windstar won't start - sometimes

[qwerasdfptc]

I got it....I just took fuel tank out from bottom and inspecting fuel pump...then I checked connector inside the fuel pump that goes to fuel pump electric motor was bad...just got heated some how and melted negetive side wire a little bit...I soldered that connector with soldergun and reinstalled everything back....and now it's been five months no problem works fine....If someone doesn't know how to do it then easy is just replace the Fuel Pump Module Assembly that cost about $220.

[serge_saati]

Wow, that should be a very hard job.

[12Ounce]

That is a great find and fix ... kinda makes me nervous that that burning could be happening inside a tank!

[kgbrown72]

I am taking my windstar to the mechanic today. Everything I have tried is not working. I have not tried the fuel pump connector, I am going to mention it to the mechanic. I will let you know what happens. Hopefully Qwerasdfptc's remedy cures my problem too! This is getting to be a real pain. Thanks again!

[serge_saati]

It sounds that the Windstar need fuel to crank, it's weird. Maybe if it doesn't detect fuel pressure, it doesn't crank. So maybe it's a also fuel pump/connection problem.

[Freakzilla69]

Originally Posted by serge_saati

It sounds that the Windstar need fuel to crank, it's weird. Maybe if it doesn't detect fuel pressure, it doesn't crank. So maybe it's a also fuel pump/connection problem.

What would detect fuel pressure?

[serge_saati]

Originally Posted by Freakzilla69

What would detect fuel pressure?

The fuel pressure regulator.

[serge_saati]

Originally Posted by kgbrown72

I am taking my windstar to the mechanic today. Everything I have tried is not working. I have not tried the fuel pump connector, I am going to mention it to the mechanic. I will let you know what happens. Hopefully Qwerasdfptc's remedy cures my problem too! This is getting to be a real pain. Thanks again!

What they do to correct your problem?

[kgbrown72]

Hello everybody! It's been approx. a month since last post. The mechanic found that there was a short in the fuel pump. Replaced the pump with a new one and presto...... ( knock on wood ) starts everytime ! Now I have a new problem not related to the fuel pump. I will check the forums to find the new problem. Good luck to everyone else and hopefully this will help someone else. Oh by the way.....the mechanic only charged me $275.00 for his time and a new pump. I think he felt sorry for me..lol

[Familyguy5]

First time poster... My 2002 windstar will not start all the time. It just started doing this about a month ago. Had it towed and mechanic said fuse was blown. put new fuse in and has worked fine until yesterday. Unable to hear fule pump prime. i turned key off and on 3 or 4 times and it starts. But as soon as i turn off, it won't start. Someone mentioned the battery could be at fault. When i tried to start this morning the battery was dead.. I jump started and it was fine. I wonder if failing battery could be the cause? Hate to spend 400.00 on pump just to find out my battery is the problem. Affraid to drive to parts store and turn off for a test in fear of it not starting.

[danielsatur]

1) Is it Air, fuel, ignition, or timing?
2) Throw some starting fluid in the Inake,


Symptoms of a bad MAF senor is a hard start.
Disconnect the MAF sensor, and put it in a default mode, the air is measure by the TPS, and RPM's.

[serge_saati]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

1) Is it Air, fuel, ignition, or timing?
2) Throw some starting fluid in the Inake,


Symptoms of a bad MAF senor is a hard start.
Disconnect the MAF sensor, and put it in a default mode, the air is measure by the TPS, and RPM's.

The engine of Familyguy5 doesn't crank at all, so it's not the MAF.
But the trick is interesting.

Familyguy5, describe all your symptoms so you can be helped. We are not God to know what is your problem without knowing the other symptoms.

When it doesn't start, check battery voltage. If it's below 11.3V, it's the battery.

[danielsatur]

As is, in Dead , gone, or yesterday!
The starter solenoid isn't enabling the starter to do it's job?

Cancer can work up into the positive cable, even though it looks good, it can drop voltage, thus the battery isn't there.

[serge_saati]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

As is, in Dead , gone, or yesterday!
The starter solenoid isn't enabling the starter to do it's job?

Maybe, but many other things can cause this problem: ignition switch, TRS, anti-theft relay, a short circuit somewhere.

Originally Posted by danielsatur

Cancer can work up into the positive cable...

It's funny that you use the word cancer for that. It's not exactly like cancer even if look like. It's more a corrosion/reduction-oxidation reaction.

[danielsatur]

Profile, and whats the most probable cause!
2001/ 100k miles
battery, starter, starter solenoid, ignition switch, or cables.

90% of the time, it's just the battery or cables.

I have seen plenty of Bozo's replacing all, it was the cables.