Sudden crank no start on issue

[Scot]

2003 Ford Focus SE SPI SOHC manual transmission with about 161,000 miles.

A week ago I drove my car around with no problem. I live 3 mins from work so I walk there and don’t drive much. Naturally the car sits most of the time but I do drive it at least once a week. 2 days ago I went out to start the car up and it started for a half second then died out. After that it did nothing but crank. I tried an hour later, same thing, ran a half second then just cranked. Now it won’t start for even that half second. Here’s what I know and have checked:
-Car battery is new; only a couple months old.
-3/4 tank of gas and has oil on dipstick.
-Code P0171.
-New MAF sensor.
-Can hear fuel pump coming on when I turn the key to on position.
-Checked fuses.
-Smell gas when cranking and tried pushing on the gas pedal.

Could try new spark plugs and wires but don’t think that’s gonna help. Don’t know if it’s getting spark cuz there’s no one else around right now to help with that. Only other things I could think of is the Idle Air Control valve is clogging up (finally figured out where it was), it needs a new fuel filter, or the timing belt broke. And to top it off, the car needs to be inspected this month. Did I mention it’s snowing too? Oh joy!

Topic

[Troy]

Starting fluid should tell you if fuel is the missing element without a second set of hands.

If the IAC was frozen, you would still be able to keep it running with the pedal.

Is the engine cranking faster than normal?

[Scot]

Just tried starter fluid. Seemed like it wanted to start but didn’t. Was accompanied by a few pops from the exhaust system but otherwise nothing changed. Engine didn’t sound like it was cranking any faster. Will try and get a friend over here today or tomorrow to check for spark then report back.

[Its me]

Yep, Ya need to check for spark before you buy new plugs or go chasing the IAC. Find a friend 🙂

P0171 is a lean condition, it has no bearing on a no start condition. The vehicle must be running to set that code.

-Karl

[Scot]

I checked for spark this morning before dawn. Had to set up a camera since I couldn’t get someone to help and you do see spark on video. I can link it if that’s helpful.

[Troy]

Tests that I would do next in order of likelyhood. Of course this is only my opinion.

1. Fuel pressure test. Although p0171 needs to be running, it is possible the pump was on its way out before the car wouldn’t start. Audible noise is never a confirmation of adequate fuel delivery. If pressure is good, then,

2. Pull a spark plug after cranking , is it wet with fuel? If yes, then scan for abnormal coolant temperature. If PIDS all look good, then
3. Then test for Injector power and control (using noid lights or a test light.) If that passes, then,
4. Take a fuel sample and make sure it is not contaminated. Put it in a clear glass bottle and let it sit a while and look for a line of seperation.

[Scot]

I decided to bite the bullet and just have it towed to the shop since it needed an inspection anyway. But mostly because I don’t have the knowledge or tools to perform a fuel pressure test or any of the other steps you mentioned. The shop just called me and said they think it’s a fuel pump, but that the car won’t pass inspection as is anyway and needs a lot of money put into it to do so (wheel bearing, rear brakes, exhaust eating fuel tank, balding rear tires, frame rotting out). They’ve recommended I scrap the car and get a new one. So that’s probably what I’m going to do. Thanks for your help anyway Tdub and ToyotaKarl. Wish this had been a better outcome.

[Its me]

If you have confirmed spark I would move now to a compression or a leak down test to check for cylinder problems.

-Karl

[Author]

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