Engine shut off while driving, cranks will not start

SANELE

MEMBER
2008 FORD FOCUS
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
247,000 MILES

I was driving and it just cut off and didn't want to start again but only cranking. I took off terminal for few minutes and put it back to reset since the display unit was showing different than gauge on fuel gauge. And yes it did respond but still keep on cranking like it short of petrol.

Please help me.

48820745

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3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi,

We need to see if we are missing spark or fuel. You need three things to start an engine, fuel, spark and compression. We can assume you have compression for now since it was running but if you have spark and fuel then we will come back to this.

Here is a guide that runs through this but lets start with spraying so starter fluid in the intake and seeing if it fires over briefly. If it does then we can go after a fuel issue.

If not, then we need to remove a spark plug and reconnect it to the coil and holding it against the block and crank the engine to see if there is a spark on the plug.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Let me know the results and we can go from there. Thanks

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Monday, October 14th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM

SANELE

MEMBER
19 POSTS

Yes we found that we missing the spark. But when they put it to diagnosing devices it shows no fault.

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Monday, October 21st, 2019 AT 11:16 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Okay, we need to check the crankshaft position sensor or possibly the PCM. That is what controls your spark output.

More than likely you didn't have codes because you unhooked the battery.

Let's start with this and then go from there. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

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Monday, October 21st, 2019 AT 3:19 PM