Cranks but no start

NYCENT

MEMBER
2004 MERCURY SABLE
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
132,000 MILES

My car listed above LS, cranks but does not start. Checked all fuses under hood and inside are all good, changed battery and Relays for Fuel pump and PCM, mega 175 fuse, Fuel Injection Pressure Sensor, fuel filter still will not start. I used starter fluid in the throttle body and car start for a couple of seconds. Any suggestions would be great.

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Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 AT 7:04 AM

13 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Hi,

Wow, you have done a lot of work already. By chance, did you try resetting the inertia switch? This one is located in the trunk, passenger side. See pic 1 below.

If you have already tried that, do you hear the fuel pump run for a second or two when the key is first turned to the run position? Have you checked to see if the fuel pressure at the engine is within the manufacturer's specifications? If not, here is a link explaining how it's done:

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

Since it starts with starting fluid, that certainly indicates a fuel-related issue. So, let me know if there is pressure to the fuel rail. If there is, we will need to check the injectors.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe

See pic 1 below.

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Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 AT 7:36 PM

NYCENT

MEMBER
15 POSTS

Joe, thanks for the reply. Yes, I checked the switch wasn't activated. Will try with a paper clip tomorrow. As far as pressure to the rail have to locate the valve. When I replaced the fuel pressure sensor not much gas came out that was also related to a code, I had on the scanner so I figured I would replace it. I appreciate any suggestions. I've seen on YouTube to replace mass air flow, crankshaft position sensors and coolant temperature sensor. Just wondering what else to check before I cut an access panel to replace the fuel pump.

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Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 AT 8:15 PM

NYCENT

MEMBER
15 POSTS

I removed the plug to the inertia switch checked it for power and use the power probe to send power to the second wire to the fuel pump but I didn't hear anything.

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Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 AT 8:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like it is the pump. The only thing to do is check for power at the pump. If there is power and ground, then it's the pump.

If you want, I have attached the directions for the removal of the tank and pump in the event you don't want to cut the hole.

Let me know what you find or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Note: Please reconfirm with me that all fuses, relays, and so on were checked and or tested.

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Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 AT 8:48 PM

NYCENT

MEMBER
15 POSTS

Can you tell me how does the Crankshaft Position Sensor play into this? Do you have a wiring diagram I can download and follow?

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Friday, April 1st, 2022 AT 9:31 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Hi,

The crankshaft position sensor really isn't directly involved. However, there is no evidence of the engine running, it will shut down fuel. So, indirectly, the sensor can prevent the pump from operating.

I attached the entire powertrain management wiring schematic below. There are a total of four pictures in the manual. I had to cut each one in half to make them readable. I did overlap them so you can follow from one to the next.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Friday, April 1st, 2022 AT 2:05 PM

NYCENT

MEMBER
15 POSTS

Thanks Joe. I will replace the crankshaft position sensor today and see if I can check for power and ground at the connect. I will move the fuel filter out of my way. Keep you posted.

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Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 AT 5:15 AM

NYCENT

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Thanks Joe I will replace crankshaft position sensor today and see if I can check for power and ground at the connect. I will move the fuel filter out of my way. Keep you posted

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Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 AT 5:15 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Hi,

You are very welcome. I hope this takes care of things.

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 AT 8:17 PM

NYCENT

MEMBER
15 POSTS

Thank you, Joe, for your assistance and guidance. I was able to replace the crankshaft position sensor over the weekend. It didn't resolve the issue but I'm glad to change it out. I also created an access hole and pulled out the fuel pump. When tested it was dead, I had power and grounds at all connections, and it will be replaced once the part arrives. Do you have any instructions on removing the front bumper? Thanks again.

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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 9:34 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Hi,

Let me know how that turns out for you. I hope it starts right up for you.

As far as the bumper cover, I have a favor to ask. I need you to copy your question and start a new thread. We try to keep the treads specific to one topic, so they are more helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Here is the link:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Again, I hope you understand.

Take care,

Joe

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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 2:22 PM

NYCENT

MEMBER
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I replaced the fuel pump, and all is working now. I followed a YouTube video to cut a hole - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4rjYTnDa7o&t=2s. Measurements worked fine for my car listed above LS model. See attached.

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