1990 Ford Probe Slow Crank Start

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LRYMCD
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1990, Ford Probe, 2.2L, nonturbo, 4 C, 354000 miles.

Most of the time the car starts up fine. But at times the engine will tune slowly like it will not start. Simular to having a weak battery. When it does start this way, I will turn the car off and it will restart fine. The lights, horn and blinkers work fine.

The battery and starter are new. Problem existed before replacing both.
Jan 14, 2007 at 3:13 PM
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MATHIASO
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Check battery cables and connectors.
Are you using the right oil viscosity, it may be cold where you are..
Jan 14, 2007 at 4:01 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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There is a tsb Ref # 91-16-6 that refers to a wiring problem in front of the radiator, water intrusion into the engine harness causing various problems including a no start. It may or may not apply to you.
Jan 14, 2007 at 8:35 PM
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DJHAFNER
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[quote:97b99622e2="lrymcd"]1990, Ford Probe, 2.2L, nonturbo, 4 C, 354000 miles. [/quote:97b99622e2]

Don't know a whole heck of a lot about cars, but I just wanted to say congrats on 354,000 miles!

I'm guessing you change the oil every 3,000 miles without missing a beat?
Jan 15, 2007 at 11:38 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Amazing what you can get out of cars if you want to!
Jan 15, 2007 at 11:49 AM

Suggested Repair

Check battery cables and connectors for poor contact, and confirm the oil viscosity is correct for the temperature. Also consider TSB 91-16-6, which covers water intrusion into the engine harness in front of the radiator and possible no-start issues.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1990 Ford Probe with 354,000 miles reports occasional slow cranking similar to a weak battery, followed by a normal restart after shutting the engine off. The battery and starter are new, and the problem began before they were replaced. Experts suggest checking the battery cables and connectors, verifying oil viscosity in cold weather, and considering a TSB about water intrusion into the engine harness.

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