96 police vic will not start. Checked the fuel pump etc... Help please

[klein444]

My wife's 96 police vic did not start this morning.
156K miles; 4.6; recent new plugs and ran fine prior to this morning.

I checked the fuse for fuel pump under hood - it was OK

Checked fuel pump reset switch in trunk - not triped.

I switched around the relays for the fuel pump, eec and ac. (I had replaced them about 6 months ago just because I was doing some basic tune up work)

Still no start.

Pulled fuel line at fule rail and had my wife turn key - we are getting fuel, and plenty of it.

So I wiggled some other wires and looked like I knew what I was doing when - Vroooooom , it started and runs fine.

I'm inclined to think PCM might have loose connections inside. I wiggled wire harness for it trying to get it to not start, but it is working fine now.

I read about the engine ground wire - I'm going to go check that now.

Any tips?

I feel like I want to replace the PCU today as I want peace of mind that it is fixed since we live far out and she often drives alone. But since I haven;t been able to get it to act up again I don;t know if replacing the PCU is reallly necessary.

I greatly appreciate any help you can give.

GOD BLESS!

john

[boarder_punk]

it just sounds like loose connections, poor ground, something along those lines, computers rarely go bad, i wouldnt replace it unless i were absolutely sure.

[klein444]

Can you think of any particular harness connections to check for a loose wire etc?

I just wish I could nail down the exact location - did not know if there are any known 'trouble spots' that are the usual culprits for loose connections.

I made a few phone calls and the PCM is not in stock with most places, I also agree with you that it may be a bit premature to replace it right now....

Just trying to figure it all out

GOD BLESS

john

[way2old]

Ford'swiring behind the front bumper cover is suspect to cprrosion and breaks. Also the wiring connectors inside the drivers fender next to the firewall will corrode causing problems. If you did Ford's "wiggle test" and it started, now all you have to do is find out where. Good luck.

[klein444]

Thank you for the help. It is nice to find a forum that doesn't berate you for your basic question.

the car ran great today. I think I'll replace the PCM 'just cause it is 11 years old' and in the process I'll spend the day looking over all the connections that I can get my hands on.

I;ll remove any stray 'nibs' left by the hackers who removed the police equipment and clean things up under hood and in trunk.

Gonnin to get her ship shape as they say.

We have had the car about three years. It was in service with the ABI (Alabama Bureau of Investigation) Had 120k miles when we got it. Looks to be one that was well taken care of. Carpet interior and no body damage.

I'll try to post some pics
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...r/DSC01437.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...r/DSC00598.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...r/DSC00599.jpg

GOD BLESS!

john

[junk yard doggie]

Nice car, I've got a 96 white one as well, just not a former cop car. Love that bar on the front. Would be nice to have one of those on mine. Yes I would definately check those splices where extra equipment was added. You never know how much of a hack the installer was.

Mike

[boarder_punk]

trust me, replacing the computer is more hassle than it is worth.

[Dondo]

you did not say if it cranked or not ! I had a not start problem also and it ended up being the crank sensor went bad ! if you are cranking it to start,,, and the check engine light does not go off as you ae cranking it,,, the computer is not getting a signal to start !! If the check engine light goes out while cranking it,, its something else..

[rhandwor]

The crankshift position sensor pulses the coil like the points used to. An ohm meter should go 0 to 1 when the car is being turned over. The crankshaft position sensor verifys timing which is needed check the same way.I have had a lot of problems with the wiring on older fords. Always check all connectors in case somebody has broken connectors by pulling on them. If dirty clean with contact cleaner. Watch along the firewall connectors or for wear points signs of rubbing on the harness. Also check the crankshaft position sensor.