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intermittent starting problems #572505 03/13/03 10:41 PM
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1 California 9 98V6 OP Newbie
OP 98V6 Newbie 9 Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1 California	I have a 98 ATX with Duratec V6 engine, and over the past 8-10 months have experienced occasional but VERY AGGRAVATING mornings when the engine cranks strongly but won't start. When I first noticed the problem it would eventually start after many attempts, but in the past two months I've had it towed to my local mechanic twice after giving up (the tow truck driver was also unsuccessful). But of course when it gets to the mechanic it starts no problem.!!! The first time they looked at it they suggested it was a problem with the PATS key being worn or loose, but playing with it doesn't seem to help. It's happened twice since then. Other diagnostics don't show any problems, fuel pump seems to be working fine, car runs great otherwise and mostly starts fine, except when it doesn't. I hate to throw myself on the mercy of the dealer without a better idea of what is wrong. Any insight from people who have experienced a similar problem would be MUCH appreciated!

Re: intermittent starting problems #572506 03/13/03 10:47 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 655 R red99sesport Veteran CEG\'er
red99sesport Veteran CEG\'er R Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 655	My 1998 Mystique did the same thing. Did it for months, eventually it totally failed to start. The flywheel on my car was warped, and the car would start every one out of three times. Took it to the dealer, they had it twice. have a dealer inspect your flywheel, if it's bad and needs to be replaced, ask them about getting Ford to pay for part of it. It is an expensive job, would have cost me 1500 dollars, but Ford payed for all of it except the 250 dollars which was for the starter I ruined trying to start the car.

Re: intermittent starting problems #572507 03/13/03 10:50 PM
Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 89 Mexico R ramon1809_dup1 CEG\'er
ramon1809_dup1 CEG\'er R Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 89 Mexico	Originally posted by 98V6: I have a 98 ATX with Duratec V6 engine, and over the past 8-10 months have experienced occasional but VERY AGGRAVATING mornings when the engine cranks strongly but won't start. When I first noticed the problem it would eventually start after many attempts, but in the past two months I've had it towed to my local mechanic twice after giving up (the tow truck driver was also unsuccessful). But of course when it gets to the mechanic it starts no problem.!!! The first time they looked at it they suggested it was a problem with the PATS key being worn or loose, but playing with it doesn't seem to help. It's happened twice since then. Other diagnostics don't show any problems, fuel pump seems to be working fine, car runs great otherwise and mostly starts fine, except when it doesn't. I hate to throw myself on the mercy of the dealer without a better idea of what is wrong. Any insight from people who have experienced a similar problem would be MUCH appreciated! I wouldn't think it's PATS related, if it were PATS your car would crank, 1998 Contour V6 2.5L ATX

Re: intermittent starting problems #572508 03/13/03 10:56 PM
Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 2,408 R Rogerm60 Hard-core CEG'er
Rogerm60 Hard-core CEG'er R Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 2,408	Welcome to CEG! The CEL has not come on? PATS light not on? There are many possible causes. If the engine seems to crank faster than normal, check for flooding by smelling the exhaust when this happens. If it smells like gas, pull the fuel pump fuse and crank some to get excess gas out before trying again. If you don't smell gas, check for fuel pressure at the fuel line schrader valve with the key on. Checking for spark would be next. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" -George Santayana

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