Will not start

Tiny
SPANKYDANK
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
I have a 97 lincoln continental It tries to turn over but won't start?
Wednesday, December 26th, 2007 AT 8:16 AM

48 Replies

Tiny
HANNJO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Same thing happened to my 97 Continental. After they replaced the fuel pump and filter I thought it was fixed but it happened again 3 days later. They finally fixed the problem by replacing the crank case sensor and I have not had the problem since.
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Monday, July 7th, 2008 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
B24BOMB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you. I appreciate your help. I know for my car, at least, we've had the crank sensor replaced at least twice when my parents still owned the car. Then a mechanic fixed something in the wiring last November. It's just irritating to have to keep replacing that part. I hope to get it fixed, then sell it so I can get a better car.
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Monday, July 7th, 2008 AT 12:48 PM
Tiny
B24BOMB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Discovered the problem was with the battery. It won't hold a charge. The alternator has been ruled out. Someone said on another site (that I'd have to pay to ask the question :P) that an interior light could be left on. All my interior lights shut down EXCEPT my digital compass set in my rearview mirror. Even when I take the keys out of the ignition, that compass stays on. I can often see the green glow it makes at night when I'm outside my car. If it possible that this could cause such a drain?
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Saturday, July 18th, 2009 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
Hello,

This guide can help you narrow the problem down which will get you back on the road again.

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

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
MTINMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Lincoln Continental V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

THE ENGINE TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START. I CHANGED THE GAS FILTER.
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
THE ENGINE TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START

Disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JPREHN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
Electrical problem
1997 Lincoln Continental V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I recently tried to install an aftermarket cd player in a friends 1997 lincoln continental. Now the car won't start. I have checked the fuses, both under the hood and under the instrument panel, and replaced all blown fuses. There were 3 in fact, and honestly I have no clue what they went to because unfortunately he no longer has the owner's manual. Is there any help you can give me in figuring this problem out?
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
Does the engine turn over at all?

If so, then it's quite possible that you created a voltage spike that destroyed the computer.

First disconnect the negative bat cable for 5-min. Hopefully this will reset your computer.

If the engine still doesnt' start, then check for spark. If there's spark, then check fuel. (Injectors firing and fuel pressure)

If there's no spark/fuel, then see if the computer is sending voltage to the respective systems. If it isn't, then you fried your computer.

If there is, then proceed with a regular "No Start" problem.
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FETT555
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Lincoln Continental V8 Front Wheel Drive Automatic 160000 miles

1997 Continental has been running choppy for about 3 months. Recently (last 2 months)when I start it up it has stalled 3-4 times. Now it will not start at all. The idle has been running high as well during that time, holding the rpms at 950 while in drive with my foot on the brake. I recently replaced the IAC thinking that may be the problem. Also this car has the traction control option which sits on top of the normal throttle body, and the sensor for that system is broke, as well as obsolete. My question is if the trac. Control is disabled and the butterfly valves are open, am I dealing with a sensor that is not allowing my car to start? The fuel pressure is ok, the wires are one year old, but I am not getting spark at the wire. Any ideas?
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances/wire distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JON_H26
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 18,000 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Lincoln Continental V8 Front Wheel Drive Automatic 180, 00 miles

I also have a 97 Lincoln Contental that wont start sometimes. It sat in a parking lot for 3 days and would not start, then they towed it and it started when it got to the shop. They replaced the fuel pump and filter. 2 weeks later it would not start again and when it was towed to the shop it started again. Getting an electrical diagram will not help if you dont know what to look for and replacing items is a hit and miss deal. Any mechanics have the same problem found out what is really wrong and what to fix?
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
All the time. Only thing is you cant find out what is wrong with it is if you cant reproduce the problem you cant find out what is wrong with it

you should get a fuel pressure and spark test done when the vehicle will start and comparte it to when it wont start.

Does it crank when it wont start?
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JON_H26
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, it cranks but wont catch. When it happened for the garage the were able to place a computer on it and found the only thing wrong was low fuel pressure. Thats when they replaced the fuel pump and filter.
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Have them check out the computer and the fuel pump relay and see if that fixes the problem up.
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HANNJO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The car repair shop finally isolated the problem to the crank case sensor. They originally replaced the fuel pump and filter but it did it again after 3 days. After the crank case sensor was replaced it has not happened again.
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Glad to hear you have found out your problem.

Wouldnt have guessed that caused low fuel pressure.
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MTCONTINENTAL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
97 Lincoln will not start but cranks good. I have had it towed to the shop and each time after being towed it starts. The fuel pump, crank shaft sensor, fuel relay and spark plugs have all be replaced. Car has 86,000 miles. I am getting ready to have it towed again - any advice?
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HITMANH2001
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Lincoln Continental V8 Front Wheel Drive Automatic

my car will turn over but will not start up. Last time they said it was a coputer chip the piston werre in the wrong place to start or something like that
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Ok, so are you still getting poor fuel pressure?

Good spark?

Anything you do changed anything?
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HANNJO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The same thing happened to my 97 continental. The repair shop replaced the fuel pump and filter but 2 days later it happened again. They finally tracked it down to a crank case sensor and since then it has not happened again.
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)

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