. I've looked under and can't see anything. This only happens when the wheels are turning. Possible bearing? Drive shaft? My current solution to this is turning the radio up so I can't hear it

Thanks everyone!

 

[waskly]

battery?

as for locks? could be just bad actuators.

 

[Epixlorer]

battery?

as for locks? could be just bad actuators.

Battery testing fine. Terminals are clean. This is an intermittent problem. Sometimes it cranks right up. Other times nothing happens at all. Same with locks.

 

[Chikar]

This is a shot in the dark but if the truck sat for 6 months or more before you got it you may have a corrosion problem with relays, etc.

The dash lights not coming on indicates a power supply issue somewhere.

As a quick test you could try unplugging and plugging back in all the relays and fuses in the Power Distribution Box, driver's side under the hood near the brake master cylinder. That will wipe the contacts and possibly restore a connection problem.

 

[Epixlorer]

This is a shot in the dark but if the truck sat for 6 months or more before you got it you may have a corrosion problem with relays, etc.

The dash lights not coming on indicates a power supply issue somewhere.

As a quick test you could try unplugging and plugging back in all the relays and fuses in the Power Distribution Box, driver's side under the hood near the brake master cylinder. That will wipe the contacts and possibly restore a connection problem.

Checked all relays and fuses. No corrosion. Power door locks are now nt working at all. Theft light is on in the cluster. Key does absolutely nothing when turned now. ;(

 

[waskly]

clean the battery connections, check the terminals are tight and clean them also.

also check the ground on the negative wire where it connects to the body. is that good?

 

[Chikar]

I'm starting to think you may have a bad ignition switch.

 

[Epixlorer]

clean the battery connections, check the terminals are tight and clean them also.

also check the ground on the negative wire where it connects to the body. is that good?

Update: disconnected the battery terminals. cleaned and reconnected. Truck cranks now but will not fire up. Theft light is solid when key in ignition meaning the PATS system is whats causing the fuel pump/spark to not trigger.

We do not have a second key for this vehicle.

 

[Willcall]

Make sure your problem is not the PATS module itself or the ignition switch before doing this. Sounds like my bad key problem though.

When my only key (a cheap knock-off) broke:
1.) Purchased 3 keys from the Ford Garage (12.75 a piece)
2.) Found a locksmith with the NGS tool who could come to my house. They can cut the keys using your old one and program them using the NGS.
Ran me $190 to do it all.

Now everything works fine and it always starts. Also, this way if another key breaks or you lose it, you can buy another one and use the other 2 to program the new one yourself.

 

[shadowless127]

Test alternator, although it sounds like a potential PATS issue.

Locks are probably bad actuators.

As for the sound, check your tailpipe, hangers/isolators, as well as the heat shields on the rear 2 cats.

 

[waskly]

if the light is on steady, your key isnt programed.

honestly, age o vehicle, they can go bad, they are also the most abused item of the car.

get new keys and a lock smith to program them.

if you want to be sure, get a scanner and see what codes you have. i have a feeling you have a bad key.

if this is your key, they do go bad.

 

[AlexSport'00]

As for the sound, check your tailpipe, hangers/isolators, as well as the heat shields on the rear 2 cats.

Oh thank you goodness. I was worried no one had any idea. I've had the same issue and it is driving me insane. I took everything apart the other day on the interior and found nothing. At least now I have a new place to look.

 

[Epixlorer]

Finally caved and had it towed to the stealership. Just called me to state the PCM has gone bad and will need to be replaced and reprogrammed. I only had 1 key.

He said to replace and reprogram with (2) keys will run me $632+tax. Ford no longer has the PCM manufactured so it will be an aftermarket one.

Sound reasonable?