1998 Taurus SHO, wont start

[sgtSHOowner]

Originally Posted by rain_beer

I have a 1998 Ford Taurus SHO that I recently (one year ago) bought from my Father in law. He is a mechanic and the car was kept in great shape.
Recently, the car would turn over but would not start. No engine light. I checked all fuses and they were good. After waiting a few hours, the car proceeded to start right up. That was 2 months ago and since then it has run fine. This morning, the same thing. It wont start, it cranks fine just wont start. Again no check engine light. Has anyone else had a similar problem? Where do I begin to look? How can I check for spark on this Yamaha V-8, 3.4 liter when the plugs are under the coils? This car has a coil for every spark plug.

Help Please!

Thanks,

Max

have you checked the crank shaft sensor. I had the same problem 11-13-07. took to shop and mechanic called back advised it was sensor. I recommend if you have this problem check waterpump also for leakage. Crank sensor was replaced and 97 SHO runs great agian

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Check post #15. In this case, he found the Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) was the problem. The CKP is certainly another good item to check as well if there is no spark though, you're correct. The leaky waterpump causing the CKP to fail was quite common on the V-6 SHO as well.

-Rod

[rain_beer]

Originally Posted by sgtSHOowner

have you checked the crank shaft sensor. I had the same problem 11-13-07. took to shop and mechanic called back advised it was sensor. I recommend if you have this problem check waterpump also for leakage. Crank sensor was replaced and 97 SHO runs great agian

Camshaft Position Sensor CPS was the problem, but thanks for the reply.

On a side note: What does it mean when the "Theft" light flashes on the dash after starting the car and driving for about 5-10 minutes then it goes off? Is that normal?

-Max

[shorod]

That's not normal, it sounds like the PATS system is momentarily not recognizing the key in the ignition switch.

You don't happen to have more than one late model Ford transponder key on the same key ring, do you?

-Rod

[rain_beer]

Originally Posted by shorod

That's not normal, it sounds like the PATS system is momentarily not recognizing the key in the ignition switch.

You don't happen to have more than one late model Ford transponder key on the same key ring, do you?

-Rod

I'm such an idiot LOL. Yes I do and I didnt even think about that. I recently bought a 1993 Ford Taurus and that key is on the same key ring.

Thanks Rod!

[shorod]

Well, I'm not sure that your key for the 1993 would be a transponder key, so don't be so quick to call yourself an idiot.

Actually, even if that is the problem, don't consider yourself an idiot. I didn't think about this as a concern until I looked in the factory service manual troubleshooting section and they mentioned the potential for multiple PATS keys on the same key ring to cause the issue. I don't want to consider myself an idiot.

-Rod