I have a 97 continental that won't start. I checked for spark and it has none. I've had this problem a couple times before but a small shot of starting fluid and it started right up, but this time i get nothing and it has no spark. So I hooked it up to my code reader and it came back no codes found. The only thing i can come up with is the ECU is fried. Therefore no codes are found, also maybe it has been putting out a weak spark every know and then so starting fluid allowed it to start. Does this make sense? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
97 Continental, wont start
- Thread starter esh56
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Frankie X
Registered
RE: 97 Continental, wont start
It is very common for 4.6 Continentals to lose CKP (Crankshaft Position sensor) signal to the PCM. Without CKP, the PCM is unaware the engine is rotating. It will not provide spark or injector pulse. It also will rarely set a code because the malfunction occurs only during engine cranking, not run.
The CKP is a magnetic sensor reading a trigger wheel behind the harmonic balancer. If you look to the rear of the balancer, you'll see a small 2-pin connector to it. The sensor is held in place with an 8mm head bolt.
The problem may not be the sensor itself, although that's fairly common. It's often simply minor corrosion on the pins in the connector.
As a matter of fact, Ford TSB# 97-14-5 provides instructions to use DeOxit or similar contact cleaner (available at any Radio Shack) on the terminals and applying a coating of silicone di-electric paste in the connector to prevent further moisture intrusion.
It's often as simple as that!
It's worth a try before spending big bucks on a PCM.
It is very common for 4.6 Continentals to lose CKP (Crankshaft Position sensor) signal to the PCM. Without CKP, the PCM is unaware the engine is rotating. It will not provide spark or injector pulse. It also will rarely set a code because the malfunction occurs only during engine cranking, not run.
The CKP is a magnetic sensor reading a trigger wheel behind the harmonic balancer. If you look to the rear of the balancer, you'll see a small 2-pin connector to it. The sensor is held in place with an 8mm head bolt.
The problem may not be the sensor itself, although that's fairly common. It's often simply minor corrosion on the pins in the connector.
As a matter of fact, Ford TSB# 97-14-5 provides instructions to use DeOxit or similar contact cleaner (available at any Radio Shack) on the terminals and applying a coating of silicone di-electric paste in the connector to prevent further moisture intrusion.
It's often as simple as that!
It's worth a try before spending big bucks on a PCM.
Frankie X
Registered
RE: 97 Continental, wont start
It's the heavy, weighted part of the front crankshaft pulley.
This question and the fact you used GoGo Juice on a fuel injected gasoline engine leads me to believe you have very little technical expertise and are in over your head.
Please forgive me for sounding harsh.
I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH to you and anyone else reading this the dangers of starting fluids!!!
If you spray it into an open air cleaner case,as it goes through the MAF, it wipes out the sensing tip.
As the ether passes by the O2s on its way out, it contaminates the chemistry on those sensing tips, preventing them from generating correct voltages.
Most importantly-- most importantly-- if the engine backfires on the fliud, which happens often, and the tensioners have bled back, you risk skipping the timing chains, effectively destroying your motor.
I've seen it too many times.
Last winter alone, I personally diagnosed three engines with holes in pistons and bent valves. In each case, the customer stood there like a deer caught in headlights and mumbled, "I've been doing it for years and never had a problem...."
It's the heavy, weighted part of the front crankshaft pulley.
This question and the fact you used GoGo Juice on a fuel injected gasoline engine leads me to believe you have very little technical expertise and are in over your head.
Please forgive me for sounding harsh.
I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH to you and anyone else reading this the dangers of starting fluids!!!
If you spray it into an open air cleaner case,as it goes through the MAF, it wipes out the sensing tip.
As the ether passes by the O2s on its way out, it contaminates the chemistry on those sensing tips, preventing them from generating correct voltages.
Most importantly-- most importantly-- if the engine backfires on the fliud, which happens often, and the tensioners have bled back, you risk skipping the timing chains, effectively destroying your motor.
I've seen it too many times.
Last winter alone, I personally diagnosed three engines with holes in pistons and bent valves. In each case, the customer stood there like a deer caught in headlights and mumbled, "I've been doing it for years and never had a problem...."
RE: 97 Continental, wont start
Once again thanks for the advice, I cleaned the contacts on the sensor and it fired right up and has been running fine ever since. I didnt realize that starting fluid could cause that much damage so thank you for that. Please don't make assumptions that I have no technical expertise and obviously I am not in over my head since the car is running just fine today. I may not be a mechanic, but thats why I come to this site for advice.
thanks
Once again thanks for the advice, I cleaned the contacts on the sensor and it fired right up and has been running fine ever since. I didnt realize that starting fluid could cause that much damage so thank you for that. Please don't make assumptions that I have no technical expertise and obviously I am not in over my head since the car is running just fine today. I may not be a mechanic, but thats why I come to this site for advice.
thanks
Frankie X
Registered
RE: 97 Continental, wont start
I was out of line, Brandon.
Over all the years I've been in this business, I've seen so much damage caused by starting fluids it seemed very important to stress how dangerous that $#!* is!
That still shouldn't give me the right to insult you.
Since you got your car started, I hope you won't hold a grudge!
I was out of line, Brandon.
Over all the years I've been in this business, I've seen so much damage caused by starting fluids it seemed very important to stress how dangerous that $#!* is!
That still shouldn't give me the right to insult you.
Since you got your car started, I hope you won't hold a grudge!