Intermittent No Start 2001 Windstar

[Mark_p]

Symptom: Driving the vehicle for at least 1/2 hour. If I turn off the engine (5 - 10) minutes, intermittently I get a No Start. Turning the key to ON, I don't hear the 'whinning' of the fuel pump, the engine will crank. If I leave it sit for 15 - 20 minutes, it will start. No fault codes. Had the dealer scan the engine, no error / fault codes found. They could not reproduce. Options are to replace Fuel Pump, but no guarantee that will fix this problem.

Looking for any advice on how to better diagnose this symptom before I go through the expense of swapping parts to see what will resolve.

[12Ounce]

I would first replace the "fuel pump relay" in the fuse/relay box next to the battery. Refer to the glove box manual to identify the relay. Replace only with with a new relay, not used, to avoid more analysis confusion. Should cost you less than $10 for new relay.

I have replaced several on my '99.

Hope that's your problem and solution.

...of course, before replacing anything you could check for fuel pressure on the engine fuel rail during a "no start" event. There's a Schrader valve provided for this test. Should be done only by someone who knows how to do it safely.

[rodeo02]

Mark, does the 'theft' indicator light flash on the gauge cluster during this no start condition? You could have a problem with the transponder key. Some keychains will affect them, as will other transponder keys on the same key ring. Try using the key all by itself, or use another key for awhile to see if the problem stops.
G/luck
Joel

[Mark_p]

Originally Posted by Mark_p

Symptom: Driving the vehicle for at least 1/2 hour. If I turn off the engine (5 - 10) minutes, intermittently I get a No Start. Turning the key to ON, I don't hear the 'whinning' of the fuel pump, the engine will crank. If I leave it sit for 15 - 20 minutes, it will start. No fault codes. Had the dealer scan the engine, no error / fault codes found. They could not reproduce. Options are to replace Fuel Pump, but no guarantee that will fix this problem.

Looking for any advice on how to better diagnose this symptom before I go through the expense of swapping parts to see what will resolve.

>> I iwll try the relay...seems like an easy thing to try.
>> Fuel Pump pressure....may be a little difficult since my wife drives the >> van and I'm typically at work. Question: If the pressure is "0", does >> that imply the fuel pump?

[Mark_p]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

Mark, does the 'theft' indicator light flash on the gauge cluster during this no start condition? You could have a problem with the transponder key. Some keychains will affect them, as will other transponder keys on the same key ring. Try using the key all by itself, or use another key for awhile to see if the problem stops.
G/luck
Joel

>> Good point, will mention that to my wife and/or try another key.

[Mark_p]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

I would first replace the "fuel pump relay" in the fuse/relay box next to the battery. Refer to the glove box manual to identify the relay. Replace only with with a new relay, not used, to avoid more analysis confusion. Should cost you less than $10 for new relay.

I have replaced several on my '99.

Hope that's your problem and solution.

...of course, before replacing anything you could check for fuel pressure on the engine fuel rail during a "no start" event. There's a Schrader valve provided for this test. Should be done only by someone who knows how to do it safely.

>> Stopped by Ford today, the relay comes in a 'relay cluster', sells fro approx $200. Seems like replacement parts are getting quite expensive; by design.

[12Ounce]

I'll get back to you about the relay.

[12Ounce]

Mark p
I've compared the on-line glove box manual for the '99 and the '00. The fuse/relay box looks identical.

Based on that, I would say you need the following: F5TZ-14089-B. A package of two relays should cost you less than $20 ...or you need to find a new dealership.

The fuel pump relay is in position #207. If you have never removed a relay, be prepared to do a bit of tugging. Some WD40 and a pair of pliers will help. You will want to put some grease (silicone paste) on base of relay before putting new relay in.

[DANAMD]

Have similar intermittent no start with wife's 99 Windstar. Dealer wanted $140 for relay "cluster" and had none in stock. I found this web site that has wide assortment of relays www.allelectronics.com . The Fuel pump relay is Ford part # F57B-14B192-AA, all electronics' CAT # RLY-421 for $1.50 each (yes $1.50) with $6.00 shipping. I called their 1-888-826-5432 number last night and ordered four for $6.00 plus the $6.00 shipping. Should have in a few days and hope it helps.

Don't let steallership take your $$$ , try these out 1st and buy a six-pack for yourself in light of your savings!! I'll try it on my wife anyways.

Cheers and good luck

[ashishscindia]

Hi,
How did you solve this problem ? was it a transponder key issue ?

I am having the exact same problem with my 2001 ford windstar. It runs OK for 1/2 hour, I stop somewhere and it won't start back up. The engine cranks, almost starts but shuts down, as if the fuel supply is lost.

I wait for 15 - 20 minutes and it starts smoothly, as if there wasn't any problem at all.

I have had it towed once, the dealer changed two relays, put a new battery in , cost me $650, After two weeks, I am having the same problem today.

I noticed my electronic keychain does not always work properly, could this be the transponder key issue ?

I also have the check engine light ON for over 6 months now, the codes are p0171 and p0174 indicating lean fuel,,, could this be the problem ?

Any help, comments will be appreciated
Thanks
Ash

[rodeo02]

Wow! This is a very old post. In retrospect, since the engine did turn over, but not fire, this shouldn't be a transponder key issue. The security system would drop power to the starter. Crank but no start/fire would most likely be a fuel pump or power to the FP concern.

Joel

[ashishscindia]

Thanks everyone. it was indeed the fuel pump gone bad.... I had it replaced at the dealer... its been 2 months,,,havent had the problem since..

[tripletdaddy]

As many others have stated, in situations like this, replace the fuel filter. In fact, I've seen recommendations to change it as often as every year or 15k. It's also a real good idea to replace it the same time as the fuel pump.