Crank no start after installing a refurbished starter?

RANDYT.

MEMBER
2001 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

I tried to start my vehicle listed above but all it'd do was click and not even try to turn over out of process elimination it led me to the starter. I purchased a refurbished one and installed it cranks with no start.

Thursday, January 11th, 2024 AT 4:51 PM

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,230 POSTS

Hi,

By chance, do you hear the fuel pump turn on and prime for a second or two when the key is first turned on? If not, start by resetting the inertia switch. It is located on the right rear of the vehicle behind the jack.

I attached two pics below. One explains how to access it and the other is to help you identify the switch. This switch is designed to shut down the fuel system in the event of an accident. However, they put a reset switch on it for a reason. LOL

Let me know if this helps or what you find. Also, if you hear the pump prime, let me know that as well.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Thursday, January 11th, 2024 AT 8:53 PM

RANDYT.

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Yes, I do hear the pump come on n everything else clicking and coming to life, lol.

I've never heard of such a switch that I remember lol, but I'll look for it.

However, when this problem first came up, I came home from work one day and after turning it off for like 24hr or so it would never turn back over not even a click or a grind, but everything still came on. So, I knew it at least wasn't the battery, through several tests figured it was the starter, so I replaced it and now I hear it trying but still no start.

Also, according to my scanner I am getting codes.
P0303
P0171
P0174
P0305

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Saturday, January 13th, 2024 AT 9:04 AM

RANDYT.

MEMBER
4 POSTS

This is a picture of what's behind my jack.

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Saturday, January 13th, 2024 AT 9:24 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,230 POSTS

Hi,

The switch should be at the right rear of the vehicle. My manual indicates behind the jack, but anything is possible.

If you hear the fuel pump, the inertia switch isn't the problem. I did a little research on codes P0171 and P0174. Both are lean fuel mixture related. The other two codes are misfire codes which could be the result of a lean mixture.

Although you hear the fuel pump, I recommend checking the fuel pressure. I have a feeling it is too weak to run the engine. Heck, try this. Since the engine is turning over with the new starter, see if it starts if you use starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, we will need to check for an ignition spark at the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to check for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know if you have already tried this. If you have, let me know the results. Hang in there. We'll get it running.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, January 13th, 2024 AT 4:11 PM

RANDYT.

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Sorry for the gap in my response but I don't have anything to check the fuel pressure but I don't think its fuel related it won't even try to crank and start and all electrical are coming on think maybe a ignition switch?