[Gcline]

My engine will not fire. Fuel pump comes on, so does everything else, but it just wont fire. I think ive narrowed it down to two possiblities...

1) Timing chain. Would the timing chain breaking cause it to not start at all. The day before i parked it, it ran perfect.

2) Ignition Module. I noticed the last couple of days that my tachometer has been moving sluggish, kind of like an old style tach where it would jump around. I thought it was just my indigo gauge coming up, but it shouldnt be.

all this has to happen on Christmas day too

any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[T_Bird_Babe]

I don't know about the ignition part, but I do know that the timing chain doesn't even have to be broken. If it is off a little or just loose the car will not start. I had it happen once. I drove the car to the store and it ran fine. Came back out, and it wouldn't start. They said it was the timing chain.

 

[Chris_Murder]

our cars don't have a timing belt... they have timing chains, two seperate things, and yes if it is broken and cranks your in for a world of hurt, like positive valve contact, ouchie!

 

[T_Bird_Babe]

our cars don't have a timing belt... they have timing chains, two seperate things

Help him, don't correct me. Reading his question then looking at my post, you knew what I meant. SO:tongue: :tongue:

 

[Bird Up 97]

i feel your pain.

i don't know if its the same thing, but it looks similar. i came outside on the eve, and found that i left my amp on the night before. i got it jumped and it started. i let it run for a few and turned it off. i tryed to restart it right there and it was no go. i got it jumped and drove for about a half hour and tryed to restart and it was no problem. next day, the starter wasn't even cranking. is that the same type of deal, or is it a battery or starter prob?

 

[David_viny]

Does it turn over? Im assuming it is but if its not turning over, you could try jumping the starter relay with a screw driver to manually jump the starter. I started my old bird like that for a week untill I had time to replace it.

 

[Embalmer]

If it cranks but does not start, suspect the crankshaft position sensor wiring harness. Look down at the crankshaft pulley and the sensor is at 9:00. The wires come up from the left side and I would suggest grabbing the harness and wiggling them while you're pushing up so they have a better connection. This has worked numerous times, so give it a try.

 

[Gcline]

its not a battery problem, it cranks with perfect power. Theres no odd noises coming from the timing cover when i try to start it. I will check that harness tomorrow. Also, if one coil pack was bad, could it cause the engine not to start at all?

 

[Gcline]

i pulled the spark plug wires from the coils to see if there was any spark. No spark at all from both coils. Now, on 96-97's is there an ignition module, or was that only on the OBDI systems? Also, Embalmer, would i have to be looking under my car to see those wires?

 

[Gcline]

its running now
I found the wires that lead to the crankshaft position sensor (took a look too in my service manual to see if that was really it) gave them a good shake and push, and it fired right up. Now to avoid being stranded out somewhere, whats a fix for this? Just replacing the sensor or what?

thanks everyone, you saved me from a tow bill and a headache

 

[Embalmer]

its running now
I found the wires that lead to the crankshaft position sensor (took a look too in my service manual to see if that was really it) gave them a good shake and push, and it fired right up. Now to avoid being stranded out somewhere, whats a fix for this? Just replacing the sensor or what?

thanks everyone, you saved me from a tow bill and a headache

You're welcome.

You can replace the harness which involves cutting the wires and crimping or soldering the new ones on. Replacement harnesses are available from Ford for less than $20 I believe. Most likely you won't have the problem again - if you do, then replace the harness.

The sensor tells the EEC where the crankshaft is so it knows when to fire spark. No connection = no spark.