Questions and Answers

Ford Tempo Cranks, Won't Start Q. Hi Vincent, I have a 1994 Ford Tempo Cranks, Won't Start, automatic transmission, A/C with 60,000 miles. I had a flat tire a couple of days ago, back drivers side. After changing the tire I got back into the car but it would not crank. The battery is fine. My question is, is there some kind of safety switch somewhere on the car that can be reset?

The car was doing just fine until having the blow-out. Oh, and the car did take a pretty good jar at the time of the blow-out. When I tried to crank it, it acts like it wants to crank but maybe its not getting the gas needed. Would appreciate any and all help.

Thanks,
Dawn

A. I'm assuming you have a Crank, No Start situation and not a No Crank.

There is a Inertia Fuel Shut-Off Switch that will shut the fuel supply to the engine off. The inertia switch is used to shut the fuel pump "OFF" in the event of a collision. When a sharp impact occurs, the ball breaks loose from the magnet, rolls up a conical ramp and strikes a target plate.

This opens the electrical contacts of the switch and disrupts power to the electric fuel pump. The engine will quit running within a few seconds after the fuel pump looses power. The inertia switch must then be manually reset before the engine can be restarted. The inertia switch consists of a steel ball held in place by a magnet.

The Inertia Fuel Shutoff is located in the trunk, on the LH hinge support.

All you need to do is press the reset button located on top of the switch.