03 Taurus not starting

[gage75]

I have a 2003 Ford Taurus with around 65,000 that has started causing me problems. It will intermitently not start. Sometimes it's been sitting overnight, sometimes it's been sitting for a few minutes. It cranks over fine but just acts like it's not getting spark. After cranking it over maybe four or five times it starts. It runs fine otherwise, no misses or stuttering of any kind. No engine light or anything of that nature either. I can hear the fuel pump clicking when I first turn the key so I don't know if that would be it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

When's the last time the fuel filter was changed? How about fuel injector cleaner, have you used that regularly? If not, you may want to start with the injector cleaner.

While you're letting the injector cleaner do its job, find a fuel pressure guage and check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. If it's low, replace the fuel filter if that hasn't been done recently. So far all you've done are routine maintenance items that should be done regularly anyway, so no waste of money if they have no effect.

If neither of the above items have an effect, swing by your local automotive parts store and have them check for codes. Your OBD-II car could have pending codes, even though you have not noticed a check engine light.

If there are no codes to point you in a direction, then try turning on the A/C while the engine is running. Does the idle speed drop significantly and stay low? A momentary drop (or increase) followed by a settling out to an engine speed similar to when the A/C is off is good. However, if the engine speed settles at a lower engine speed, then you may want to pull the Idle Air Control (IAC) and clean it and the associated passages.

If you get the issue fixed (even if it has nothing to do with my suggestions ) please post an update to help others out who may experience the same issue.

-Rod

[rivguy]

3.0 ohv? if so check the wires to the crank sensor - normaly broken or bare within about 3 inches of the sensor.

[gage75]

Thanks for the info. I will try the injector cleaner first and go from there. I don't believe the fuel filter has been changed but I figured if it was that the car would pulsate or miss when driving down the road. I may go ahead and change that as well. I did have the car checked for codes and it isn't giving any codes at all. Where exactly is the crank sensor located? It is a 3.0 flex fuel engine. When turning on the A/C, idle speed drops then settles out.