Questions and Answers

Ford Taurus Flex Fuel Cranks, No Start Q. Mr. Ciulla, Thanks for your time. I have a 2000 Ford Taurus SE, V-6 Flex Fuel, Automatic transmission and 74,000 miles. The Taurus has been causing problems starting lately. I turn the key and I hear the fuel pump working properly. The engine turns over, but no cranking until I depress the gas pedal. Now, when I depress the gas pedal, it cranks but immediately shuts off, no idle.

I replaced the fuel pump this same time last year after it did the same things and eventually would not turn over at all. I have also recently replaced the spark plugs. I have checked the categories on the web site, but I could not find anything that was similar to this issue. Any help would be appreciated. I just don't want to go out and buy a ton of parts for something that should be an easy fix.

Thank you,
A. Kubik

A. I'm assuming you are talking about a crank, no start condition. The engine cranks normally but doesn't start or stalls immediately after start. I'm also going to assume you are starting it on gasoline and not propane.

The first thing I would do is check the Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS). Ideally it should be checked on a cold engine with a scan tool. The temperature it indicates should be within three or four degrees of the ambient air temperature. If it is reading high, then it will lean out the fuel mixture and cause the condition you describe.

If the CTS is reading correctly, I would do a fuel pressure test and see what the fuel pump is doing. If fuel pressure drops when the engine starts, you probably have a fuel pump control problem that could be traced to the ignition switch.

Check for vacuum leaks, especially in the PCV system. That would cause the symptoms you describe. Check the IACV for proper operation. Also check the computer for codes. Some engine problems will not turn the Check Engine Light (MIL), but will store a DTC.