97 Cougar cooling fan has to stop to start car

ABENDER

MEMBER
1997 MERCURY COUGAR
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
93,000 MILES

I have a 97 mercury cougar. I have to turn my key half way and let the cooling fan shut off before I can turn it the rest of the way to start it. I had a diagnostic done, and they said it was my pcm. However I declined to get it fixed there and they wouldnt give me the print out of the dx or the codes (if there were any) soooo. How do I check the grounds (where are they) to the pcm to see if that is what the problem is and if it is the pcm could that be what is causing the problem with me starting the car?

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 AT 3:39 PM

8 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Do you have a check engine light on ?
lets try and get the codes 1st as it may be the relay / module
most local part store can get the codes for free
you need an OBDII reader to do so
let me know what you have for codes

Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM)
CCRM interfaces with the PCM to control cooling fan, A/C clutch and fuel pump operation. The CCRM also incorporates electronic engine control power relay to supply power to the EEC-V system

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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 AT 7:35 PM

ABENDER

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I didn't get any codes, they said that the diagnostics ran fine and then ended at the pcm because it couldn't read?That is what they said. And no the check engine light is not on.

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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 AT 8:37 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

I would for sure seek another opinion as I do not like theirs at all
if they had said its the relay most likely to believe it
but the computer and no codes and every thing else is working
Dont think so (yet)
need more testing
start by Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM)
maybe a good used one to test 1st

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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 AT 8:46 PM

HIKERS

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3 POSTS

I know it's been awhile, I was wondering if you solved the problem and what it was. I have the same thing happening. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 AT 9:28 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I doubt they will get back to you as it was 10 years ago. If they do then, great but let's address your issue even if they don't. Have you done anything to address the concern already or are you just at the beginning? Also, when you don't wait for the fan to shut off and just start the car does it crank and not start or does the starter not even turn over?

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Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM

HIKERS

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3 POSTS

I have to wait for the fuel pump to prime, then it starts right up. If I try to start it before then it just cranks. The colder it is out the longer it takes to prime. I replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator, and it still does exactly the same thing. I checked fuel pressure at the rail and it's 30 psi with the regulator and 40 psi when I bypass the regulator. I'm thinking either the pump I bought new (on-line) was no good, or there's an electrical or computer issue. I'm about ready to give up!

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Monday, February 3rd, 2020 AT 9:04 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

If you measured the pressure with just turning the key on and it was 30 PSI then yes, that is low. It could be the pump but it could also be an injector leaking causing the loss of pressure.

Cycle the key a number of times and then pull the plugs and see if any of them are wet or smell like fuel. If they do then you are leaking fuel in the combustion chamber.

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