Vehicle does not start?

PIOTR001

MEMBER
1999 FORD COUGAR
2.5L
V6
2WD
MANUAL
120,000 MILES

I had a power steering oil leak in a tube going out of the power steering pump. That leak caused the necessity of power oil replenishment to avoid noise of the pump during drive in extreme steering wheel positions. Mechanic told that is usual than. So, he replaced that muzzle/connector between the power steering pump and rubber tube. I took the car, drove some 20 km with 4-5 longer stops. The car behaved well, noise from the power steering pump stopped, PS acted well. After some 5th stop the car didn't move. Starter acted, all systems were active, battery charged. Engine tried to start but didn't. After 15 trials that caused battery discharge. I took it to charge, waited the night and tried again, again without luck. The leak near the muzzle persists and the engine shows some kind of slipping. I tried to wash that with solvent without result.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

It sounds like the fuel pump when out but to be sure try to use starting fluid to see if the engine will run on that, this will help us determine if it is the fuel system or ignition system that has failed.

Here is a guide to help us see what's going on:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

If you turn the key to the on opposition without cranking the engine over, can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for about 5 seconds? If not, the fuel pump could be the problem.

Also, we should check for spark. Please follow this video:

https://youtu.be/baq_aEWNQ0Y

Please go over these guides and report back.