Hi Scotty, I'm driving an 2003 Ford explorer xlt 4.0 with 183,000+ miles. Few days ago i was in a car wash and after I was done it would not start or shift into gear. The shift lever was broke and I ended up replacing the whole steering column with a used part out of an 04 ford explorer. All lights and radio works but still no start. The pcm power relay clicks when attempting to start. There also a clicking noise under the driver side dash. Unsure of this clicking noise. Also the starter and solenoid has not worked or made any type of noise.
I like to know what to do to get it started. Also is it possible using the used steering column triggered some type of a security alarm. This is my daily and very much need it for work.
Please help, much appreciated.
Check that the neutral safety switch is working.
Tap on the starter with a hammer while someone holds the key in the start position. If it turns over, you need a new starter.
It is likely security/immobilizer problem with the steering column switch.
Do you have a different ignition lock and key or did you transfer the original ignition lock over to the replacement steering column?
I used the lock and key that was on the new/used steering column. I still have the original lock and key on the old column. I thought about switching them. But before I changed columns it was doing the same thing. So I assumed that wasn't the issue. Is this something I should still try?
The vehicle came equipped with what Ford calls PATS (passive anti theft system) The keys have a transponder chip that has to be programmed to to work with the PCM (power control module) or the engine won't start. I suspect this is the clicking noise under the drivers side dash you referred to. Here is a good explanation of PATS. https://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/ford-pats-antitheft-system/
There are a few options here:
Swap the ignition locks with their correct transceivers and use the keys that originally came with the vehicle
Have the new keys reprogrammed to work with your vehicle if they are PATS keys. Probably the most costly solution.
Use a non transponder key to start the engine while holding a correct transponder key near the ignition lock. Two different transponder keys won't work. There are a lot of Youtube videos on how to bypass transponder systems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8kAHX1HCPk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vv2YX24fWw
Since the engine was not starting before changing the steering column, there obviously was another reason. Possibly something with the neutral safety switch as suggested by @chucktobias since the shift lever was broken and wouldn't go into gear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B08PNuz6RVY
You'll have to get the key issue straightened out to go any further. Good luck. Please let me know how it goes.