My car will turn over but not start

Hi,

Interestingly, this vehicle has two options for an ignition coil. One is a 6 tower coil pack that will have spark plug wires going to it, and the other is what is called a coil over plug. If it is the coil over, there are 6 individual coils, one for each cylinder. For all of them to go bad at once is very unlikely. If you have the 6 tower coil pack, it is possible but unlikely.

Here is what we need to do. I have a feeling it may not be ignition related but rather, fuel. So, we need to check if the spark plugs are getting spark and if the fuel pump is providing pressure. Once these two things are checked, I will know how it needs fixed.

So with that, here are three links. The first explains the most common causes of a crank no start condition. The second is how to check fuel pressure and the third is how to check for ignition spark.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

________________________________

If you don't want to or can't check for spark or fuel, try this. See if the engine starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then we know if it is fuel related. If it doesn't even try to start, suspect it is ignition related.

_______________________________

Next, pics 1 and 2 below show the two different types of coils used. Let me know which one your vehicle has.

_______________________________

If you decide to check fuel pressure, here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The directions indicate the manufacturer's specs as far as pressure. Also, the remaining pics correlate with the directions.

______________________________

2008 Mercury Milan AWD V6-3.0L
Fuel System Pressure Test
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Fuel System Pressure Test
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST

Special Tool(s)

Special Tool(s)
pic 3

WARNING:
- Do not smoke, carry lighted tobacco or have an open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
- Do not carry personal electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers or audio equipment of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
- Before working on or disconnecting any of the fuel tubes or fuel system components, relieve the fuel system pressure to prevent accidental spraying of fuel. Fuel in the fuel system remains under high pressure, even when the engine is not running. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

2.3L engine
1. Release the fuel system pressure.
2. Disconnect the fuel jumper tube-to-fuel rail quick connect coupling.
3. Install the Fuel Pressure Test Kit between the fuel jumper tube and the fuel rail.

pic 4

3.0L (4V) engine
4. Remove the cap and install the Fuel Pressure Test Kit on the fuel rail Schrader valve test port.

pic 5

3.5L engine with a fuel rail mounted Schrader valve
5. Remove the cap and install the Fuel Pressure Test Kit on the fuel rail Schrader valve test port.

pic 6

3.5L engine without a fuel rail mounted Schrader valve
6. Release the fuel system pressure.
7. Remove the air cleaner outlet pipe.
8. Disconnect the fuel tube-to-fuel rail spring lock coupling
9. Install the Fuel Pressure Test Adapter and Fuel Pressure Test Kit between the fuel tube and the fuel rail.

pic 7

10. NOTE: The air cleaner outlet pipe must be installed prior to completing the fuel system pressure test.

Install the air cleaner outlet pipe.

3.5L engine without a fuel rail mounted schrader valve and 2.3L engine

11. NOTE: The IFS switch was disconnected in the fuel system pressure release.

Connect the IFS switch electrical connector.

All engines

12. NOTE:
- Carry out a key ON engine OFF (KOEO) visual inspection for fuel leaks prior to completing the fuel system pressure test.
- After completion of the fuel system pressure test, open the drain valve on the special tool and release any residual fuel into a suitable container prior to removing the tool.

Test the fuel system pressure to make sure it is within the specified range.

______________________________

I realize most people don't own a fuel pressure gauge, but often times, a parts store will lend or rent one to you.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, these steps are just to help determine where the problem is coming from. Once determined, we will focus on that specific component.

Take care,
Joe