1988 crown vic won't start?

Question

My starter cranks and i can hear my fuel pump working. I replaced the rotor button, and used a little starter fluid but nothing happened. I tihnk i may have an electrical problem. The starter does activate and spin etc, but the engine just doesn't catch. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Get a remote start switch and open the hood.  Remove the distributor cap and then turn the engine over. If the fan does not turn, the starter motor or the flywheel is the problem. If the fan turns but the rotor does not, then the timing belt/ drive cam is the problem.  If the rotor turns, then replace the rotor, cap and wires. If you still have problems, take it to a mechanic. My '88 CV is getting old, close to 300K miles.  I'm tempted to rebuild it, the 23 MPG  hwy is better than most rigs.  

Answer 2

Check for spark ??  Pull a wire from one of the plugs and use a screwdriver against the plug and see if your getting spark. You will need help from another person to crank the key over. Does sound like you lost spark.

Answer 3

Check for spark as the other person mentioned. If there is no spark, there are a few possibilities. One, pop the distributor cap off and look at the connector for the pickup to the Ignition module to see if it deteriorated. If it is a white color, the pickup is probably bad.The replacements had a blue connector. Second, the ignition module (TFI) could also be defective. Third, and less likely, the ignition switch. Ford had Field Service Actions on each of these components, but may be expired. The dealer can run the VIN to see if there are any open programs, even on a car that old.

Yes, even though you hear the fuel pump run, there could still be a problem with insufficient fuel pressure. You need to connect a fuel pressure gauge to the schrader valve on the fuel rail. When you turn on the ignition, fuel pressure should be at least 40 psi.

If it isn't any of these items, there is a whole myriad of other possibilities to explore.

Answer 4

For an engine to run, you need 3 things: Fuel, Compression, & Ignition.

Check for ignition first, as it is the most common cause of a no-start condition. To check for spark, remove a spark plug, connect it to the wire, and have the bottom of the plug touching metal (preferably the engine head, somewhere dark). Have a friend try to crank the car, and look for a spark. If you have spark, proceed ahead.

Next, check for fuel. To check for fuel, you'll need a fuel pressure checker. You can rent one of these from most Autozones and other auto parts stores. Grab a Haynes manual while you are there, as you will need specific directions on how to check the fuel pressure, as well as the correct pressure specifications.

If you have fuel pressure, the last thing to check would be compression. You'll need a compression checker for this, and you can sometimes find these at most auto parts stores (though most do not rent them). You'll need to s***w the end of the checker into the spark plug hole and crank the engine.

My suggestion would be to get a shop manual (I recommend Haynes) or take the car to a reputable shop and have them check it out for you.