Won’t start when it does doesn’t run right?

2009 FORD ESCAPE
250,000 MILES • 3.0L • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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DPIERSON99
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
If and when I can get it to start Itll run for about 10-15 mins then my electric power steering system, my gauges (RPM, speedometer, temp) my gas gauge still shows level but my miles to E are dashes as well as the total miles trip miles. And when I go to stop and turn it off while doing this it won’t start back up and the car with a lock thru it flashes. After a while of sitting there it’ll start right up and repeat the process. I don’t think it’s the alternator cause I can still drive pretty far while it’s doing this and a relatively new battery maybe 3 months old
Aug 23, 2026 at 10:12 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,319 POSTS
It sounds like the system has something draining it down like a shorted rack which can happen, can I ask how it cranks over? Can you please upload a short video of the engine cranking? Also, we need to do a CAN scan, this video will show you how.

CAN SCAN - https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

I would still test the charging system rather than rule out the alternator. Please check this video as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-p4dMJUpUw

Let me know what you find, I look forward to the video.
Aug 24, 2026 at 5:31 PM
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