Van Hard To Start After Using A/C

PILOTBILL

MEMBER
2000 MERCURY VILLAGER
3.3L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
65,000 MILES

Hello Again, I asked the below question yesterday. The person that answered it asked about any engine codes. The Van does not show any engine codes. The SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT works like it should. When I first started having the below trouble, I took the Van to my local garage repairman. He looked the van over, but then told me that unless the onboard computer gives a engine code (WHICH IT'S NOT DOING) there is nothing he can do. He told me that if I wanted too, I could leave the Van for a few days, but it would be a hit and miss as to him being able to find the problem and fix it, not counting what it might cost me. PLEASE HELP.

Hello, I have a 2000 Mercury Villager Mini Van 3.3L. The problem I have is that every day I use the A/C the next morning when I try to start the van, the Radiator Fan turns on (THE VAN HAS SIT ALL NIGHT) and the van will not start. I have to keep turning the key on and off until the fan stop. Then when I try to start the van, the van won't start. The motor turns over real good, but it will not start. Sometimes it smells like the engine is flooded. If I wait a little while (LIKE A HOUR OR SO) the van will finally start. I do not have this problem, if I do not use the A/C. The problem started just a few weeks ago. I have the van for two(2) years now, up until now the van has run real good.

3 Replies

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

Hey PilotBill,

My colleague was probably asking for what are known as "soft codes." These won't set the check engine light and many shops won't check for them without being asked to because it requires them to push a few extra buttons on the Scantool.

However, let's try something a little different. First, pull the spark plugs after labeling the plug wires as to where they go. Then take a look at them. Do they look wet? Do they look glazed? Check the gap. There should be a sticker on the radiator/fan shroud that tells you what the gap should be. Finally, stick a Phillips screwdriver into the plug boot and hold the blade of the driver near something metal and watch for a spark. It should be a strong spark, bright blue or white. Watch the rhythm of the spark. It should be regular, not a like a conga drum (spark. Spark. Spark. Spark.- NOT sparkspark. Spark. Spark. Spark)

Also check the fuel pressure and look for leaks. Your van is fuel injected and there really shouldn't be a way it can flood. You should be able to borrow/rent a fuel pressure gauge from places like O'Reilly's and Autozone. Check the fuel pressure a few times. When you're not having the problem. While the engine is running fine. While you are having the problem.

Does the problem occur immediately-drive to the store and come out, or just overnight?

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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 3:23 PM

PILOTBILL

MEMBER
84 POSTS

To - rivermikerat,
The problem only happens after the Van has set overnight. I can use the A/C On at times & Off at times and the Van will start right up no matter how many times I start the Van, but let it set overnight and that is when the problem shows up. If I don't use the A/C at all during the day, there is no problem starting the Van the next morning. PLEASE HELP

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Thursday, August 27th, 2015 AT 11:21 AM

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

Well my friend, you've just embarrassed Wink Martindale because yours is the $64 MILLION question.

Let's start with the basics.
Check for spark.
Check for fuel pressure.
Put a test light on the ignition coil primary (low voltage- battery) side and see if the circuit is being opened and closed to cause the coil secondary (to distributor cap) side to fire.
Key off-Check the coil primary and secondary resistance. KEY OFF. You WILL damage either your meter or yourself with the key on!
Turn anything that makes noise off and then turn the key and listen for a slight growling from fuel pump.

Next, you need to beg or borrow a decent scantool that will pull SOFT codes. These don't cause the Check Engine Light to come on, but they can be bothersome or problematic. Many shops will scan for these if you are firm enough with them. And they'll do it for free.

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Thursday, August 27th, 2015 AT 6:08 PM