1998 Lincoln Town Car Cranks No Start

LINCOLN TOWN CAR
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LESTERE
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my lincoln town car `1998 computer system or whatever will not let myicar start half the time. sometimes it takes a day or a week for it to change its mind and let it start normally. what to heck can i do??? had it in the garge for repair, but it will not fail for them. i drive it down the road and it will not start and tow it back and it starts. what??
Feb 15, 2007 at 10:33 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Not sure how well we can help but willing to try!


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_bigsmile1_2.jpg

Does it crank or not crank when the no start happens?
Feb 15, 2007 at 10:35 AM
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LESTERE
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car will not start half or more of the time. see other message just prior. les. easton
Feb 15, 2007 at 10:35 AM
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LESTERE
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it cranks and once ;in a while it weill start.
Feb 15, 2007 at 10:37 AM
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Other message? too many posts to go lookin. sorry.
Feb 15, 2007 at 10:38 AM
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LESTERE
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it cranks normal, b;ut no fire, and then it will start normally,, acts like anti-theft device , but no. what next. >>???
Feb 15, 2007 at 10:42 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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The starting system is good. Need to find out what is not there. Lack of spark, fuel or compression. Or combination of...

What are your abilities to test? Can you check for a no spark situation yourself?
This is where I would start. Very doubtful on the lack of compression. Fuel and spark are the next most reasonable sources. Spark being most likely.
Feb 15, 2007 at 10:50 AM
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SCOOBY87112
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My 97 towncar did same thing. Fuel pump went out. $150.00 just for part. Good Luck.
Feb 16, 2007 at 11:21 PM
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DKHOME
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Make sure that you are using a key with the program chip that is working. A duplicate key without the chip or a key with a damaged chip will let you turn the stater but will not allow the engine to run.
Apr 13, 2007 at 6:34 AM

Suggested Repair

Because the engine cranks normally, the starter is not the issue. Check for spark first, then fuel delivery; compression is unlikely. Also verify that the key has a working programmed anti-theft chip.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Lincoln Town Car reports an intermittent no-start: the engine cranks normally but often will not fire, then starts normally later. It would not fail at the shop. The expert said the starting system is good and recommended checking spark first, then fuel, with compression unlikely. Other replies suggested a failed fuel pump on a similar Town Car and a missing or damaged programmed key chip.

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