97 thunderbird no start

derrickl · #1 08-26-2006, 06:47 PM

Anyone have this problem, turn key on to start, turns over no run, electric fan comes on for a minute then stops. Crank over then car starts. Changed control module for fan and fuel pump below air cleaner and same problem. Tried the old module on another car works ok.. It seems the module is turning the fan on for a minute then you hear a relay click and fan shuts off then you can hear fuel pump run for a couple of seconds and then car will start and run.. Any thoughts or tests?? Thanks

97Bird · #2 08-27-2006, 11:34 AM

The relays for both the cooling fan and the fuel pump are controlled by the Powertrain Control Module. Check for any stored codes.

derrickl · #3 08-27-2006, 01:28 PM

I have yet to do a check. I know theer is no engine light on, but could have a code stored. Just doing some research on how this works. Thanks

derrickl · #4 08-28-2006, 08:49 PM

Just remember another thing, when it's raining or very damp outside the relay doesn't click over to the fuel pump. The fan runs constantly and car will not start... Will check for codes soon

97Bird · #5 08-29-2006, 01:39 PM

If it only happens when it is damp then it sounds like a connection problem. Take the connector off of the relay module by loosening the bolt in the middle of it and check the condition of the plug and socket connectors. You can get a can of tuner cleaner (made for TV's and radios) to spray on the connectors at Radio Shack or True Value hardware stores.

derrickl · #6 08-29-2006, 09:31 PM

Checked connections and hooked up scanner and it would not communicate. Tried KOEO test and came up with error, which i expected with the communication problem. Check all fuses and grounds. Power is supplied to ECM through relay at CCRM but still have to check for power to ECM. Thinking ECM is the problem at the moment

reekor · #7 08-30-2006, 02:41 AM

I think that you're right. I think that I have seen a few tbirds in Mike's yard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by derrickl

Checked connections and hooked up scanner and it would not communicate. Tried KOEO test and came up with error, which i expected with the communication problem. Check all fuses and grounds. Power is supplied to ECM through relay at CCRM but still have to check for power to ECM. Thinking ECM is the problem at the moment

derrickl · #8 08-31-2006, 05:01 PM

Had to have car towed in and to verify ECM and results were the same. Need a new one and programming it, which the dealership needs the car and new ECM to do. Going to be a big hit, any ideas where to find a used unit?? Thanks

97Bird · #9 08-31-2006, 07:41 PM

Your local junk yards. If they don't have one they might be able to find you one. Try here, I know they have some listed but I don't know how close they are to you. http://www.car-part.com/

derrickl · #10 08-31-2006, 07:46 PM

Thanks for the info. Will update when all done..

derrickl · #11 09-07-2006, 09:50 PM

Found an ecm at a nearby wreckers and installed and car fired up. Seems ok, thanks for the help and links...

rhandwor · #12 09-15-2006, 03:37 PM

The crankshaft position sensor is a very common problem use an anolog volt meter with it unplugged it should go from zero to one as you are cranking the engine. This fires the coil the same as the points or pickup in the distributor.
On my five liter 97 pickup it is on the front of the engine held in with one bolt.Your problem sounds like an electrical problem. Do you have a ground connection close to the computer. The other post about cleaning the connections is a good idea. Check the connection for your scanner.

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