My engine will not start up why?

Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
Engine Mechanical problem
1993 Lincoln Town Car V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

my car got impounded for being too low, and the tow truck company towed it back to my house, and they punctured the gas tank. Well, they had to fix it, and drop the tank, and I went to go pick it up and 1 mile down the road, my car stopped running. It huffs and puffs like its not getting enough gas and it shakes and almost starts but doesnt. The fuel pump turns on, (cuz I thought maybe they broke it when they dropped the tank) the battery is fine, belts are spinning when I try to start, im getting sparks on plugs, has gas, has oil, the little fuel pump reset switch in the trunk never popped up, so its fine, everything works fine! Still the car huffs n shakes and just keeps trying to start and wont. I opened the carbs up and sprayed carb cleaner in them and even shot them with a little gasoline. Still nothing. What could be wrong? Timing belt? Or fuel pump? Even tho I hear it turning on. Please help, its my only car, and I have like $300 to my name
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,347 POSTS
Hi, its sounds like you lost spark, go to this page for more info.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm

let me know if you do or dont have spark.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
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I actually took the plugs out and held them while attached and had someone try and start the car, I saw the little spark bolt inside the spark plug gap
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
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I actually got the car started literally for 2 seconds, then it stopped again like it wasnt getting gas.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,347 POSTS
Lets check for system fuel pressure, watch this video

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

let me know :-)
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WENDY382
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1992 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100 MILES
Turn key and tries to start, had in shop twice, replaced a sensor and was not problem, then replaced ICM (ignition control modulator) and bam car started! Brought it home, got in it next day and nothing! No start again, towed it back to same shop. Found new ICM on eBay, bought it took to shop, he popped it in, car started right up, came home, started car every day for four days and it would start, last day let it run for about five minutes and turned it off and went back in about an hour later and nothing! Back to trying to turn over. Everything else is fine or so it was, fuel is fine, starter/alternator fairly new. What could cause two ICM's to fail? We have it stored for winter, so not something to get done immediately but we are going to have to get it fixed by spring. Ideas?
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

It may not be the module at all. There is a sensor on the rear of the transmission at the driveshaft that sends a signal to the module for spark. If the is bad, it will cause this.

It may be that if you disconnect the wires at the module and re attach them, it may start.

Roy

PURPOSE
The Electronic Distributorless Ignition System (EDIS) module's primary function is to deliver full energy spark at a crank angle targeted by the Electronic Control Assembly (ECA) module and to provide the ECA with crankshaft position information.

CONSTRUCTION
The EDIS ignition module is a twelve pin custom microprocessor-based thick film module. Even though each engine is very different in size and structure, EDIS modules for each engine are very similar. With the exception of some pin assignments, basic operation of the EDIS systems for the different engines is identical.

OPERATION
The EDIS module receives input from the Variable Reluctance Sensor (VRS) style Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) in order to identify the passing of the missing tooth on the VRS trigger wheel. The module is said to be "synchronized" when the missing tooth is found. Synchronization is essential to the EDIS module in order to track the angular position of the crankshaft relative to a fixed reference and when it should fire the proper coil.

Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP) output is synthesized by the EDIS module using input from the VRS signal. The PIP signal generated by the EDIS module indicates engine speed and crankshaft position to the ECA. The PIP signal is used by the ECA so that it can enable fuel and spark functions and generate a Spark Angle Word (SAW) signal.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WENDY382
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Thank you for the reply, was very helpful, we parked the vehicle in backyard and covered it until spring, however my husband just went out and decided to play with it and he unplugged the ICM and plugged it back in and the dang car started up, it will be good for a day or so and then stop running again. So what can it mean if you can unplug the ICM and it starts but then dies next day or two? Computer issues? Thanks
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I would suspect the connector may be dirty or have loose or damaged pins.

Have him check the connector closely. You can get a pigtail to replace the connector.

Roy
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CECILIA PEREZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1991 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 1,865,485 MILES
The car turns or well cranks but wont make a complete turn over.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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Hi Perez,

Have you replaced any components? This is a bit of an odd issue if I am understanding it correctly.

When you say it cranks but does not make a complete revolution what happens when it stops? Does it make a noise? Grinding? Clunk?

I think the best course of action is to see if you can get a recording of the issue so we can be on the same page.

Reason is, I suspect you have a weak starter or possibly it is hydro locked. It sounds like when you say it can't make a complete revolution that it is meeting some sort of resistance like moisture in the cylinder that it can't compress. Or it just simply has a weak starter that can't turn the engine over.

Let me know if you can get a recording and we can go from there.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVIDDLW
  • MEMBER
  • 39 POSTS
  • 1991 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 183,000 MILES
Hello,
I need help on what to do about my 1991 lincoln town car will not start after I changed the valve cover gaskets and then I degreased it and pressure washed the engine. The car was starting perfect beforre I cleaned engine. Did I short out something electrical or get water on a sensitive part. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. David
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
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?

This guide will help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start
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+1
Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVIDDLW
  • MEMBER
  • 39 POSTS
Hey this site is out standing, I needed help on my car question and I recieved a answer on what could be wrong and I tried the crank shaft sensor and the wire had come off the connector. My car starts right up. Great job fellows. I will recommend this site to everyone I know about getting help on mechanic question. Thanks again. David
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:26 AM (Merged)

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