My daughter's 2005 500 won't start. New starter, new PCM, replaced the relay/fuse and nothing. Won't even crank. Won't start with a jump. It can be started by bypassing the ignition and connecting directly to the new starter. Have tried 2 different PCMs...one from salvage and local mechanic coulnd't program it then I ordered one from FlagshipOne, which came pre-programmed and that didn't solve it.

Local mechanic cannot find the issue. Not thrilled to take it to the local Ford dealer as they'll charge $150 to just lift the hood.

Any suggestions?

 

You will likely need to get your new PCM to program first, check PAT system in diagram below. In the meantime buy something like Innova 3630 Remote Starter Switch.

 

For diagnostic purposes you can bypass PAT system easily. I'd depin terminal 2 at PCM, the circuit 329 (PK wire), then connect a new wire to this PK wire to extend it, and ground it to chassis ground. On other Ford vehicles without PAT system, this PK wire is always grounded to chassis. Why you depin at PCM instead of BJB (where your starter relay connects to) because at PCM you depin and add a new wire (a dozen ways to add without cutting), at BJB you have to depin and repin to add, and your new wire doesn't have the exact same terminal crimped for you to repin back to BJB.
If bypassing PAT doesn't help, we can look elsewhere.