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hikers2000
New User
Jan 31, 2012, 6:15 PM
Post #1 of 3
(3702 views)
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97' cougar hard to start
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1997 Mercury Cougar, 2.8 V6, ignition has to be turned on for a while (longer when cold), until fans and someother noise stop. Then it will start right up. If you try to start it immediately, it turns over, but won't fire. Fuel pump? Relay? Something else? Fuel pump is in gas tank, so I don't want to change it if that's not the problem. I have ran injector cleaner through, new air filter, and cleaned the MAF sensor. Didn't help. The problem is getting worse. Please anyone, HELP.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 31, 2012, 6:17 PM
Post #2 of 3
(3699 views)
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Re: 97' cougar hard to start
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All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.
Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.
These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.
1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.
2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.
3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.
Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 31, 2012, 6:38 PM
Post #3 of 3
(3687 views)
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Re: 97' cougar hard to start
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Fans shouldn't be coming on when you turn the key on. Check for trouble codes being stored in the engine controller. Could be something goofy going on with the CCRM.
Pay attention to the fuel pressure. Get a fuel pressure test gauge and hook it up to the service port on the fuel rail. When you turn the key on, the fuel pressure should build up pretty quickly. Pressure should hold and not drain back. Pressure should be around 37-43 psi when you turn the key on engine off.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jan 31, 2012, 6:41 PM)
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