2001 Cranks no Start after Instrument panel work

[TimmyG]

I have a 2001 4x4 4.0 that the odometer stopped working. I pulled the gage cluster cleaned and checked the odometer gears. No issues there. When I replaced the panel now the engine just cranks and doesn't start. Any ideas if the removal of the panel could have tripped something? I've pulled the panel back out and checked everything was plugged back in and all looks good but still won't start. Always started just fine before this gage work.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

2001 has PATS(passive anti-theft system)
On the dash there is a THEFT light that will flash every 5-8 seconds or so when key is off and out
This light should come on with key on and then go off
If it starts to flash rapidly then PATS has disabled Startup
You don't mention that, and in 2001 PATS is not part of the cluster, except for the light bulb

No, in a 2001 Ranger any cluster work shouldn't cause a crank/no start issue, electrically

 

[TimmyG]

Thanks for the fast response. Yes, the Theft light flashes about every 3 seconds with the key out. When I insert the key it lights up. The engine cranks just acts like its not getting any fuel. When I fist tried to start it the Theft light was rapidly flashing but hasn't done that the last several times I've tried to start it.

 

[RonD]

Disconnect battery's Negative Cable for 5 minutes
Long shot

If you try to start engine 3 or 4 times with rapid flashing THEFT light PATS goes into "Lock Down" mode, thinks its a theft attempt
So 90min timer starts, and restarts after each key attempt to start

Unhooking the battery at that time doesn't help, 90min timer has capacitor/battery backup
But I assume its been much longer than 90min since last attempt, so unhooking the battery now for 5 min might reset the whole system

Also try 50/50 test
Spray fuel into the engine and try to start
If it starts, runs and dies, then fuel delivery problem
If it doesn't start then its a Spark problem
50/50 instant results

PATS only disables fuel system, injectors and pump in the tank
Do you hear the fuel pump in the tank run for 2 seconds with key on?
Its not quiet

 

[TimmyG]

Thanks for your help. I found the issue. Fuse #43 had a broken leg. I had done voltage checks across the fuse but didn't pull it. Just strange that it failed at the same time I was doing the dash work.
Thanks again for your help!
it.