Diagnosis Help Needed...died while driving, won't start!!

[rmf33_ls]

Hello,
(2005 V8 sport with 160K miles)

Was driving to work about 10 days ago and she died on the exit ramp....engine cut out, still had electrical power. Wouldn't restart in about 20 attempts...while waiting for tow truck it did start once (after about 20 min) for about 8 seconds.
Had a mechanic over (private, no dealer who used to work at ford for 15 years) who looked it over and thought it was the fuel pump as he didn't hear it coming on or pumping and spraying some starter fluid in got it to turn over so seemed like a fuel issue. The next day I did get it to start for about 25 seconds, but I had to keep my foot on the gas to keep the throttle up as it was running very tough till it cut out. Mechanic thought it might have been a last gasp of the fuel pump as it had cooled over night.

Had him replace the fuel pump & filter; still would not start...checked all fuses, recharged the battery; even replaced the inertia switch; still no start.

Noticed it seemed the PATS light was flashing fast and consistently when in run position so had it towed to dealer to look into that. Dealer (Ford dealer) has been tearing through it and can't figure it out. Here is what they emailed me they have done so far....not the most detailed write up, but they are closed for the weekend so I can't get more right now.

*****************
* Verified no start - cranking.
* Performed initial test and found no communication at this time to PCM ABS
etc. - possible wiring - module.
* network is down and emergency brake is on and unable to communicate so can
not shut off to move vehicle
* Battery is dead and charged - in trunk
* tried disconnecting RCM,Throttle Body,cam solenoid,GEM module,and EGR
still no communication
* Pulled apart dash to access Front module & shifter - need to access ABS module
* Fan staying on high.
* Towed into shop.
*
* Pulled wiper cowl and access PCM disconnect & still no communication - network down
* Pulled right front fender well - pulled apart dash for instrument cluster
and disconnect and still no network.
* Removed front kick panel left side found front electrical module - note
used part writing on it (** I had this replaced about 5 yrs ago and been running fine)
* Also found water in left rear trunk on harness/very wet -
cleaned area and connection and still all the same

****************************

I know this might not be the best info to go on (and I have no voltage readings anywhere), but am hoping someone might have some thoughts on what they should look at next. They have paused here to see which way to go next due to the age of the car and the expense I could be looking at for them to finish diagnosis and then possible costs if found to be a chip module.
They are basically following a ford playbook and do not have extensive knowledge like all of you so I was hoping we could get pointed in a better direction and/or advice.

I'd prefer to have it fixed if I could as I don't feel like restarting a car payment and I don't like too much of what I see out on the roads these days, but since it's a 2005 with 160K on it I don't want to be spending $3-4K either.

Thanks in advance for the assistance!

 

[joegr]

Sounds like you need someone better at diagnosis and not someone just throwing parts at it. There is no excuse for replacing a good fuel pump. It is easy to test, with it still in the tank.

By the sound of it, your PCM (and maybe a few other things) is not getting power. There is a very limited number of possibilities for this (start with the PCM relay and relay socket, look for corrosion), and it should not be nearly this hard to figure it out.

 

[medphys]

Yep , what Joe said, should have come here asap. You can access LVC on you phone while you wait for tow and find out what you need to know before guessing. Search...almost everything that ever slows this car down or stops it has been experienced and solved right here, I know for a fact cause I'm on my 3rd LS.

 

[rmf33_ls]

Sounds like you need someone better at diagnosis and not someone just throwing parts at it. There is no excuse for replacing a good fuel pump. It is easy to test, with it still in the tank.

By the sound of it, your PCM (and maybe a few other things) is not getting power. There is a very limited number of possibilities for this (start with the PCM relay and relay socket, look for corrosion), and it should not be nearly this hard to figure it out.

Hi Joe, thanks for replying. I agree and don't like it either, but I'm not a car expert and am left having to work with what the mechanics are telling me unfortunately. This is my 2nd LS and I had the extended warranty on both so most of the work I've had done over the years was at the dealership...and other than coils, a rack and a few other small items I haven't had many issues. I called the Lincoln dealership and they said they don't work on that many LS's anymore and figured they'd be following the same stuff that the Ford dealership was doing. (had gone to Ford originally as they could take in quicker and was 20 miles closer on the tow)
I'd prefer to be a bit more specific at this point with the Ford guys in what to do next. They seem willing to listen and are trying to work with me on diagnostic costs, but I'm not looking for them to be all over the place. So with the PCM, is there voltage testing to be done? Replace it and go from there? What other specific steps should I direct them to do/check? You mention there are limited possibilities.....what are they beyond the PCM?

I've looked around the site at some of the similar issues, but a lot of them seem to be issues where they screwed something up with a custom sound installation which I haven't done.

Thanks again, your insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[joegr]

Yes, start with a voltage check at all of the power inputs to the PCM, specifically, pins 32, 33, and 44.