Problems after trying to start car

[roque11]

In the ast week I've had a problem twice where I go to start my 1999 Taurus and it doesn't start. It just starts making sounds and then it dies out with the dashboard lights coming on. After I try to start it again after a few times it starts working normally again. I've had tests for my battery, alternator and stater and they keep coming up normal. ANy thoughts or opinions on what this might be?

[shorod]

What kind of sounds does it make? Does it make sounds of the starter spinning the engine over, does it make a single loud click, does it make a subtle click, or does it make a rapid series of clicks? Do you have access to a fuel pressure tester and a multimeter?

-Rod

[roque11]

It's hard to describe. It's like a dying out sound I guess. Kind of like a da da da sound.

[shorod]

So the engine doesn't start and it makes a rapid series of clicks? If so, that sounds consistent with a low system voltage/low current capacity. Either of which could be due to a weak battery, a loose battery cable connection (either at the battery or at the termination) or a high resistance in a cable or connection to the starter motor.

Do you have a multimeter so you can test the voltage on the battery when this happens as well as at the battery cable connector and at the starter motor itself? That will tell you in a hurry if a connection somewhere is the issue. I assume when you had the battery, alternator, and starter tested they were off the car, correct?

-Rod

[roque11]

yeah, I had the battery, alternator and starter tested wit thhe device off the car. I keep having problems where I go to start and it doesn't start. I'm trying to getit running and it doesn't turn over when cranking. The car just dies off. I get it going again normal after trying again later. I have yet to have any problems when driving. Some have speculated a fuel pump issue. Would I still be able to drive if that was the case?

[shorod]

It sounds like we need to get calibrated on some terms. When you say "won't start" do you mean the starter motor spins the engine over, but the engine doesn't "fire" and start? Or, when you say "won't start" do you mean the starter doesn't engage and spin the engine over?

If the starter motor spins the engine over fine, it just doesn't fire, the problem most likely will not be with the starter motor, the battery, the alternator or the cables and connections. You will need to determine whether you don't have spark or fuel when it won't start. Since the engine will sometimes start, we'll assume compression is not the issue.

-Rod

[roque11]

Yeah, the motor spins the engine over, but it won't fire or start. It starts running normally after a few more tries. A mechanic I took it to claimed that the fuel pump was also normal. They changed a crankshaft position censor, yet there are still problems. They now speculate possible fuel pump relay problems, a grounding issue or an oil gasket leak leaking onto the new censor. I don't even know what to make of all this. For all I know they can be those types who are stringing people along for money. Obviously, I'm in a bad spot with this right now.

[shorod]

Has that shop ever heard of diagnosing issues rather than shotgunning parts? Assuming they can duplicate the issue, it should be pretty easy to at least narrow the search to fuel or spark issues. It doesn't sound like they've really don't that yet.

-Rod

[roque11]

So after two weeks of no problems it starting acting up again. I had a 39 psi fuel pressure reading. Is this normal for the fuel pump or does it indicate problems?

[shorod]

Per the factory service manual, with the engine running (KOER) the fuel pressure should be between 26 and 45 psi. With the key on and engine off (KOEO) the fuel pressure should be 37-43 psi. So your pressure readings are within specification, albeit on the low side for the KOEO which I assume is what you tested. How long has it been since the car's had a tune up (spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter)?

-Rod

[buckiejr]

Went to the dollor store the other day came out started the 2004 mercury sable V6 it started but died then it would not do anything thing not even turn over waited 30sec it stated up.

[shorod]

Originally Posted by buckiejr

it would not do anything thing not even turn over

This is a challenge we perpetually have on these forums. Some folks refer to "turn over" as the starter motor "turning over" the engine, others refer to "turn over" as the engine starting and running. So which way do you use the term "turn over"?

If you mean the starter would spin the engine but the engine wouldn't start, I'd suspect the fuel pump is on its last leges.

If you mean the starter motor didn't even engage, then it could be a loose/dirty battery cable, a worn starter solenoid or starter motor (depends on if you had a loud single "clunk" with the key in the Start position or no/very light click), an intermittent park/neutral safety switch, or failing ignition switch. Some quality time with a test light or multimeter will be required to quickly narrow down which of the scenarios you have. Obviously you could start by making sure battery cables are clean and tight, that's free and involves very little effort.

-Rod