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2004 mercury sable starting problem?
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dragracer195794
New User
Jun 16, 2014, 5:20 PM
Post #1 of 5
(2649 views)
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2004 mercury sable starting problem?
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I have a 2004 sable with 140,000 miles on it. It is a single cam v-6 with automatic. First the problem. Sometimes it will not start. warm or cold.
Some of the tests I have done are fuel pressure test when it wont start. Good. check codes. None. Charge battery. Tested alt. Good. Now for the part that has me stumped. when I go to test for spark the car will start every time and run good. it has good spark every time. There is no pattern to it when it wont start. It is starting to get more frequent and is getting on my nerve. I called a local ford dealer and they had no ideas.
Do you think I could be losing a cam or crank sensor?
I am a diesel and heavy equipment mechanic. Any help would be much appreciated.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 16, 2014, 9:56 PM
Post #2 of 5
(2628 views)
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Re: 2004 mercury sable starting problem?
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OK - you have to find what is falling out WHEN it happens + during the failure which it hasn't done for you. It should have a code pending so a better code reading could lead the way to which circuit has the failure not just what part.
All crank and no start approached about the same. Vs diesel you need spark of course which could quit for a number of reasons not just crank and cam sensors but connections and an assortment of maybe items could be causing that.
Get a better enhanced code reading for now. Yup - this stuff is frustrating when it doesn't do it in front of you. If only starting and not quitting while already running even the ignition switch is in question or neutral safety switch. Yikes - hope code pending can show so it isn't just a parts tossing game,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 16, 2014, 10:28 PM
Post #3 of 5
(2623 views)
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Re: 2004 mercury sable starting problem?
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Here is the complete troubleshooting procedure. You have done some but not all.
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.
Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.
These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.
1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.
2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.
3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.
Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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dragracer195794
New User
Jun 17, 2014, 1:58 PM
Post #4 of 5
(2588 views)
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Re: 2004 mercury sable starting problem?
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I have a solus pro scanner and there are no pending codes. Everything is within speck once car starts. I checked it with a noid light and there was a good pulse and good fuel pressure during the no start today. I tried pulling the number one plug wire off the plug not the coil pack. It had spark and the car started after it tried to fire number one, 6 or 7 times.
Thank you for the response Tom any info is good.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 18, 2014, 12:39 AM
Post #5 of 5
(2564 views)
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Re: 2004 mercury sable starting problem?
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Which engine? DOHC or OHV?
You may need to go high tech on this and use a lab scope to view injector current, coil secondary, cam signals, and crank signals all the same time when it doesn't want to start.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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