Engine cranks but no start

Tiny
CARLSP
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Hi there. My car does not start anymore. It cranks over but no start, not even a hint of trying to start. I have replaced the fuel pressure sensor and tested the coils for spark, bought new spark plugs, tested the TPS, checked and cleaned the MAF sensor, checked fuel pump and fuel pressure (my fuel pressure gauge tester is graded in a 1 - 10 scale and I get a 6 for pressure, not sure if that means 60 psi?), Tested and cleaned the fuel injectors, tested the compression (125+ psi) in each cylinder, fully charged battery, got no codes from PCM with OBD scanner and no CEL. I don't know what else to look for, I got good spark, fuel pressure and air but it won't fire. If I crank it for too long or to many times the number 2 and 3 cylinders will hydro-lock with fuel.
Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 6:06 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Have you tested the fuel for quality in a clear container? You can also pour some on the ground and light it (safely) to see if it does or doesn't. Also clear all of the fuel from the cylinders and crank the engine with the accelerator pedal all the way down to put the module in "clear flood" mode. After that you can try to spray the intake with carburetor cleaner or brake clean to see if it lights off.
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Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
CARLSP
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
I have not tested the fuel, will do that tomorrow. I cleaned out all the fuel from the cylinders, let it dry out, pulled the fuse for the fuel pump and tried using starting fluid, spraying it down the intake, and it still does not fire, yet there is good spark. Have tried the pedal to the floor too. It is going to need a oil change to from all the fuel washing down into the sump.
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Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Also if the front crankshaft pulley has been removed for any reason at all, the timing can be off because it does not have a key-way. I've had to repair several of these for this reason when they come from used car dealers that try to replace front crank seals.
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Tuesday, January 14th, 2020 AT 8:22 AM
Tiny
CARLSP
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Hello. Sorry not responding sooner but I have a loved one who fell ill and is in hospital. Okay, lets see, I finally got the car to start and run. Here are the problems I found and corrected: First, I had to reprogram/reset the key by doing these steps; open driver door and get in car, push the unlock button on the door. Turn the key on and wait for security light to go off. Turn off key and turn on again and wait for light. Do this a third time and when light goes off start car. Well this worked great. The car actually tried to fire for the first time since I have been trying to fix it but just would not take off, just did some sputtering while the engine cranked over. So back to engine compartment. By blowing into the vacuum tube off of the FPS, I heard bubbling. Turns out the vacuum system on the car was full of fuel from the bad FPS (diaphragm inside FPS had a hole in it and fuel got forced down the vacuum line), I replaced a couple of weeks ago. Got all the fuel out and let it dry out then tried to start it again. It did better but still would not take off and run. Searched the engine again and found two cracked vacuum lines. Fixed those, added some fresh gas and a bottle of HEET and tried starting again. Had to hold the pedal to the floor but it finally, after much sputtering, took off and ran. Now the car runs great, just have to change the oil as it is full of fuel now. So thanks for all your inputs and help, I really appreciate it. Hope this can help someone else in the future.
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Friday, January 24th, 2020 AT 6:02 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,702 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Sunday, January 26th, 2020 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Good job Carlsp! And get well soon to your loved one!
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Sunday, January 26th, 2020 AT 3:36 PM

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