I/O pin default low.

[richard]

this will do it

ansela = ~ 16
lata     = ~ 16
trisa    = ~ 16

but i doubt its the actual problem, i suspect you are most likely driving the mosfet improperly

[pescador]

Electronically I am driving it correctly.. its actually only driving an npn transistor..

Somehow my program is restarting when I introduce an input.

[pescador]

this will do it

ansela = ~ 16
lata     = ~ 16
trisa    = ~ 16

but i doubt its the actual problem, i suspect you are most likely driving the mosfet improperly

you are correct - with transistor out, it works - the transistor turns on the fet which has a load. With no load the code works - with load the program resets because the PIC output pin cant drive it on startup. Once its on and a load is then applied it works...

So I guess the question is how do I get the PIC to work with load already on.

[richard]

So I guess the question is how do I get the PIC to work with load already on.

provide more detail and a schematic to begin with

[pescador]

attached pdf

[richard]

that's a fairly standard sort of high-side switch that I would expect to be ok.

given that pic i/p leakage current is typically 100nA~ish MAX either R4 is not what is depicted
or your code is not as described [bootloader maybe].
you could try a smaller R4

Thats about all i can see

Somehow my program is restarting when I introduce an input.

is a different story, a big heavy load needs a good power supply and adequate filtering
together with a proper layout to prevent noise affecting the logic circuits