It quit running and would not restart. After about 30 minutes, it started and ran for about 1-1/2 miles. After hitting more bump,s it quit again.
It is sitting in the garage now and I can start it up but I am afraid to go anywhere in it. I let it run for about 15 minutes and shut it off. It would not restart. After 30 minutes it started. People have said bad fuel pump or blown head gasket. Can you help me?”
Halderman: There are many things that can cause this concern. I checked with a couple of Ford experts at the Michigan Institute of Technology for their ideas or suggestions.
Dick Krieger wrote back and said: “Too many things and all are variable. I suggest fuel pressure and spark be monitored during in a no-start condition. Back to basics. She should take the car to a reliable garage. Obviously there is a loose connection because it is bump-related. It could be a simple fix but these are often not.”
Dan Avery wrote and said: “This vehicle has a reputation with wiring harness issues at:
1. The top of gas tank (fuel pump)
2. The engine harness at back of engine connecting to vehicle.
The only accurate diagnosis involves surgery.”
Thanks for your thoughts and advice, Dick and Dan. I agree that this issue will need to be looked at by a professional service technician.
The repair may not be low cost but, as you said, you cannot drive it the way it is. I do not suggest that parts be replaced until a diagnosis confirms the need.
However, it sounds like it is a wiring fault issue, so the major expense will be for labor in the diagnosis and disassembly of components, such as the gas tank, to find the root cause.
James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician, a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the author of 12 textbooks. Submit your questions to Halderman via e-mail at jim@jameshalderman.com or follow him on Twitter @jameshalderman, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.
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