01 Tec' cranks - wont start

[Breeves002]

This is my aunt's car. 2001 Sable Duratec. Maintained well as far as I know.

I have read the no start guide. I'm a bit confused here. Car is 45mins away from me so I want to get ideas out before I go out there.

First the background: had a dead battery. Replaced it. Made clicking when trying to start. It cranks just fine now since the battery was replaced. She has had it die twice while the motor was running. Started after jumping. That was before the battery was replaced.

What's been checked and done;
-new battery, car cranks strong
-fuel pump primes every time (checked 10 times) She has no way to check the pressure unless I go do it for her.
-inertia switch checked and the button is depressed
-alternator was tested fine
-theft light doesn't flash when cranking
-tach doesn't move when cranking (not sure if this applies except on a scan tool though).
-foot to the floor, won't start
-a small amount of throttle applied, won't start.
-NO CEL and no driving symptoms before this happened. Cel does cycle KOEO.


So I think I didn't forget anything. NSS problem won't let you crank the motor at all, right?

Next steps and ideas? Check fuel pressure? Going to go out and try to help her if I must.

Thanks for the help.




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[JW657]

Originally Posted by Breeves002

This is my aunt's car. 2001 Sable Duratec. Maintained well as far as I know.

I have read the no start guide. I'm a bit confused here. Car is 45mins away from me so I want to get ideas out before I go out there.

First the background: had a dead battery. Replaced it. Made clicking when trying to start. It cranks just fine now. She has had it die twice while the motor was running. Started after jumping. That was before the battery was replaced.

What's been checked and done;
-new battery, car cranks strong
-fuel pump primes every time (checked 10 times) She has no way to check the pressure unless I go do it for her.
-inertia switch checked and the button is depressed
-alternator was tested fine
-theft light doesn't flash when cranking
-tach doesn't move when cranking (not sure if this applies except on a scan tool though).
-foot to the floor, won't start
-a small amount of throttle applied, won't start.
-NO CEL and no driving symptoms before this happened. Cel does cycle KOEO.


So I think I didn't forget anything. NSS problem won't let you crank the motor at all, right?

Next steps and ideas? Check fuel pressure? Going to go out and try to help her if I must.

Thanks for the help.




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Clicking would either be a weak battery or a starter going bad. This sounds just like what happened to my Windstar, battery died and after replacement there was no start, just crank. I ended up getting it to start the next morning. I had issues with fuel pressure and such. If you keep trying to start a car and the fuel pressure is good, then you might end up flooding the car, it isn't common with EFI systems but it usually happens if you crank the car a lot with a no start issue. Flooding can cause the car to not start. Pull the plugs and make sure they are not soaked. You need to check for spark and fuel pressure otherwise. The car probably won't start with the gas pedal to the floor, I know my van won't.

[Breeves002]

Thanks for the ideas. Pedal to the floor won't normally let it start but if the motor is flooded it sometimes helps.

I will check actual pressure and check spark and pull a plug when I can. I have to get to the car though.


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[Bull Geek]

WOT on any Taurus will only let the car crank. Car will not start with throttle wide open.

[Breeves002]

Originally Posted by Bull Geek

WOT on any Taurus will only let the car crank. Car will not start with throttle wide open.

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't know!


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[behlinla]

Check and make sure the warning lights work (CEL, THEFT, charging system, etc).

Check for any codes with your scan tool. This will also confirm the PCM is alive.

Test for fuel pressure with scan tool or gauge. Since the pump is working, make sure you have gas in the tank (you might add a few gallons to the tank to be sure).

Check for spark during cranking.

Check for RPM signal on scan tool during cranking

Try holding pedal half way (injection is disabled at WOT during cranking)

[Breeves002]

All lights work. CEL, theft (although doesn't flash when cranking), charging system, etc.

When I get out there I will try those things. PCM was replaced 5 years ago actually or I believe it was.

Did try cranking with the pedal down some of the way.


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[Breeves002]

What's the best way to check for spark during cranking? Screwdriver (grounded) to coil pack like a normal spark strength test or can you do it from the spark plug wire end?

I need to make sure the coil pack is actually plugged in correctly. No stored codes that I know of though. Will make sure when I go out there Wednesday.

[behlinla]

I like to test at the coil if possible because it rules out the wire. But you can test at either end.

Screwdriver grounded to the engine block will work. Keep your hand off the metal part.

Remember to always provide a path for the spark to prevent stressing the coil.

[Breeves002]

Okie dokie. Just a screwdriver and some copper wire to the engine block hopefully will work. Of course I won't touch the metal haha. Don't feel like getting zapped!

What socket size are our spark plugs?