mustang turns over won't start

stephenwilson18

New Member
Feb 15, 2006
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car will start and run for a split second. Thought it might be a fuel issue, but it has spark. We have another mustang there that did the same thing when we put a different IAC Valve on it. Thought that might have been the issue but when we switched it did the same thing. Has power to the fuel pump and has a new ignition switch on the column and under the hood. Also had a friend hook up his hand held diagnostic equip and the car would shut it down after it started to actually fire. Fuel line shrader valve spits fuel but the pump does not whine at all. I know some don't whine. Please help. Tired of screwing with it.
 
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Just a thought, did you have any problems installing the ignition switch? Did the car not start right after switch install? Switches are tricky to install They provide power to ignition at Start and Run position only not Off (regards to contact slider thingy). Any wires pop out of the connector that may have been put back in wrong place?

Turn switch from off to Run and have friend listen for fuel pump cycling on for about 1-3 seconds.

What exactly did you install under the hood recently?
 
Your engine needs 4 things to fire. I don't care if it's EFI, Carb, TBI, whatever.

1. Air
2. Fuel (gasoline)
3. Fire (spark)
4. Compression

Your probally getting air, if your not, then it's either something blocking it, or the IAC is stuck closed. Open the throttle a little when you crank it, but just a little.

2. Fuel, it should have pressure and flow. A weak fuel pump might be able to get it to crank, but not maintain enough flow to keep it running. A bad ignition module, pickup, or even a ECM may prevent the fuel injectors from spraying, or not turn on the pump. So start by making sure these are working.

3. Spark, which is easy to tell if you have. The only thing is that you need to be sure it's sparking clear to the electrode. If you have no spark of fuel, suspect the ignition system.

4. Compession. Chances are this is not it. However, no spark, but fuel can wash the rings and lead to bad compression.
 
Glaze said:
Any codes posted from friends diagnostic tool?
it kicks the comp that is hooked up to the car off as soon as i turn the switch on

nothing has been added lately as in the last few months, but the car is a 306 with gt-40 intake upper and lower, trickflow aluim heads, 75mm throttle body, f303 cam, mass air and that few other details that more than likely wouldnt have anything to do with it, i just pulled in the driveway sat and the car just cut off and would fire but not continue so i added all the ign but still doing the same thing
 
90mustangGT said:
Your engine needs 4 things to fire. I don't care if it's EFI, Carb, TBI, whatever.

1. Air
2. Fuel (gasoline)
3. Fire (spark)
4. Compression

Your probally getting air, if your not, then it's either something blocking it, or the IAC is stuck closed. Open the throttle a little when you crank it, but just a little.

2. Fuel, it should have pressure and flow. A weak fuel pump might be able to get it to crank, but not maintain enough flow to keep it running. A bad ignition module, pickup, or even a ECM may prevent the fuel injectors from spraying, or not turn on the pump. So start by making sure these are working.

3. Spark, which is easy to tell if you have. The only thing is that you need to be sure it's sparking clear to the electrode. If you have no spark of fuel, suspect the ignition system.

4. Compession. Chances are this is not it. However, no spark, but fuel can wash the rings and lead to bad compression.


1.bought another IAC after it broke down

2. havent tried that yet, how would i go about?

3. checked the spark and that is fine

4. yea the car has compession

i was at a stop sign and when i took off thats when i first felt it seem like it wanted to stall but it kept going till i reached my house and as soon as i pressed the clutch in it cut off and hasnt hit a lick since

thanks for u alls help
 
I say its the fuel pump...turn the key to run...go to the data link connector where u pull the codes and run a wire or paper clip from the bottom right slot (the bottom as in widest flattest part of the connector) stick it in the slot and run the other end to any ground, the chassis or anything and go back to the gas tank and u should hear the fuel pump buzzing away.
 
Black1987Stang said:
I say its the fuel pump...turn the key to run...go to the data link connector where u pull the codes and run a wire or paper clip from the bottom right slot (the bottom as in widest flattest part of the connector) stick it in the slot and run the other end to any ground, the chassis or anything and go back to the gas tank and u should hear the fuel pump buzzing away.

yup tried that also
 
I'd run down JRichker's 'cranks but no-start checklist'. This will allow you to systematically troubleshoot the systems, rather than jump around and possibly miss something.

Good luck.
 
Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected Mustangs

Revised 18-Oct-2006 to include TFI fault during crank/run cycle.
All text applies to all models unless stated otherwise.

Note: 94-95 specific changes are in red

1.) Remove push on connector from starter solenoid and turn ignition switch on. Place car in neutral or Park and set the parking brake. Remove the coil wire from distributor & and hold it 3/8” away from the 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.) MSD or Crane ignition box if so equipped
B.) Coil
C.) TFI module
D.) PIP sensor in distributor. See paragraph 3A - a noid light will tell if the pip is working by flashing when the engine is cranking.
E.) No ECC or computer power - ECC or computer relay failure
86-93 models only: ECC relay next to computer - look for 12 volts at the fuel injector red wires
94-95 models only: EEC or PCM power relay in the constant control relay module. Look for 12 volts at the fuel injector red wires.
F.) No ECC or computer power - fuse or fuse link failure
86-93 models only: Fuse links in wiring harness - look for 12 volts at the fuel injector red wires. All the fuse links live in a bundle up near the starter solenoid.
94-95 models only: 20 amp EEC fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. Look for 12 volts at the fuel injector red wires.
G.) Ignition switch - look for 12 volts at the ignition coil red/lt green wire.
H.) Computer
J.) Engine fires briefly, but dies immediately when the key is released to the Run position. Crank the engine & when it fires off, pull the small push on connector (red wire) off the starter relay (Looks like it is stuck on a screw). Hold the switch in the crank position: if it continues to run there is a problem with either the ignition switch or TFI module. Check for 12 volts at the red/green wire on the coil with the switch in the Run position. Good 12 volts, then replace the TFI.

See the following links for wiring diagrams...

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/16/71/3c/0900823d8016713c.jsp for 79-88 model cars
Computer/fuel pump/ignition wiring diagram, 86 model http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d80167158.gif
Computer/fuel pump/ignition wiring diagram, 87 model http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d8016715e.gif
Computer/fuel pump/ignition wiring diagram, 88 model http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d80167162.gif

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/19/59/5a/0900823d8019595a.jsp for 89-93 model cars
Computer/fuel pump/ignition wiring diagram, 89-90 cars http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d8019595f.gif
Computer/fuel pump/ignition wiring diagram, 91-93 cars
http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d80195960.gif

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1d/db/3c/0900823d801ddb3c.jsp for 94-98 model cars

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 Upper RH corner to ground.
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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. Look for 12 volts at the Pink/Black wire on the fuel pump relay.
C.) Clogged fuel filter
D.) Failed fuel pump
E.) 86-93 models only: Blown fuse link in wiring harness. Look for 12 volts at the Orange/Lt Blue wire on the fuel pump relay. The fuse links live in the wiring harness near the starter solenoid.
94-95 models only: 20 amp fuel pump fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. Look for 12 volts at the Dark green/yellow wire on the constant control relay module.
F.) Fuel pressure regulator failed. Remove the vacuum line from the regulator and inspect for fuel escaping while the pump is running.

Fuel pressure OK, the injectors are not firing.

A.) A Noid light available from Autozone, is one way to test the injector wiring.
B.) 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 from the non HO engines.
HO & 351W 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Non HO 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
E.) No start when hot - Press the throttle to the floor & try starting it if you get this far. If it starts, replace the ECT.