in a '01 4.6 HSE? It cranks but does not start. Thanks in advance

 

Have you checked for spark yet?
Remove one spark plug, reattach the spark plug wire and have a friend crank it over while you watch for the spark plug to spark.

 

If you do what Spike says do not forget to ground the plug base while doing it otherwise it will not spark. I am not sure what the message means since I have never seen it. You always have to look for fuel spark and air, if one of those is missing then it will not run. If it does not have spark it could be either a coil or the CPS. If there is spark bu no fuel then it could be a relay, fuse or fuel pump. If it has no air then it is a filter or a MAF. Let us know what you find.

 

Does it crank over?

 

transfer box overheat. but its possible its an issue with becm especially since the box isn't overheated

 

said that some kind of clunk occured when he first encountered the box overheat message. I bought it as a project. The car is low miles 75k. From what I've read there could be a lot of things. Coils, wires, BECM. I guess I have to get used to it. Just don't know where to stop. Thanks for the replies guys.

 

We are going to need more info.... It sounds like it cranks, but is there fuel and or spark!? Does it stutter or try to start? That fault you listed could be just a low battery. Also, where are you located, USA, UK, Africa, etc... This will determine if its an immobilizer issue. Has it thrown any OBD fault codes? My first thought is the possibility of a crank shaft position sensor problem, as they seem to go out a lot on the BOSCH models.