Car will not start

Tiny
KATRINAMWOODS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
I replaced the fuel pump and now the engine won't start. I car originally stalled out leading me to believe it was the fuel pump that needed to be replaced. Why is the engine not starting. After trying to get it to start the battery just died. Why is wrong with it now thts causing it not to start.
Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 10:18 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
ERIC_JAHR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have a 2003 Ford Focus SE 2.0 SOHC and I got a code of "0191" which says that the fuel rail pressure sensor is bad. I replaced the sensor for better than $100.00, and didn't fix anything. So then I decided to get back to basics and I replaced the fuel filter. After replacing the fuel filter, the car didn't start at all.
My original symptoms were that the engine would hesitate and shut off. After replacing the fuel filter I finally was able to get the car started, but would only idle. If I tried to step on the accelerator, the engine would sputter and shut off. Help this old disabled Marine Veteran out please.
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Thursday, October 17th, 2019 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,257 POSTS
Hello,

Unfortunately you have posted your question on post that is almost nine years old. I really want to see you get your question answered. Please repost your question as new question. For your convenience I am including the link for you.
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Have a great rest of your day!

Renee
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Friday, October 18th, 2019 AT 11:35 AM

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