starting problems

I have a 2001 Taurus 3.0 ohv (vulcan) with intermittent starting problems. No codes stored. New battery and battery cables. The alternator has been bench tested twice and passed both times. Same with the starter. The only way I can get the car started is with a jump, doesn't make much sense with a new battery. After it has been jumped it will start the next 4 or 5 times, after that it needs another jump. Has anyone had similar problems or heard of this problem? Help please.

Were the battery and cables replaced as a result of this issue, or did the issue start after the battery and cables were replaced?

You might try shifting to neutral next time it won't start and see if it will start that way.

What are the symptoms when it won't start - single loud click, rapid series of clicks, no sound and all lights go out, etc.?

-Rod

Thanks for the fast reply.

1) The battery and cables were replaced because of the problem.

2) I've tried putting the trans. in all gears and starting, the engine will still only crank and not start. The engine cranks in neutral and park but still won't start. No crank with the trans in gear, I guess that eliminates the TPS, not sure.

3) The engine makes a cranking sound like it should start, but no start. All accessories work like they should, headlights, radio, etc. I did however notice that the power windows were a lot slower, like they weren't getting enough juice.

Give it a shot of starting fluid, if it runs for a few seconds you have a fuel problem.

You could also bang on the gas tank with a 2x4 or rubber mallet to see if that jars the fuel pump free to run again, if so replace fuel pump.

Go to autozone, oriellys, etc and check out their loan a tool program to rent a fuel pressure tester.

:sly:
Are the battery wires stock or did you get them aftermarket because long story short they may have a higher resistance causing the car to intermittantly not start

Decided to take it in to have it diagnosed. Mechanic said it was the fuel pump, so I decided to do the job myself. Apparently the part of the pump that maintains pressure in the line, while the engine is off, was broken. That is why it wouldn't start most of the time but would work once the car was running. Tried 2 pumps from the junkyard, neither worked, So I ordered one from NAPA. The mechanic said the Airtex ($281) brand from Autozone and other retailers worked about half of the time. So I ordered a Bosch ($299) from NAPA because the mechanic recommended it. Hope it works.

It won't be in until Thursday. I'll post the results.