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No start issue?

Tiny
CJMECHANICS
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
It started surging during idle roughly 3-400 RPMs jump every 3-4 seconds that would return back to normal idle after 1-2 seconds. I drove to work (40 minutes), got my paycheck and drove home. Halfway home the engine coughed suddenly then started acting fuel starved reducing my speed from 80 MPH which is our speed limit on the highway to 60 MPH made the engine start behaving normally again. When I got to the nearest exit ramp and came to a stop at the light before making a turn the engine shut off.

When I tried to restart it, I got power to everything except for no start I pushed the vehicle into a parking lot and with the help of a friend had him turn my key like he was going to start it while I stood near the gas tank and listened the fuel pump did kick on. The only thing not getting power seems to be the starter. Anyone have any clues on what caused these issues? My thoughts are the IAC valve and Starter Solenoid.
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Thursday, April 4th, 2024 AT 9:52 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
I have seen the MAF sensor cause this issue for the engine, but can I ask if the engine is cranking over or not? This might be two separate problems; can you upload a short video of the problem so I can see? Let's run the codes to see if any are stored which will help us fix it.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is how to change out the starter which you can see how to swap out the MAF sensor if a code is stored for it as well. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, April 5th, 2024 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
CJMECHANICS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No DTC's show when scanned, MAF sensor had just been replaced along with an oil change, spark plugs, air filters (engine bay and cabin air filters) both sets of brake pads (front and back) as well as a transmission flush with a new transmission filter, right before the car presented the current problem.
I will upload a video when I can.
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Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Okay, try to unplug the MAF sensor to see if the engine starts, also we should check to see if it runs on starter fluid, if so, we know it is fuel related if not then let's use this video to check for spark:

https://youtu.be/baq_aEWNQ0Y?si=88N19LxT-5AiaW6C

If no spark I have seen the crankshaft angle sensor cause this problem.

https://youtu.be/_xoGyRrHYbM?si=UxO8kXAYqLKPdg6S

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 AT 9:16 AM
Tiny
CJMECHANICS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Disconnected the MAF sensor,
Still no crank no start.
My car doesn't have coil packs on the spark plugs it's the 4 cylinder 2.0L it has the one-piece coil pack that all four spark plug wires connected to it,
But that was receiving power (12.77v)
The crank and camshaft sensors both tested good and are receiving power.
Starter solenoid is receiving power as well (12.91v at the cable connection)
Alternator is receiving power (12.84v)
Battery is sitting at 12.94v.
Fuel pressure test was within OEM spec.
When I try to start the car in park and neutral as well (I tried in neutral due to the thought occurring to me that it might be the neutral safety switch), but still presents with no crank no start.
Yet everything works as it should, all the dash lights come on, power windows, power locks, power seats, wipers, seat heaters, head lights, turn signals, hazards, and brake lights as well as stereo all function normally.
Anti-theft is Not active if that helps to know.
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 AT 10:53 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Even though you might be able to hear the fuel pump run it can still be bad, can you see if the engine will run on starting fluid? Also, let's see if the engine has spark by going over this video:

https://youtu.be/baq_aEWNQ0Y?si=faDN5HDVEo7artBw

Also, this guide can help as well:

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

Please go over these guides and get back to us.

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Thursday, April 11th, 2024 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
CJMECHANICS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Being as it's not cranking over at all, how am I supposed to test for spark?
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Thursday, April 11th, 2024 AT 10:35 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Gotcha, lets go over this guide to see if you are getting power to the trigger wire of th starter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Here is how to change the starter out in case you need it. Also here is how to load test the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response to the problem so we can see what's going on.

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Friday, April 12th, 2024 AT 5:26 PM

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