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Engine quit running while driving and will not start again?

Tiny
OPAL JUSTICE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 2.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 144,000 MILES
I was driving along and it just quit running. I check to see if it fires and it does and it is getting gas.
Tuesday, May 9th, 2017 AT 12:49 PM

38 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,289 POSTS
It sounds like the crankshaft angle sensor has gone out but to be sure when you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Friday, May 12th, 2017 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
MRSWOOD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
We have been working on a 2001 Mercury Cougar V6 automatic. It ran out of gas while being driven and after putting gas in the car it would not start. Yesterday, we replaced the starter/solenoid and the fuel pump. It still won't start. When you turn the key over it doesn't do anything. The fuel pump may be faulty, because you cannot hear it come on when you turn the key over. Also, you can take the starter relay apart and close the connections and it will crank, just not start. We are just wondering if maybe it could be something with the ignition switch or what. Please help!
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SHERICELEANNE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have a 2001 cougar. I got a recall on the fuel pump. It was replaced for free, just a heads up if you didnt get the letter. Plus I know that the Fuel system is very touchy. Have you looked into the computer system?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MXRACER04
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 2001 mercury cougar with a 2.5l v6. I had problems with the return line from the dpfe sensor blowing off of the egr tube, I got the tube cleaned out and now the car wont start. I have fuel and spark, it has a new coil pack on it, a new dpfe sensor and some other egr pressure sensor that bolts onto the intake manifold, it also has a new iac.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
If you have spark and fuel, it should start unless the timing is out or there isn't enough compression. Check to make sure the timing is correct, make sure the injectors are getting power. You could have fuel in the rail, but it can't get into the engine if the injectors are getting no power.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MACHSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
  • 2001 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 2.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
A couple of days ago I went to the park and when I returned to my car it wouldn't start. I know my fuel gauge is inaccurate but I knew it wasn't out of gas but I still put more in and even tried to incline the car thinking the fuel pump wasn't picking up.
4 days later I've changed the fuel filter and spark plugs. I've checked the fuses and relays and I've cleaned the manifold. I've checked the emergency shut off button and it's not been tripped.
I have not messed with the fuel pump although I have access to it but I can distinctly hear the hum of it when I turn the key to the on position. I first prayed throttle body cleaner into the throttle body and the car idled and I drove it about 100 yards and it shut off. Subsequent attempts doing the same and it revs only for seconds then shuts off again.
Sounds starved of fuel and only two things I find that could possibly be the problem is fuel pump driver module or fuel injection pressure regulator.
Is it possible the fuel pump hums but still isn't pulling fuel or do I need to find where the FPDM is and diagnosis it? Or could the fuel injector pressure sensor at fault.
Please help because I don't want to go to a shop and find its something I was close to fixing all along
Could it have something to do with ignition?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Hello. To me it sounds like a fuel delivery issue. It is possible to have the pump run but not put out enough fuel to start or run the car. I'd suggest a fuel pressure test. Go to the local parts shop and borrow a fuel pressure test gauge. They'll require a deposit so bring your wallet. Then follow the steps in the guide that I'm posting below:

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

Start there and let us know what you get. You should get close to 65psi with the key on, engine off and closer to 35psi with the engine idling
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+1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

I would start by checking the actual fuel pressure. The pump can work but not produce pressure. You can rent a tester at a parts store.

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

The module only sends power to the pump It does not regulate the pressure.

I attached the wiring diagram along with the procedures for replacing the pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Roy

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

Warning: do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel related components. Highly flammable vapors are always present and may ignite. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

REMOVAL
1. Remove the fuel tank See: Fuel Tank > Procedures.

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2. Disconnect the fuel feed pipe.

NOTE: Fuel supply line connectors are white or are identified by a white band. Fuel return line connectors are red or are identified by a red band.

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3. Remove the fuel pump locking ring.

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4. Remove the fuel pump.
5. Remove and discard the O-ring seal.

REMOVAL

Warning: do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel related components. Highly flammable vapors are always present and may ignite. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Remove the rear seat cushion.

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3. Detach the grommet.

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4. Disconnect the fuel pump module electrical connector and disconnect the fuel return line.
5. Raise and support the vehicle.

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6. Disconnect the fuel filter outlet connector.

NOTE: Fuel supply line connectors are white or are identified by a white band.

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7. Support the fuel tank.

CAUTION: When supporting the fuel tank, use a suitable packing material to prevent damage to the underside of the fuel tank.

8. Remove the fuel tank support straps.
9. Partially lower the fuel tank.

CAUTION: When lowering the fuel tank, make sure that excessive strain is not placed on pipes and electrical connectors.

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10. Disconnect the fuel filler neck from the fuel tank.

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11. Disconnect the fuel vapor recirculation hose.

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12. Disconnect the Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) refueling hose (if equipped).

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13. Remove the fuel tank (vehicles with returnless fuel system shown).
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MACHSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
I've heard about the fuel pressure test but didn't give it much weight but I'm going to put this in motion and I'll let you know what happens. Thank you so much for the information. This is great.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Keep us updated.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MACHSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Hey guys, I have the pressure gauge connected to the only thing that resembles a schrader valve that's connected to the fuel rail and I'm getting no psi, no movement on the gauge. Before I went to rent the gauge kit I disconnected the fuel filter line leading into the filter and had someone turn the key on to assure myself that fuel was coming from the tank and a decent amount did.
I've noticed I have a connecting hose broken and I'm attaching pics. I do not know if this hose is relevant or even if it happened previously or during the time I was changing the spark plugs.
By what you can see do I have the correct valve for reading the fuel pressure? Thanks
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, thank you for the picture.

Can you hear the pump run when you turn on the key?

If you do, the pump is bad as it should give a good pressure to the rail.

If it does not then we need to do some testing.

No, the hose is part of this issue.

Roy
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MACHSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Yes, I hear the pump hum when I turn the key to the on position.
Question? The fuel that does flow from the pump if it doesn't register pressure or doesn't ignite. What has happened to it?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MACHSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Can you identify the broken hose?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The pump can run and produce no pressure. That is an internal failure in the pump.

Can you take more pictures of the hose and post them for me?

Roy
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MACHSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
These are the same pictures but close up. I'll try for more shortly but as it stands I should go ahead and order a full pump?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes, order a pump assembly. Rockauto has the best prices for this.

Yes, that hose is no good. I would replace it. I think it is called a breather hose but when you order it, take the picture with you to identify it.

Roy
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MACHSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
You recommend purchasing the entire assembly?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes, I do. I have had too many issues with just the pump replacement. I know it is cheaper but cheaper is not always the best.

Roy
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MACHSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Point well taken and I'll come back and post if I need anymore advice or when I've completed the task. Probably a week.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 10:55 AM (Merged)

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