spins but no fire - CEG Archives

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I changed out the timing belt on my wifes 99 2.0L Auto Contour with 110,000 miles on it. Before that though the engine just died at an intersection with no cause that was obvious. I have already scanned the PCM and it started that the exhaust cam was serverly retarded. Since then it has sat with no luck in getting it started. I thought at first that the starter wasn't engaging the engine. Pulled it out and took that to a parts place to test it. Works as advertised and reinstalled it. No other codes have been found in the computer since I deleted the one for the cam timing. Any idea how to test the computer itself for a fault or problem? I did notice that Ford took the ICM and made it integeral of the PCM. Personally I wouldn't have done that, but that is just me. Someone please throw me a bone here. I am redeploying to Iraq for round two in a little over a month and I would like for her to have this car running just in case the other one craps out while I am away for 7 months. Thanks in advance.

CHECK YOUR FUSES, IF ALL ARE GOOD REPLACE THE CRANK SENSOR.

WELCOME TO CEG

sory for yelling

Well the good news is that I have checked all the fuses, relays, and even went as far as to check the fuel pump collision switch. Before I jump to changing the crank position sensor, why wouldn't the computer have a code identifying it as not receiving a signal or one that is out of specs? I'm going to give the dealeship a call this morning and see if they have any insight or a way of just testing the computer. I'll let everyone know what I hear and if it works.

Originally posted by airharley:
I changed out the timing belt . . . I have already scanned the PCM and it started that the exhaust cam was serverly retarded. Since then it has sat with no luck in getting it started.

Perhaps the ex cam is still severely retarded? Might want to try a compression check.

Originally posted by airharley:
Any idea how to test the computer itself for a fault or problem?

The computer should do its own internal checks each time you turn the key. Maybe (does anyone know for sure?) you could disconnect the TPS and see if the computer sets a code while cranking.

Originally posted by airharley:
I did notice that Ford took the ICM and made it integeral of the PCM. Personally I wouldn't have done that, but that is just me. Someone please throw me a bone here.

Are you getting 12 volts to the coil? Are you getting a spark at the plugs?

I did use the cam alignment tool for setting the cams. This is an interferance engine. I know I am not getting spark and I have looked at the usual suspects; all new: battery, plugs, wires, coil, and timing belt. But these were all changed out, minus timing belt, prior to the engine dieing in the intersection. I did call the dealership and they agree that the crank position sensor would have given me a code had it gone bad and so on. Bad news is that I will have to tow the whole car to them to take a look at the computer. Sounds like a crock of the stinky stuff to me. I know that they should look at the system as a whole but the computer is question not the whole car in my eyes. Well back to digging in the Chiltons I have for it.

i can sell u a good one for $10

Originally posted by lowbudgetracing:
CHECK YOUR FUSES, IF ALL ARE GOOD REPLACE THE CRANK SENSOR.

WELCOME TO CEG

I though it was the cam not crank sensor that would cause a car not start, because the cam. sensor is what tells the PCM to begin to fire the injectors?

PSst.. the zetec is a NON-interferance engine..

Ray

Crank sensor will throw a code if it is intermittant and running, probably won't if it won't start.

Cam sensor sets firing order, will still start 1/2 the time if bad.

It is easy to get timing wrong on VCT engines. The cam must be held in the advanced position when setting timing, there is a hex on the front camshaft for this purpose.

Check coil pack for spark output to be sure spark is missing, otherwise timing or a flooded condition may seem like it's not firing. If you have no spark check the crank sensor and wiring harness, the ignition module rarely fails.

Originally posted by Rogerm60:
Crank sensor will throw a code if it is intermittant and running, probably won't if it won't start.

A backward way of checking the crank sensor on a no-start would be to look at the fuel pressure while cranking. If the ECM sees the crank sensor signal while cranking, it will turn the fuel pump on. If no crank sensor signal while cranking, it will leave the fuel pump off.

Ok I just came back in from trying it again. This time I have spark and fuel is injecting into the cylinders. I am going to trying checking the compression next. I followed all of the steps outlined in the Chiltons to include picking up the cam holding tool. FYI Chiltons referances the 2.0L engine as an interferance engine. I even checked to make sure I wasn't smacking valves on the pistons by hand cranking the engine. So wish me luck.