2002 Lincoln Continental Starting problem

RITZONMAUI

MEMBER
2002 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
V8
FWD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

Intermittant starting problem. Usually in warm weather. May happen twice in a week, then not for 2 months. Sometimes, removing gas cap seems to solve; sometimes moving gear shift a few times seems to solve; sometimes waiting seems to solve. Suspect none of these "fixes" has anything to do with problem. Acts like old fashioned "vapor lock." Suspect it's a problem with a $20 part in fuel system, like throttle position sensor, fuel sensor, etc. No error codes on OBD testor. Also suspect computer analysis won't help unless computor is connected when car is in malfunction (won't start) condition.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Does this happen with a cold start or could it be after the engine is warm? Have you ever checked to see if there was spark and fuel to the engine when this happens?

Also, you mentioned that if you move the shifter, it will sometimes help. Is the problem the starter won't engage or it does engage and just not start?

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Wednesday, November 27th, 2013 AT 9:26 AM

RITZONMAUI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

This is not a cold start. The engine is warm. Drive on errands. Go to the pool. Come out about 1 hour later, car will not start. Walk home, come back later or next day, car starts. Starter engages.
Lincoln dealer has no idea unless we bring it in not starting. Every time when we go to get ready for tow, the car starts.
Have no idea how to check for spark.
Shifter is not the problem.

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Wednesday, November 27th, 2013 AT 9:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

I need you to check something for me. Under the hood in the relay box, look for a relay called the EEC. Switch it with another relay that has the same part number. See if the problem goes away.

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Wednesday, November 27th, 2013 AT 10:09 AM

RITZONMAUI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

How would we know if it makes a difference when the car starts now?
Where is the relay box. Can we do this without any tools? Can you send a diagram?

We brought it home last night and it has started this morning. It may not start at the grocery store or pool later. Can we switch it then and report to you?

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Wednesday, November 27th, 2013 AT 10:23 AM

RITZONMAUI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I asked for the location of the relay box. Can you send me a picture or a description of the box?
If the car does not start we can do the switch if we know the location.
Are you going to be available for follow up?

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Wednesday, November 27th, 2013 AT 2:43 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

The relay box should be along the inner fender. It will be a black box with a lid covering it. Yes, you can switch them, It is just a matter of pulling it out like a fuse and replugging it in.

As far as being here, I plan to have dinner tomorrow at the in-laws. However, I will check for replies when I get home around 8. If you reply, I will get back to you. Just bear with me and I will get back to you ASAP. I work one full time job, work here a few hours a day, and run a shop the rest of the time.

I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.

Let me know if you have more trouble.

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Wednesday, November 27th, 2013 AT 4:36 PM

CARLANDSHERRI

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4 POSTS

My car is doing the same thing. What should I do first? I have had the car towed once already and when it got to the dealer it started. Ford dealer wanted to charge me $ 900.00 for an fuel pump. The car was running so I took it to another place and they said they didn;t feel right about charging me for a fuel pump. So I took it home it has been 4 days and it did it again.

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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 5:17 AM