Cranking no start, no OBDII codes

Tiny
ESMITHPORTLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
My car was idling the other day with the AC on, it stopped running and then wouldn't start again. I've checked the inertia switch, fuses, relays. I've replaced spark plugs, coil packs, and the valve cover gasket.

I can hear the fuel pump prime for 2-3 seconds. I rented an OBDII reader and it didn't give any codes. It might have had a pending code but the thing was just kind of complicated. I don't recall the check engine light being on before this though.

After a couple of cranks it stopped wanting to crank so I jiggled the key and it started cranking again.

I'm not sure exactly how to check the fuel pressure, there is no Schrader valve and I don't have a gauge. Any advice or ideas?

And yes there is gas in the car.
Saturday, July 27th, 2019 AT 3:30 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Have you checked to see if there is spark to the engine? The easiest thing to do is see if it will start a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then it is a fuel related issue. If it doesn't, then ignition is the first suspect.

Does it sound different when it is cranking?

Take a look through these links to see if they are helpful.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

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

As far as not having the port to check fuel pressure, you have to open the fuel line where it connects to the fuel rail and place a T connector there. Here is what the manual says. It indicates the specific tool needed. You can look up the part name and number to see it.

On vehicles not equipped with a Schrader valve, use the Rotunda Fuel Pressure Test Kit #134-R0087 or equivalent.

__________________________

Let me know what you find. If it sounds odd when you try to start it, the timing chain may have broken or jumped. However, most commonly, spark is lost due to a bad crankshaft position sensor. When they start going bad, they are affected by heat. If it was at an idle with the AC running, that could be the problem. If you try the starting fluid and it doesn't even try to start, then spark is lost and chances are the sensor is the problem.

If you have a live data scanner, plug it in and crank the engine while watching for an RPM signal on the scanner. No RPM signal, replace the sensor.

Here are links that explain what the sensor does, symptoms, and in general how it is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Let me know what you find, if you have questions, or need help.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, July 27th, 2019 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
ESMITHPORTLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Used starter fluid and still got a no start. No strange noises when I turn it over. Just sounds like it wants to start but doesn't. I'm going to check all of my ground wires first. Sounds like it is leaning toward the crankshaft sensor. Not sure how to scan for RPM's but I will try that next.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
ESMITHPORTLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Rented a scan tool and the live data RPM reading varied between 200-250. I think that's normal. Still not giving me any codes.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome back:

Okay, that is as normal as it gets, so we have eliminated that possibility. Have you physically checked to see if there is spark? Since it doesn't start with starting fluid, I suspect no spark, but did you confirm that?

Next, even the camshaft position sensor can cause a no start. The computer uses this sensor for fuel injection pulse and ignition timing. Since you have confirmed the crankshaft sensor is good, this is my next suspect. If you still have the live data scanner, see if there is a CMP signal when cranking.

Also, if you could verify if there is or isn't spark, that would help.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, July 29th, 2019 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
ESMITHPORTLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Replaced the camshaft sensor and still not starting.

When it broke down 4 weeks ago there was a weak spark and I replaced the spark plugs and got shocked checking for spark again. Still wouldn't start. Checked again and no spark. Replace coil packs still wouldn't start.
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Saturday, August 3rd, 2019 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome back:

Are you still getting an RPM signal? If so, then we have to check if there is a problem with where all coils are spliced together. If you look at pic 1, it shows the splices. Pic 2 explains location. If there is no signal (RPM), replace the crankshaft position sensor.

If you have the RPM signal, check the splice. If it is good and the crank and cam sensors are good, there could be an issue with the powertrain control module (PCM).

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, August 3rd, 2019 AT 8:55 PM

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