99 Taurus cranks strong but will not start.

99 Taurus SE -

I have been having this problem form about 3 months now and it is becoming more frequent. The car will crank strong but just will not turn over. And after letting the car sit for about 5 hours it starts right up. Anyone have a clue to what could be causing this strange phenomenon?

What really confuses me that the not starting symptom discussed above is intermittent. It will start fine and perform fine for 4-5 starts. Then all of a sudden, crank and no start until it sits for 5 hours.

I feel it could be the fuel pump or filter but I have no idea how to test this theory. Does anyone have an easy way to test these components? I am not a mechanic, but the fuel filter especially makes sense to me becuase it is a device that can become cloged and unclogged gradually over time(say 5 hours to let debris settle) . Thats my uneducated guess anyway.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Alex

It'll cost you about $12 to replace the fuel filter. If you can slip two hoses off and two hoses on you can DIY.

It'll cost you about $12 to replace the fuel filter. If you can slip two hoses off and two hoses on you can DIY.

Well I guess I should give that a try. 12 dollars is not much to be out on. Do you know where the fuel filter is located?

on "most" cars the filter is along the side of the car you can see a hose with the filter on it, just get under the car, and it should be on the side that the fuel filler door is on just look for a hose with the filter on it

I'm having this same exact problem with my car. I'm going to try the fuel filter, but just in case... what might else cause this problem?

Wow, this is an old post.


Anyways taurass, my problem was the fule pump. I took it to a mechanic and they did some test and said it was the pump and not the filter. Of course, there is always the possibility that he was not telling the truth but I think he was. Anyways, it took me $500 dollars to get it going again. A little expensive but the pump itself cost around $400 dollars and he showed me the invoice for that. In any case, after the replacement of the fule pump the car started like a champ. Even quicker than before. I think if you have the mechanical apptitude then you should try the filter first to save the money. If not, then I suggest doing what I did to get it replaced (the pump). Best of luck!

k.

The have a fuel pump relay in the under hood electrical center they just plug in always try this before paying for a new pump. They are supposed to check for voltage to the pump before replacing it. A lot of mechanics will replace it then if it doesn't work put in a new relay. A talked to one man who had a new pump put in at the dealer and two weeks later it quit and it was a loose ground wire.