Help needed,,, please !!!!

Something slightly different just occurred to me - as it sounds a bit like a symptom I had ages ago on mine.
Basically, when the car was very cold (left standing for 8+ hours) it would struggle to start. However, if it was even slightly warm (leave it standing for 2-3 hours - in fact we struggled to get it cold enough in December to get it to reproduce the fault at the garage) it would be fine.
After lots of changing ignition leads, cap and rotor to no avail, a quick plug-in to the XR-25 diagnostic computer revealed that the cold start sensor had packed up. Replaced that and everything was fine again.

The only reason I mention this is that you mention that you start it fine several times a day, whereas when your customer tries it (assuming they start it less frequently) it won't start.

Worth checking that sensor.

Jon

Something slightly different just occurred to me - as it sounds a bit like a symptom I had ages ago on mine.
Basically, when the car was very cold (left standing for 8+ hours) it would struggle to start. However, if it was even slightly warm (leave it standing for 2-3 hours - in fact we struggled to get it cold enough in December to get it to reproduce the fault at the garage) it would be fine.
After lots of changing ignition leads, cap and rotor to no avail, a quick plug-in to the XR-25 diagnostic computer revealed that the cold start sensor had packed up. Replaced that and everything was fine again.

The only reason I mention this is that you mention that you start it fine several times a day, whereas when your customer tries it (assuming they start it less frequently) it won't start.

Worth checking that sensor.

Jon

Its a good point to check the coolant temp sensor in some cases, but in this case, that sensor wouldnt cause non sparking...it only controls fuel mixture.

I have orderd a crank speed sensor, as they are a common fault on many of the cars we do on a regular basis, corsa's, clio's, rovers etc and its only about 35 quid so IF it fixes the fault its a cheap solution.
I have checked all the earths and they are like new.
I would like to check these relays though, how do I get to them?, I have had a very quick look at the center console and it looks like a monster to remove.
The only thing thats puzzling me is the fact that it pushes off imidiatley, when it wont go off the key !!!!.
To me that points to a supply fault, relay, bad connection, dry solder joint to the ignition system.
I am loosing the plot with this car, I have seen it many many times before when people look to hard to find a fault and dont see the obvious in front of there nose....
In fact totaly off the point but I had a customer ring me on tuesday from macklesfield saying he had a tapping noise from his st220 3ltr v6 mondeo, Not a prob bring it in on friday when you are back in hull.
Got a phone call on thursday, he had taken it to the local ford dealer who had removed the inlet manifold and cam covers and decided that the hydrolic followers where at fault and they needed the engine out to fix the fault.
Why I said, its a 2.4 hour job time to replace all followers, bring it here.
So this morning (friday) he turned up, I listend, removed the inlet manifold, 1.4 hours r&i and found a spark plug winding its way out.
A new set of plugs, built it back up ,, jobs a good un.
180 quid and one very happy customer.
Ford quoted 20 hours at 55 quid per hour plus parts.

Now tell me thats not looking to hard to find the obvious!!

Dave

Robbin stealers innit ...............

Relays are between the rear seats ,lift the central flap to reveal the ECU .

Just to be totally clear, that's between the rear seat backs - the little cushioned panel comes off with a few screws. You don't have to get underneath all that black plastic.

Just to be totally clear, that's between the rear seat backs - the little cushioned panel comes off with a few screws. You don't have to get underneath all that black plastic.

Ah, excellent, I thought I was gonna have to take all that black plasctic out.
I will have a look at the relays tomorrow when I get the car back in the workshop for the crank speed sensor.

Thank you jonc

Right then,,, I really hate to tempt fate.... but


When fitting the new crank speed sonsor I found the plug on the end of the wiring loom to have been messed about with previously.
I fitted the new sensor, repaired the plug and started the car up.
I rang the customer on tuesday, took it back to him on wednesday and it started every time since for him.

He took it out this weekend and had some fun on the slippery roads, but it never let him down.

So a big THANKS to all on here who helped and had input in this post for help.
If anybody is in the Hull area and need of mechanical assistance they can call featherstone motors in anlaby common on 01482 352905 and I will do all I can to help them.

Once again thank you for all your help....
By the way if it plays up again I will be back eating my word, lol.

Dave