Car not starting after heater core replacement

SPENCE590

MEMBER
2011 FORD TAURUS
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
196,000 MILES

Hi, I took my car listed above SEL in for a heater core replacement about a month ago to a local mechanic shop near me. They replaced the heater core and put everything back together and after that it wouldn't start. I really don't know what could have happened, it had run and started just fine before we took it in. The mechanic had told us it was the PCU which we really didn't think so because we haven't had any issues like that before with it, but we had listened, and they put in a new PCU Computer and the same issue is happening. It won't start. I honestly don't know what to do. At this point it has been in the shop for over a month on a job that was supposed to be two days.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Hi,

There are many things that can cause a no-start condition. First, we need to determine if it is a fuel, ignition, or both related issues and go from there.

When they replaced the heater core, they had to remove several things from under the dash, including the heater box, and plenum. See pic 1 (I highlighted the heater core). When this was done, it's likely that the wiring was damaged.

What I would do first is to see if the vehicle starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know if it is a fuel-related issue. If it makes no difference, then likely ignition spark was lost (or both were lost).

Here is a link that explains how to test for ignition spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know as much as you can as far as what has been done, checked, or anything you can think of that will help me diagnose the issue.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 AT 9:01 PM

SPENCE590

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you. The local mechanic shop we had took it to towed it in to a certified Ford dealership yesterday. Hopefully, they will figure it out. Thank you for responding I’ve been looking everywhere trying to find something out. If they can’t figure anything out, I will make sure to check that and get back to you.

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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 6:14 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

You are very welcome. If possible, could you let me know what is found? It may help others and I'm interested in knowing.

Also, if they don't get it fixed, let me know. You and I will figure it out together.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 6:55 PM