2019 Ranger Won't Start w/ Key - Does Start w/ App (Satellite)

[Cabose-1]

Same thing happen to me twice. Just random. Used a power tool to loosen clean and tighten the metal bolts things that connect to the battery. Have not had a problem since. Was it the problem. Have no clue. But hasnt happen for a while now. 12k miles.

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[ryday]

Not sure what made me think of it this morning but could this be the anti theft system kicking on incorrectly? It's supposed to disarm once you put the key in the ignition but if its wonky and not recognizing the key that might explain why the reset works

 

[Motorpsychology]

Been working fine since I posted. Used the key to unlock / start it a dozen or so times since I posted without issue. My only concern is this happening when I park in the garage because the Satellite signal won’t get the truck started in there so I will be screwed if that’s where it happens.

??‍

For some reason, the truck did not recognize your key fob as belonging to your truck. There is a chip in the key fob that the truck reads. From the app, a coded signal is sent to the truck that says it really is ok to fire up. Maybe have your dealer reflash the BCM.

FordPass operates via cellular data, not satellite. As long as both you and the truck have a wifi or cellular signal, the app will work.

 

[ryday]

Well, Ford shop had it for a week. Did not find any wiring issue and it never shut down on them. They're saying they think it was a problem with the Battery Monitor System (BMS) something newish on all Fords since 2017 that watches the battery and your habits which kinda seems more like something else that isn't really needed and will mess you up when it messes up. Said its readings were all over the place.

They reset the BMS and gave it back to me. 90 minutes later it dies on me again so I took it right back. We'll see what happens now.

 

[Dan Root]

Well, Ford shop had it for a week. Did not find any wiring issue and it never shut down on them. They're saying they think it was a problem with the Battery Monitor System (BMS) something newish on all Fords since 2017 that watches the battery and your habits which kinda seems more like something else that isn't really needed and will mess you up when it messes up. Said its readings were all over the place.

They reset the BMS and gave it back to me. 90 minutes later it dies on me again so I took it right back. We'll see what happens now.

I think you intended this response for a different thread, right?

 

[ryday]

I think you intended this response for a different thread, right?

No, I've had the same/similar non responsive issue 4 times since easter except mine doesn't respond to the app either. Fob was checked, wiring was checked, pcm was checked and the shop came up empty except for the BMS "was all over the place". If yours hasn't done it again that's great cause it sucks when they can't tell you why it keeps happening.

 

[Dan Root]

Interesting. Sorry to hear that.

One question.. you said "it dies on me". What exactly does that mean? The truck shuts off on it's own? Because my situation only ever happened after I intentionally turned the truck off and went inside but wouldn't respond when I came back out. Nothing ever "died" while using for me. Just trying to get the semantics straight for the sake of resolving the issue.

 

[subquark]

Interesting. Sorry to hear that.

One question.. you said "it dies on me". What exactly does that mean? The truck shuts off on it's own? Because my situation only ever happened after I intentionally turned the truck off and went inside but wouldn't respond when I came back out. Nothing ever "died" while using for me. Just trying to get the semantics straight for the sake of resolving the issue.

I had the same issue one time several months ago.

Went to the store, was inside for 15 minutes, came out and my XL wouldn't unlock via the key fob button. Walked to the tailgate to unlock it for groceries and had forgotten that there's no key hole back there.

I tried the fob button but still no unlocking. Then went to the door and used the physical key to unlock the door. I hit the door's unlock button to open the tailgate but nothing. It seemed dead.

I put the key in the ignition (no push start on my truck) and nothing happened when I turned it to start.

I turned it off and pulled out the key. I'm not sure, but I think I stayed in the truck and then tried again about 30 seconds to a minute later.

The truck roared to life! And I was able to unlock the tailgate.

It has not happened since and I have no idea why it did this. I now have a 10mm wrench in my center console in case I ever need to disconnect the battery to force a reset in the future.

I hope others share their thoughts on this thread ...

 

[airline tech]

I have been watching the threads related to the mysterious issues with no start issues and then after 10 minutes or so it magically starts.
I am thinking it is a sticking relay.
PCM Power Relay - it is in the battery junction box - engine bay
If you have issues like this - try pulling and reinstalling that relay
This relay gets powered when drivers door is opened - you will hear the wastegate actuator cycle (noise) and this also gets powered with remote start and ignition switch cycle

Sometimes- relays stick , and when powered off , after the modules time out -(the 10 minute time period) the relay relaxes to normal (open) position - and then everything operates normally.
If you disconnect the battery- you are doing the same thing as pulling the relay- dropping power from the relay and letting it relax.
I have not had this issue yet, but am curious if I am correct in my theory.
So if issues like this - try the relay pull/install before you attempt jump starting.
There is another relay that ties into the situation and that one is the Run/Start Relay
This one would tie into the start remotely - put in drive and engine dies

 

[subquark]

I have been watching the threads related to the mysterious issues with no start issues and then after 10 minutes or so it magically starts.
I am thinking it is a sticking relay.
PCM Power Relay - it is in the battery junction box - engine bay
If you have issues like this - try pulling and reinstalling that relay
This relay gets powered when drivers door is opened - you will hear the wastegate actuator cycle (noise) and this also gets powered with remote start and ignition switch cycle

Sometimes- relays stick , and when powered off , after the modules time out -(the 10 minute time period) the relay relaxes to normal (open) position - and then everything operates normally.
If you disconnect the battery- you are doing the same thing as pulling the relay- dropping power from the relay and letting it relax.
I have not had this issue yet, but am curious if I am correct in my theory.
So if issues like this - try the relay pull/install before you attempt jump starting.
There is another relay that ties into the situation and that one is the Run/Start Relay
This one would tie into the start remotely - put in drive and engine dies

That's some great advice that I'll try to remember. So 10 minutes to relax is a reasonable solution for me if this happens again. I'll only panic if 15 minutes go by!

My relays are probably tense from the engine cover critters and all the peppermint oil I'm spraying all over the place! =p

Thanks for the valuable insight! =)

 

[ppfd]

Have them check the wiring in the steering column.
Ask me how I know ?

 

[Jc1981]

Completely random, but I walked out to start the truck and noticed it wouldn't unlock. I had both keys on me, tried both. Absolutely zero sign of anything. Used key to open driver door, turned key in ignition (mine is not a push-start) and nothing. Not a light, noise, or anything. Was COMPLETELY non-responsive. I sat thinking what the issue was, because I didn't leave any lights on and I had only been inside for about 30 minutes before coming back out - so I tried opening the Fordpass app on my phone and used the start button in the app. It started fine. Then I put the key in and it acknowledged me and is fine now.

Does anyone have any idea what the heck just happened and have pointers for me to prevent this down the road?

My 2021 Ranger XLT just did this same thing the other day.

 

[Dan Root]

My 2021 Ranger XLT just did this same thing the other day.

Well, the good news is… this happened to me a few times around when I posted this, but hasn’t happened again since. I still don’t know the cause, but having a solution like the app gives me peace. ?

 

[seasprite]

@airline tech, Think this could be an immobilizer issue? Maybe not seeing the FOB? Curious to know if there is any pids in Forscan to show a successful read.
Never mind just realized the key needs to be on for Forscan to work

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