1999 Ford Escort car wont start

Tiny
LUNARBTR
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 201,000 MILES
It was running fine. I got out to check something on top and the car cut off. When I try to crank it the engine turns over, but never cranks. No visible or smellable leaks.
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010 AT 6:28 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 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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Wednesday, October 6th, 2010 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
LUNARBTR
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The check is also on so I had it checked. It came up with P0401 EGR insufficient flow. Could that mean no fuel is getting to engine? Like I said when I try to crank it turns over, but it seems there is no combustions in the engine. So maybe there is no fuel or its not getting sparked.
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Saturday, October 9th, 2010 AT 2:47 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
I've already given you the tests that have to be performed. Don't skip any.
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Saturday, October 9th, 2010 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
LUNARBTR
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I've done all the checks. At first everything but the fuel checked out. The pressure came up to 38psI, and dropped quick. The min. To start the car is 50 psi to start it. I replaced the fuel filter. Pressure came up to around 43, but it held with the key off. Car still wouldn't start. Next I took out the fuel pump and checked it on an ohmmeter. It came up with zero ohms. I bought a new pump to go into sending unit. While I was waiting for the part to come in I hooked 12 volts to the original pump out of the sending unit, and also checked the pressure directly from it. Still right around 43psi. Put the new pump in the car. Still got the same psi and no start. Checked the timing belt and it is in good shape. I lifted the injectors out of the motor. I have no idea how much they are suppose to spray, but it didn't look like they were spraying quite enough. They were spraying some fuel though. How do I make sure they are working properly? If that doesn't work then what?

Thank you very much
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Saturday, October 16th, 2010 AT 10:58 PM

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