1999 Mercury Sable engine will start and then not start aft

1999 MERCURY SABLE
114,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
REGDOC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
my mercury sable will start and I can drive it several miles and it will shut off for no reason.
Ive been told the alternator is bad, checked it by taking the positive cable off the battery..the lights work. if I wait for 5 to 10 mins the car will start and run fine...no noise, same problem after running several mins.
Sep 22, 2010 at 4:14 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 75,992 POSTS
Next time it refuses to start don't wait for it to make up its mind-do below immediately to determine if its fuel or spark.

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing.
Sep 22, 2010 at 4:24 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.