Experiencing a no-start issue with your 1997-2003 Ford F-150 can be incredibly frustrating. Modern vehicles, even those from the late 90s and early 2000s, rely heavily on their onboard computer systems to function correctly. When something goes wrong, accessing this computer, often referred to as the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM), is crucial for effective diagnosis. This is where a quality scan tool becomes indispensable for any 97-03 F150 owner.
Recently, while preparing my own 2003 F-150 7700 SC for some heavy hauling, I ran into a no-start situation. Like many DIYers, my first steps involved the basics: fuses, relays, and visual inspections. Armed with a fuse tester and a test light, I dove into the electrical system, referencing both online resources and my trusty repair manuals.
One initial discovery was a potential misdiagnosis on my part. I suspected a blown spark plug, a common concern. However, upon closer inspection under the hood, I found that the Coil-On-Plug (COP) for cylinder #6 was loose. It turned out that a previous owner hadn’t properly tightened the hold-down bolt, and road grit had further contributed to it working its way loose. A quick trip to the junkyard for a replacement bolt, followed by cleaning out the bolt hole with compressed air and WD-40, seemed like it might solve the problem.
