98' Taurus (car) no start problem

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May 6, 2009 | 01:20 PM

hojolabo

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From: H/Lk. & S.E. Michigan

98' Taurus (car) no start problem

I know its not a truck, but!!! it is a Ford
No pressure to the fuel rail and no power at the trunk relay, checked all the fuses and relays under the hood, all checked O'K. Any suggestions where else to look ?
Ran fine when I parked it, it sat several months and the battery died, replaced it and here I am.
I know somebody here will be able to help somehow, I posted the same on a Taurus forum but didn't get the response as I do here.
Thanks, Howard

May 11, 2009 | 11:46 PM

fmc400

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From: Austin, TX

Almost sounds like the fuel pump inertia shut-off switch was tripped.

May 13, 2009 | 08:42 AM

hojolabo

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From: H/Lk. & S.E. Michigan

98' Taurus no start problem

I believe this inertia switch is the one in the trunk that I reset after changing the battery. However, upon checking further I found there was no power to either wire that came to the switch. Both the fuse and relay are in working order. Any idea where I might look from here?
Sorry for the delay in thanking you for the response, I changed e-mails and forgot to change it here.
Thanks for your help, Howard

May 14, 2009 | 12:21 AM

fmc400

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Austin, TX

I would see if you could track down a wiring diagram for this vehicle, perhaps a Chilton's manual or a factory service book. There may be an oil pressure cut-off switch or something similar that is cutting power to the fuel pump.

May 14, 2009 | 12:46 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Simi Valley, CA

helminc.com

1998 Taurus/Sable Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual

Item number: FCS1212398 / $26.00
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1998 Taurus/Sable Shop Manual

Item number: FCS1205598 / $55.00

This is just two examples of what Helm has for 1998 Taurus/Sable.

These are the original FACTORY manuals, the exact same ones all the FoMoCo dealers use. Helm has printed all of Ford's literature since the 1940's.
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I would think the peeps on the Taurus forum would know about Helm. But it seems....obviously not.

May 14, 2009 | 06:27 AM

hojolabo

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From: H/Lk. & S.E. Michigan

98' Taurus no start problem

Thanks guy's for your help, I'll let you know what I come up with, although it may be awhile since its a second car and I'm short on time currently. But Thanks!!
Howard

May 15, 2009 | 08:36 PM

hojolabo

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From: H/Lk. & S.E. Michigan

98' Taurus no start...... started

Thanks guys, just an update.
Went to Ford service today and got to talk to a mechanic who was more than helpful. His thought was that a relay was sticking and gave me two to take home and try, well no luck there. Upon returning them to him he said he would come over after work and take a look, sure enough he showed up rechecked the fuses got in the car and started the dam thing right up.
"When I asked what he did he said that he turned the ignition on and off a couple times then hit the starter".....wala.
I told him I had done the same thing earlier when I installed his relays and didn't have the same skill as he.
He wouldn't take any $$ and said to keep his cell no. and if i needed him again, just call. He said that since it had set for several months that this wasn't unheard of.

Hows that for a good Samaritan ?