OK-I'm no expert, but here's the skinny from a layman's POV-

About a month-and-a-half ago, my 99 Exp started acting up when I tried to start it, especially after very short trips. It would turn like crazy, just not turn over. It sounded like the time I tried to use a key I'd had made when the anti-theft fuel cutoff engaged.

Anyway, it acted up for a couple of days, and then it went away. I took it to the parts place and we got lean O2 sensor codes, but that was it.

Yesterday, I had another short trip (less than 5 minutes) and the damn thing did it again. It's weird, but both times, opening the hood seemed to help resolve the issue (I was thinking vapor lock, but not now). Anyway, after about 20 minutes, I finally got the thing started and got it home. This morning, same thing--but this time it won't start-I think it's done. I've used every trick I know to get it to turn over and it ain't happenin'.

My issue is I don't know whether it's the ignition system or the fuel system. What's the best way to determine where the problem lies (now that it's basically a boat anchor and I can't get it to the store for codes)? O2 sensors wouldn't create this kind of issue, would they? I've mentioned fuel filter to some folks and they seem to think that's very unlikely (said it would likely push through).

Anyway, help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Could very well be the fuel filter. With the lean O2 sensors basically saying it's getting to much air, not enough fuel. I think changing it out would be a good place to start.

 

Thanks. Just got back with one. I'll give it a shot in the morning. If that doesn't do it, I'm going to pull the tank and check the gas for water or other junk. If that doesn't do it, I'm going to put in a new fuel pump. And if that doesn't do it, I'm gonna shoot it ;-)

 

Be sure to let us know how things turn out. Even if you have to shoot it.

 

Don't know if you've noticed this post or not but it might help you with some tips for your filter change out. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...el-filter.html

 

I am confused. It would turn like crazy, just not turn over. Is the starter spinning, but the engine isn't? It doesn't take much fuel pressure to start and idle, so normally a fuel filter isn't the culprit in this instance. Need more info. Any codes? Thanks
Tommy

 

Once it starts, does it run smoothly?

 

What he said

Terminology can be hard to decipher on some of these posts.

Before you start throwing parts at it, I'd determine if there is a fuel issue or spark issue.

When you first turn the ignition key to the run position (don't turn the key to the start postion) can you hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds? If not, check the fuel pump fuse to see if its blown. If you can hear the fuel pump, cycle the key a few times between run and off, and then see if it will start. If it won't start, pop the hood and depress the schrader valve in the fuel rail to see if there is any fuel pressure. (Careful, if there is fuel pressure there, watch out that you don't get it in the face.) That should give you an indication of weather or not you have a fuel issue.

When you turn the ignition key to run, does the CEL turn on? And when you try and start the engine does the CEL turn off while you are cranking the engine over? If the CEL stays on while cranking, you might be looking at a crank sensor issue. If the CEL turns off while cranking, you need to check for a spark while cranking.

That should get you looking in the right place to locate the problem . . . .

 

Wow--thanks so much for the advice folks. I've checked the relay and the fuse and both are fine. The spark issue is my next path if the fuel doesn't turn out to be the problem (but as you'll see, it started and ran for awhile (and well) before I got all cocky earlier today).

Sorry I'm not that familiar with the terminology. What it sounds like is it's out of gas (or as I said, the anti-theft gas cutoff has been activated). I did the fuel filter--as much because it's way over-due as I was hopeful that was the problem. Damn thing worked, too--long enough for me to start it, start it again, have lunch, start it again, and drive down to the store and put in $40 worth of gas. That, and a $55 towing charge later, and I've got 'er back home, prepping for surgery first thing in the morning. Siphoning the gas is going to be a pain in the kiester, but after cogitating about how to get a 4-foot hose to reach down a 5-foot twisty-windy filler tube for awhile, I decided to go ahead and check out the underneath and voila! There was that short tank hose that's going to get out of my way first thing tomorrow and let me siphon out all that new gasoline (10 gallons to the wife's car and 5 in the can should do it). Boy does that black come off that hose! My hands were solid pitch black. Will probably get the big "C" from that crap in a few years.

When I pulled the lines to put in the new filter, there wasn't ANY spillage--inflow or outflow line which leads me to think it's the pump--but I'm going to pull it, give the tank a good cleaning and inspection (can't hurt, can it? Plus, I'm a teacher and "stuff in the gas tank" vandalism wouldn't be out of the question, unfortunately), and take the pump in for testing tomorrow (and no, I don't hear it when I turn the key on). If I could get the thing to the store (or had I known it was going to take a dump on me, I could have even driven there this morning), I could get the codes--but I'm not into this do-it-yourself stuff enough to spring for a reader--at least not yet. Looking at the Haynes list for "engine rotates but will not start", I may be here 'til next Spring, but I'm sure we'll 'gitter done.'

Thanks for your patience--like I said, I'm not an expert--probably not even a good novice--but I love doin' this stuff on the weekends (love that Haynes!). Oh, and don't worry--I really love this car--just one of those love-hate relationships. I talk about shootin' her, but I'd never do it. I don't think. Well, more than likely not, anyway...

 

Thats odd that you didn't get any fuel leakage from either direction when you pulled the gas filter. Towards the engine I can understand that the fuel pump may have evacuated the gas line during cranking. If its blocked, it sounds like its some where from the tank to the filter.

 

Changing the filter could have allowed flow to resume to the engine, then you could have plugged up your new filter again. So pulling the tank might not be a bad idea to see if you got anything in there, given your profession. I hope it's not sugar, that can cause major problems with an engine. If I were you while you got the thing apart, I would just buy a new pump and install it v.s. putting the old one back in. It may save you from having to do it all over again later. I don't know if they make them for these vehicles or not but you should defiantly look into getting a locking gas cap, there again, given your profession.

 

Speaking of that, what happens with sugar? Will the gas come out looking like syrup or something? Or do you test it (like putting some in a cup and letting the gas evaporate?)

 

Not ever having any experiance with this happening to myself, I can't really say. I did have a friend one time that this happened to and he ended up replacing his whole engine as a result. Hopefully (if that's the problem) it didn't make it that far in yours. You might be able to tell by pulling the gas cap and looking for sugar granuals around that area.

 

Here's an artical on the effects of sugar in the gas. You might be ok after all. http://www.snopes.com/autos/grace/sugar.asp

 

I would perform a fuel pressure test BEFORE I dropped the fuel tank. In my opinion a 99 is too new to be all gunked up, but that's just my opinion. Good idea to know what your fuel pressure is prior to fuel system maintenance anyway. Cheers

Tommy