Questions and Answers

Ford Tempo Starting Problem Q. Vincent, I have a 1991 Ford Tempo, 2.3 liter, automatic transmission, 34,804 miles, A/C and fuel injection. For some reason it will not start. When you crank it up it tries but then it just stops. Like it goes through all the motions and then dies. I've had the battery, alternator, and starter checked.

I've heard everything from it being the gas lines to it being the whole fuel injector system. Then it was flooded, so at this point I am extremely confused. So if you have any information, it would be greatly appreciated.

A. You were a little vague and confusing in your description of the problem. Does it crank of then suddenly stop cranking? Does it crank until the battery dies? Does it cough and kick or just crank and crank?

At this point the best thing to do is see if there are any codes stored in the computer. That will give us some kind of starting point.

If there are no codes, we will have to determine if it is a fuel or ignition problem. You can pull a plug wire off and stick a spark plug into it. Then lay it on the metal part of the engine, ensuring a good ground, and crank the engine. if you have a bright blue spark, then you have a fuel problem.