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5.0 Won't start

  • Thread starter Thread starter TonyC5.0coupe
  • Start date Start date Jul 31, 2005
T

TonyC5.0coupe

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Apr 29, 2005
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Jul 31, 2005
#1
  • Jul 31, 2005
  • #1
Car has been running fine - all stock
Was low on fuel - thought I had enough, but stalled out...so I pushed it to the curb, got some more gas and no it turns over and won't start....sounds like it isnt gettin any fuel....87 5.0/5sp coupe...please help

tcorreia1@cogeco.ca
 

Paul Perreca

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Mar 30, 2005
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Jul 31, 2005
#2
  • Jul 31, 2005
  • #2
maybe for some reason the switch in the back of the car (behind taillights, behind the trim panels in trunk) was interupted. (dont know how you moved car) - second... Maybe your battery terminals are dirty, (may have nothing to do w/ it, but my explorer terminals were dirty and it just wouldnt start out of no where, it took me a new starter, and a new battery before i cleaned the terminal wires to figure out that was all it was, there goes over 175 dollars. )
Good luck, prob neither one of the things i said though.. Alot of people pump the gas pedal but i've never seen anyone get that to work w/ a fuel injected car, i dunno if pumpin gas will get the gas into the gas lines or not w/ a fuel injected - maybe your fuel pump went from sucking dry? Good luck man..
Paul Perreca
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
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Jul 31, 2005
#3
  • Jul 31, 2005
  • #3
Consult with Jrichker's no-start checklist.

I would want to establish if you have spark first. If so, check fuel pressure at the Schrader valve. Go from there.

Good luck.
 
S

Scorcher2005

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Apr 17, 2004
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Jul 31, 2005
#4
  • Jul 31, 2005
  • #4
are you hearing the fuel pump prime itself?
 

jrichker

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Aug 1, 2005
#5
  • Aug 1, 2005
  • #5
Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected Mustangs

1.) Remove push on connector from starter solenoid and turn ignition switch on. Place car in neutral or Park. Remove coil wire from distributor & and hold 3/8” away from engine block. Jumper the screw to the big bolt on the starter solenoid that has the battery wire connected to it. You should get a nice fat blue spark.
Most of the items are electrical in nature, so a test light, or even better, a voltmeter, is helpful to be sure they have power to them.
No spark, possible failed items in order of their probability:
A.) Coil
B.) TFI module
C.) PIP sensor in distributor
D.) ECC relay next to computer
E.) Fuse links in wiring harness
F.) Ignition switch
G.) Computer

2.) Spark at coil wire, pull #1 plug wire off at the spark plug and check to see spark. No spark, possible failed items in order of their probability:
A.) Moisture inside distributor – remove cap, dry off & spray with WD40
B.) Distributor cap
C.) Rotor
D.) Spark Plug wires
E.) Coil weak or intermittent - you should see 3/8" fat blue spark with a good coil

3.) Spark at spark plug, but no start.
Next, get a can of starting fluid (ether) from your local auto parts store: costs a $1.30 or so. Then pull the air duct off at the throttle body elbow, open the throttle, and spray the ether in it. Reconnect the air duct and try to start the car. Do not try to start the car without reconnecting the air duct.
Two reasons:
1.) If it backfires, the chance for a serious fire is increased.
2.) On Mass Air cars, the computer needs to measure the MAF flow once the engine starts.
If it starts then, you have a fuel management issue. Continue the checklist with emphasis of fuel related items that follow. If it doesn’t ,then it is a computer or timing issue: see Step 4.

Clue – listen for the fuel pump to prime when you first turn the ignition switch on. It should run for 5-20 seconds and shut off. To trick the fuel pump into running, find the ECC test connector and jump the connector in the lower RH corner to ground. See http://www.mustangworks.com/article...c-iv_codes.html for a description of the test connector. If the relay & inertia switch are OK, you will have power to the pump. Check fuel pressure – remove the cap from the schrader valve behind the alternator and depress the core. Fuel should squirt out, catch it in a rag. Beware of fire hazard when you do this. In pinch you can use a tire pressure gauge to measure the fuel pressure. It may not be completely accurate, but you will have some clue as to how much pressure you have.

No fuel pressure, possible failed items in order of their probability:
A.) Tripped inertia switch – Coupe & hatch cars hide it under the plastic trim covering the driver's side taillight. Use the voltmeter or test light to make sure you have power to both sides of the switch
B.) Fuel pump power relay – located under the driver’s seat in most stangs built before 92. On 92 and later model cars it is located below the Mass Air Flow meter.
C.) Clogged fuel filter
D.) Failed fuel pump
E.) Blown fuse link in wiring harness.
F.) Fuel pressure regulator failed. Remove vacuum line from regulator and inspect for fuel escaping while pump is running.

Fuel pressure OK, the injectors are not firing. A Noid light available from Autozone, is one way to test the injector wiring. I like to use an old injector with compressed air applied to the injector where the fuel rail would normally connect. I hook the whole thing up, apply compressed air to the injector and stick it in a paper cup of soapy water. When the engine cranks with the ignition switch on, if the injector fires, it makes bubbles. Cheap if you have the stuff laying around, and works good too.

A.) Pull an injector wire connector off and look for 12 volts on the red wire when the ignition switch is on.
B.) No power, then look for problems with the 10 pin connecter (salt & pepper shakers at the rear of the upper manifold).
C.) No power and the 10 pin connections are good: look for broken wiring between the orange/black wire on the ECC relay and the red wire for the 10 pin connectors.


4.) Spark & fuel pressure OK.
A.) Failed IAB (no airflow to start engine). Press the throttle ¼ way down and try to start the car.
B.) Failed computer (not very likely)
C.) Engine ignition or cam timing off only likely if the engine has been worked on recently).
D.) Firing order off: HO & 351 use a different firing order form the non HO engines.
 
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