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1988 Sable won't start in the cool AMs but will in the afternoons


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wyosargirl
New User

Sep 17, 2011, 11:49 AM

Post #1 of 2 (1099 views)
1988 Sable won't start in the cool AMs but will in the afternoons Sign In

My 1988 Mercury Sable 3.0 has 78,000 miles on it and has been giving me starting troubles the past month or so. It won't start in the mornings when it's cooler but it will start just fine in the afternoons when it warms up. We've tested the battery, alternator and starter and they're fine. We've also changed out the air charge sensor and will be changing the map sensor this afternoon. What else can I do to fix this?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Sep 17, 2011, 12:46 PM

Post #2 of 2 (1076 views)
Re: 1988 Sable won't start in the cool AMs but will in the afternoons Sign In

   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.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

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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