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2006 p71 won't start

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CR

crowncrazy819OP

  • Member since May 2017
  • 3 posts
  • gatineau , XX, Canada
May 8, 2017 at 7:41 PM
hello everyone!
i am known as crowncrazy819 or jimcv819
i have a big issue with my p71
i am hoping someone can help me plz
she cranks but won't start
i have changed the alt, bat, 3 coils, sparkplugs, crank sensor, and feul pump all recently
i have checked wiring and fuses by eye, everything looks fine
checked relays for pump and pcm by swaping out with horn relay, ok
rpm does not move when cranking
dash lights go out when cranking then come back on
if you turn key on/off 3/4 times in a row lights go out, then you must wait a couple mins in off pos before they will come back on in on pos
anertia switch on/down pos in trunk
cannot hear pump prime but smells gas when cranked multiple times
this paint peeling x-cop car ran awsome until this happened. no signs of being sick.came out from store and she left me hanging!
i tried pluging my bluetooth diagnostic device ( phone ) to the car and get " cannot connect to ecu " as message, but yet works fine on other vehicles. no codes given.
i am wondering if it is not the pcm that is the problem
if so what is compatable with my 2006 crown vic p71
thx CC819
DN

dnevins

Oct 22, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Before you buy a PCM, check whether it is getting power. A tach that does not move while cranking, a pump that does not prime, and a reader that cannot connect are all things you would see from a PCM that is dead because its power or ground is missing, not only from a failed PCM.

Quick checks:
1. Turn the key to RUN and watch the check engine light. It normally comes on as a bulb check. If it stays dark, that leans toward a PCM that is not awake, but do not condemn or clear the PCM on that light alone. The deciding check is a test light on the PCM connector's power and ground pins.
2. Swapping in the horn relay was a good test, but also test the fuse that feeds the PCM power relay with a test light on both sides.
3. Check the PCM's ground connections and the PCM connector itself. It is held on by a center bolt; make sure it is snug and the pins are clean and dry.
4. A cheap Bluetooth reader that will not connect is not proof by itself. If the check engine light does come on, try a proper scan tool before condemning the PCM.

Dash lights dimming while the starter cranks is normal. Going fully dark is not, so also clean and tighten both battery cables at both ends and the engine to body ground. A connection that drops voltage during cranking can keep the PCM from running at all.

Dana
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