1993 Ford Tempo Car cranks but does not start

WSCHOENKE

MEMBER
1993 FORD TEMPO
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
76,000 MILES

I know that the fuel pump is running and charging the engine before start. I have replaced the plugs, wires, coil, distributor cap, rotor, and distributor pickup. Before the car would start 90% of the time, and at othe times you could turn the key and the car would not even crank. Now it cranks but does not start. I also tried a new ignition switch and that did not make any difference. Does this sound like the PCM is bad? This has been a frustrating problem. The car is like new, so it is worth repairing.

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Do below to determine if its fuel or spark related

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, If you can hear the fuel pump come On- check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure tester designed for your fuel system to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pick-up strainer/fuel pump/pressure regulator and also listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light and see if it flashing, If you don't hear the fuel pump, check the fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay-Depends on what type ignition system is yours, No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply to your vehicle disregard it meaning if it doesn't come with one ignore it and continue testing