Engine not running?

Tiny
WGENESAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 MERCURY COUGAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
I have a 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 with a 4.6 V-8 with cranking issues.I have replaced plugs, plug wires, crank position sensor, and camshaft position sensor. I have checked fuel pressure, coil packs, all checked good. Checked for trouble codes and there are none. The car will crank and run fine with one turn of key, then when I turn it off it will not restart. I wait 30 minutes and try it again it restarts, I turn it off, it will not restart
Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 AT 3:46 AM

54 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If it cranks good but won't start, when the problem occurs, you have to do testing when problem is ongoing. If it cranks good, but won't start, have a helper crank it while you visually check for spark at the plugs. If you have spark everywhere, use a gage and check fuel pressure. When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Sunday, March 6th, 2011 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
WGENESAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Dear sir, thank you for attempting to answer my question. It would probably be helpful if you would read the whole thing before you give an answer to it. The problem with the car was a bad ignition control module, which is located inside the ECM. I replaced the electronic control module (computer) and it has done fine ever since. I was disappointed by every web site that offers information on car repair, not a single expert bothered to read my complete question and would suggest I do the same things I had done already, which I stated in the question if they had bothered to read.
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Monday, March 7th, 2011 AT 1:20 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Dear Sir, you said your problem was a cranking issue. Cranking is starter action. The info I gave was valid. Have a good day.
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Monday, March 7th, 2011 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If your having trouble everywhere, seems to me the problem is you. Have a good day.
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Monday, March 7th, 2011 AT 3:23 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Just to add, your are correct, sometimes I try to read too fast and overlook something. With intermittent issues, you have to test when the problem is ongoing. Any electrical part, if there is intermittent issue with wiring circuit, replacing the part won't fix it.

Before I've had my morning coffee, I have a quick trigger. I do better as the day goes along. Have to give the medicine time to take effect. Sorry about the gripe.
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Monday, March 7th, 2011 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 1996 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 100 MILES
3.8 'dis is there an ing control module on96 cougar xr7 'if so where located. Tries to start only after cranking whenreleas. Floods out pull fuel pump fuse'wil;l start but will not run'
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
There is no ignition module. The computer controls ground for the ignition coils. Check primary voltage at the coil pack, key on. Red wire with lite green tracer should be hot/voltage, use a voltage tester. Is it hot? That circuit is fuse protected.

Are there any applicable trouble codes?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PATRICK CARTER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1996 MERCURY COUGAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 208,645 MILES
I have a cougar and it cranks fine but wont start. The check engine light will not come on in run position indicating no power to computer. There is a electrical cluster in front of air box that clicks instead. Every now and then it will catch just for a second and then its back to cranking. The high current fuses look okay but could there be a break somewhere beyond sight window? Also jackass mechanics installed heater core and fluid drips from OBD2 connecter in passenger floorboard. This problem has been around way before all the starting problems occured. Just installed new battery and fuel filter.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Try pulling that under hood fuse box and checking for broken or burnt wires, and check the PCM grounds Here are the two you need to check!


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_PCM_Gounds_1.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_PCM_Circuit_1.jpg

Check fuse 13 in car fuse panel that's the PCM fuse...
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Look in the CCRM for the power relay, if it's NG no power will be supplied the the PCM EEC system!


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_PCM_Testinga_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_PCM_Testingb_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_PCM_Connector_1.jpg

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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PATRICK CARTER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have spare high current fuses so I replaced the pcm fuse with a brand new one and still no start. I'm thinking that maybe the computer got tired of swimming and it shorted but I could be wrong. Is there anything between the two that can be checked? The fuse panel shows no signs of burning and when you open it there isn't wires just fuses and the blades to were they go and still they all look good. This car is driving me insane. What worked for the sixties should never have been changed!
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
In the power ditribution center, there is a PCM power diode, it looks like a black fuse, check it too see that current can only flow one way. Check several fuses to make sure power is getting to the distribtion center.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
COUGAR MASTER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The reason you have no power to you computer is because the eec realy could be bad it controals the power to the computer injectors every thing really eec stands for electronic engine controals that mite be bad its in the power distrubution box its the big black realy beside the horn realy withch is green.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 1996 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 164,000 MILES
Changed fuel filter but car still cuts out and sputtersnafter running for awhile. Then when you turn it off and try to start it, it won't. But after it sits awhile it starts again and you have to push gas pedal continusly to get it to run and idle again. Then it is fine and then it happens again. Could it be the fuel pump and is it internal or external?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDICO
  • MECHANIC
  • 174 POSTS
Sound like an air filter being plugged, And when you say sputter do you mean misfire? The fuel pump is in the fuel tank, just to answer your question. I truly get a feeling you may not be dealing with a fuel pump. The reason I say this is when you let it sit a while it start again. And you have to push the gas pedal to get it going again. With a failing fuel pump stepping on the gas pedal you would just stall out. Whether you are a 3.8 or a 4.6 you have a EGR. Let the vehicle idle for a while, turn off the engine go to the EGR and feel it. If its too hot to touch then its open. And the problem will be with the EGR itself.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I would start with a fuel pressure check to verify the pressure

Roy
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:09 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CBIVENS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1995 MERCURY COUGAR
Engine problem
1995 Mercury Cougar V8 Automatic? Miles

I have developed a problem with starting my car. It started a week ago when my car died on the way home, nothing unusual happened before. I stopped and it died, after a few minutes I got it started and drove about a block before repeating the process. And the when I got home it died. The next day I got it started and went to the gas station because I was low on gas, and topped up the oil. I then proceeded to drive to work when white smoke followed by black smoke came from my pipes for a minute or so, and then it died once again. I managed to get it back home but have been unsuccessful in starting it again. I changed the battery, and cleaned the connectors, and checked the fluids. I did notice I was low on coolant. When I try to start it, it will crank and at times almost turn over but only for a second, and then it will make somewhat of a back firing sound in the engine. Do you have any idea on what is wrong? Or what I should check. I can't get it to a shop, and I don't want to tow it unless I have to.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Sounds like you have coolant in your intake, could be caused by a bad intake manifold and or gasket or a bad head gasket. You can remove the spark plugs and crank engine and see if antifreeze shoots out. This will confirm my diagnosis. Hope this helps
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CBIVENS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the advice I will look into that. Although there have been some new developments. After sitting for a few days I decided to try starting it again, and it worked. The only problem is it dies after a while. I managed to drive it about two blocks during which my rpm fluxuated greatly. And after which my engine had a burning oil smell and smoke came out of the oil cap when I opened it. Would it be possible for this to be caused by a bad oil filter or is it more of a head gasket? Please let me know what you think.
Thank You
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Most likely not a bad oil filter, sorry
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:11 AM (Merged)

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