1998 Ford Taurus Car won't start when very hot outside

KGGARNER

MEMBER
1998 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
113,000 MILES

If I drive my car with the AC on, in hot weather, and then park it for a couple of minutes it will sometimes not restart. If I wait 10 minutes, it starts and runs fine. It doesn't seem to happen if I am moving, but stop and go traffic, or multiple errands where I stop and restart, seem to result in this behavior. The other day I was driving from SF to Las Vegas. Getting caught in traffic resulted in the car stalling in traffic, and not restarting. When I let it cool off, and the outside temputure dropped a few degrees, and the traffic was moving, I then drove 500 miles to LV without problem, including stopping for gas/food/snacks.

When I took it to the mechanic today, they could not find the problem, and could not get the car to duplicate the behavior, so could not fix my problem.

Any help appreciated

3 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

When the ac is turned on can you verify if another cooling fan turns on or stays inop?

Get a fuel pressure lleak down test done, could be bleeding off the pressure and causing the fuel in the rail to evaporate untill it recondenses and then is able to run again.

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Friday, February 17th, 2017 AT 2:55 PM

AMRAAM35

MEMBER
39 POSTS

What is engine temp. Are you loosing coolant? The ac system is powered by the engine, but is generally not attached to anything but the belt. The AC pulls power from the engine, so it increases the load and causes it to heat up, and if your cooling system is not functioning then that could cause it to overheat, especially in traffic. Check your cooling fans to make sure they are both running when the engine is hot. Check to see if your cooling system is clogged (plugged radiator). Make sure your coolant levels are ok, that the system is pressurized (un screw the cap after it is warm - put a rag over it to protect your hand - and see if it looses pressure). Check to make sure the water pump is working right. Some cars will not start if they are overheated. Are you actually overheating or just getting warm?

Any check engine light? What is the code?

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Friday, February 17th, 2017 AT 2:55 PM

KGGARNER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

As far as I can see, there is only one fan on this model of car, and it is working properly. The coolant temp is steady, and normal. I am not losing coolant.

I took it to a mechanic, and he tested the fuel pump. It tested good, but we could not duplicate the problem while he was testing. He is suggesting replacing the fuel pump anyway as he feels this is the most likely source of the problem. I have my doubts as I don't seem to have any other problems indicating the fuel pump is having any problem.

I am not getting any warning lights or code responses.

Thanks for your input. Further comments appreciated.

Ketih

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Friday, February 17th, 2017 AT 2:55 PM