Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Engine Stopped - Still cranks, no spark

Hi, you all helped me once before with a problem so lets see if you can do it again! I was driving along, had been out about hlaf an hour, various stops and all of a sudden the engine quit...no noise, just shut off...glided to a stop and she turns over but no hint of starting. Battery appears OK. Seems like no spark, though it was daylight...any suggestions or firsthand experience??? I was thinking coil or some other electrical issue but wanted some expert help first. Thanks as always! Bruce

You should have a bright blue spark at the plug, if not check the electrical connections at the coil (wiggle test)and the ignition module(if you have ATX). Inspect all of the ignition wiring. Of course this is assuming you have a good battery with properly tightened connections.

If you have fire, then check fuel pump fuse, fuel pump pressure, and electrical leads to injector rail.

I cant believe nobody has figured this out...

ITS THE TIMING BELT!

im assuming you have a zetec(I4), because Ive never heard of a duratec(v6) pulling to dying timing belt symptons. Next chance you get, pop the hood of the car, go over to the passenger side, and remove the black pastic cover from the passenger side of the valve cover... This would be your timing belt cover... if your timing belt is BROKEN, or isnt tight then your timing belt is done for, and when a timing belt dies... its because a tensioner or two has gone bad.

WELCOME TO CEG!

I do have the ztech and it appears you are correct and it is the belt...any idea how much I can assume it will cost to replace..I am in upstate NY...Also, I will ask although I probably know the answer, is this a job I can do myself...I do most of the other work on the car. Thanks for the help

Where upstate? There's CEGers all around. I'm from Binghamton, there is one from Rome, and I think Albany...

I am in Niskayuna, which is near Schenectady 12309

I did the timing belt on my 95 Mystique, if you pick up the repair manual, its not to bad. Don't know what year you have, but the hardest part on mine was finding the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley. they were just little nicks in both sides of the pulley.