The check engine would turn on intermittently while driving, then one Morning it would not start

Tiny
MILOTHEBLUE
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 MERCURY SABLE
  • 140,000 MILES
A week ago, my car quit running and I haven't been able to diagnose the problem, not to mention I lack the tools to properly check it. I bought the car about a month ago and it ran fine. Occasionally when I drove it the check engine light would come on, but there was no real problem. I would turn the car off and turn it back on, and the check engine light would be back off.

A week before this happened it started acting weird. One night, driving to work, I used the right turn signal, but the right turn light didn't come on. It didn't do that again, but I found it weird. A few days later, I started having problems getting the car to start. It would click and finally start after a few seconds. Then finally one morning it just wouldn't start at all. Since it has been down, I have only been able to get it started once.

I changed the battery, so that's not an issue. I'm not sure what to do now. It clicks cranks when I turn the key, but that's it. Nothing else. Any ideas or information would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Wednesday, October 16th, 2013 AT 1:02 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Generally speaking, an engine will need spark, fuel and compression to start.
Given said that there could be any number of reasons why the engine might not be getting spark or fuel.
A faulty ignition coil can prevent spark or worn spark plugs. An inoperative fuel pump will be unable to provide fuel to the engine.

Take a look at this helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Also, here are some guides that will help with checking the other possible causes of fuel pressure or compression.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Go through this and report back your findings.

Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Monday, January 24th, 2022 AT 8:25 PM

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