1997 Ford Taurus car won't start

Tiny
NOTAPROMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
I shut off my car a few months ago and it ran fine. When spring came, I tried to start it and it cranks and cranks, but will not start or even fire. I suspect the problem is related to the fuel pump/circuit as I cannot hear it run when I turn on the key. Where do I start? Is there a magic button/switch that could be in the wrong position and simply needs to be reset? I seem to recall hearing/reading about this. Thanks. Mike
Monday, April 19th, 2010 AT 7:28 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hi Mike,

Yes there is what is called a fuel inertia switch, it is located in the trunk on the passenger side by wheel well. Howevery, it is only usually tripped when vehicle in an accident.

I would check the Fuses and the relay first. To check relay all you need to do is take a look at the numbers on it then look at the other relays and match numbers then just swap them out (remember witch one you swapped) if vehicle starts replace relay.

The fuse is located in the under hood power distribution box it is a 20amp fuse in the #10 slot.

.
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Monday, April 19th, 2010 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
NOTAPROMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 66 POSTS
Thank you for your prompt reply. As soon as I get home tomorrow I will try your suggestions and am betting my car will start. Mike
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Monday, April 19th, 2010 AT 10:12 PM
Tiny
NOTAPROMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 66 POSTS
Which relay is for the fuel pump? The 20 amp fuse was ok. Is there a fusable link in the fuel pump circuit somewhere? MiKe
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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Will need to check when I get home this evening, and now that I think about it that year may not have a fuel pump relay.

.
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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
No there is no fusable link for fuel pump.

I cannot find a diagram as to were it is but it says the fuel pump relay is locate in the constant control relay module.

.
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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 6:43 PM

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