Author Topic: Car starting problem  (Read 928 times)

Offline Fulmar

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #15 on: July 25, 2009, 11:31:32 AM »
When I took it to the garage today it started just fine, without a hitch.  I don't think its the fuel pump shutoff switch.  I know the problem you're talking about though with ford's and that.  Back in the day my mom's '89 Taurus had that shutoff switch problem.

We'll wait and see what my mechanic says.
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Offline CAP1

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #16 on: July 25, 2009, 11:33:25 AM »
When I took it to the garage today it started just fine, without a hitch.  I don't think its the fuel pump shutoff switch.  I know the problem you're talking about though with ford's and that.  Back in the day my mom's '89 Taurus had that shutoff switch problem.

We'll wait and see what my mechanic says.

technician.   :D  if he can figure out what's wrong in the computer system, he's a tech. the mechanics are the guys that throw parts on cars, and do brakes, shocks, etc......... :aok

 lemme know.....i'm curious. i'm also glad to offer any advice i can for ya.


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Offline SFRT - Frenchy

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #17 on: July 25, 2009, 01:23:15 PM »
I know on the Mustang, there's a website where u enter your error code, and it get possible issues as a result. Since it's also a Ford, u can probably find it online. Cars are not computers, the light usually comes up for a reason, resetting the battery doesn't magically clear stuff up.
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Offline Fulmar

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #18 on: July 26, 2009, 01:01:17 AM »
I originally only reset the battery when only the fuel cap light came on as the cap was properly secured and I hoped it was a 'glitch.'

Anyways, the tech I took it to referred me to take it to the dealer as he could only read the codes and didn't have the oem tools to actually control the computer and test the components to help find where the leak is.  Simplified version of our conversation.  The codes that were coming up with PO455 and PO457.

P0455 reads that there is either a fuel vapor leak or lack of purge flow in the EVAP control system.
P0457 is the check fuel cap code.

He couldn't duplicate the starting issue I had yesterday and he didn't think it was related to the EVAP problem, other than maybe the mixture was running rich which would cause some 'chugging' that my wife briefly experienced or so she says.
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Offline Speed55

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #19 on: July 26, 2009, 07:00:19 AM »
Could it be something as simple as a defective sensor?

I know on my dads car the check engine light comes on due to a defective sensor in the exhaust.
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Offline Fulmar

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #20 on: July 26, 2009, 11:49:55 AM »
Could it be something as simple as a defective sensor?

I know on my dads car the check engine light comes on due to a defective sensor in the exhaust.
No, he said he saw the leak of fuel.
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Offline CAP1

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #21 on: July 26, 2009, 01:22:43 PM »
I originally only reset the battery when only the fuel cap light came on as the cap was properly secured and I hoped it was a 'glitch.'

Anyways, the tech I took it to referred me to take it to the dealer as he could only read the codes and didn't have the oem tools to actually control the computer and test the components to help find where the leak is.  Simplified version of our conversation.  The codes that were coming up with PO455 and PO457.

P0455 reads that there is either a fuel vapor leak or lack of purge flow in the EVAP control system.
P0457 is the check fuel cap code.

He couldn't duplicate the starting issue I had yesterday and he didn't think it was related to the EVAP problem, other than maybe the mixture was running rich which would cause some 'chugging' that my wife briefly experienced or so she says.

P0455=EVAP control system leak, either no purge flow, or large leak detected. by large leak, they usually mean a leak larger than .080.

P0457=EVAP control system leak detected(fuel filler cap loose or off.)

 if you have the car back in your posesion, go out, and remove the gas cap. look very carefully at it. there is a rubber seal on it. check that, to be sure that it doesn't look cracked, or dry-rotted. if it looks ok, then look at the threading...again, very carefully. if they look ok, then look at the threading in the filler neck. the problem i mentioned before on the contours, was in the filler neck. ford(in all of their infinite wisdom) had put a plastic "lining" on the top 3 or 4 inches of the filler neck. right where the cap threads in.

 if all looks ok with the cap(i kinda doubt it will), then the purge valve is somewhat common on fords too.
with fords, you need to look very carefully at pretty much everything, as one code can cause many others. this is because the system works so well, that the computer will trip a code in any system it sees a problem with....even if it's caused by another system. it makes diagnosis harder for those that don't know how to do it without datastream.

 with the way you originally described the problem, i am forced to head right back to that gas cap.

 something else you might want to consider.......if your mileage is low enough, you MIGHT still get this under warranty. most manufacturers cover emission control problems for 5 years or 50-60k miles i think.

 if you prefer to avoid the dealer, then click this link    http://www.napaautocare.com/

on the left side, type in your city, state and zip code.......it'll give you a list of the napa autocare centers near you. 99% of them will have the proper equipment to diagnose this for you.

 i really cannot believe the shop you took it to turned you away. these problems are very easy to diagnose.....i use nothing more than a smoke machine for the majority of EVAP problems. if that doesn't find them, then i have a powered test light(for testing the solenoids and valves) and a DVOM for reading everythign.



i hope this has helped you at least a little bit.


let me know if i can help more, ok?

john
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Offline CAP1

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #22 on: July 26, 2009, 01:23:21 PM »
No, he said he saw the leak of fuel.

he saw actual gasoline leaking from your car? did he say where?
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Offline Fulmar

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #23 on: July 26, 2009, 01:34:04 PM »
I don't recall him saying exactly where the leak was, but that there was a large leak.

I'm fairly certain the tech I dealt with really didn't want to deal with the car.  I knew he was backed up and was running quite behind, I dropped the car off at 8am and they didn't start to look at it till after 5pm.  Which is pretty surprising since I've used this shop quite a few times before without any complaints.

Depending on what is actually wrong with the car emissions part of the car, it may be under warranty as I think it's either 5 or 6 years the last time I thumbed through the owners manual.  I've have to check into it with the dealer.
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Offline CAP1

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #24 on: July 26, 2009, 01:52:55 PM »
I don't recall him saying exactly where the leak was, but that there was a large leak.

I'm fairly certain the tech I dealt with really didn't want to deal with the car.  I knew he was backed up and was running quite behind, I dropped the car off at 8am and they didn't start to look at it till after 5pm.  Which is pretty surprising since I've used this shop quite a few times before without any complaints.

Depending on what is actually wrong with the car emissions part of the car, it may be under warranty as I think it's either 5 or 6 years the last time I thumbed through the owners manual.  I've have to check into it with the dealer.

i think you'll find it to be under warranty.

the focus is actually a really good car. most fords are much better than they get credit for being.

good luck, and keep us updated!
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Offline ariansworld

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #25 on: July 27, 2009, 04:30:13 PM »
Hey,  you will get better help here -----> www.focusfanatics.com
Than you will here.  Because this is a focus specific board.

Offline CAP1

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #26 on: July 27, 2009, 04:31:17 PM »
Hey,  you will get better help here -----> www.focusfanatics.com
Than you will here.  Because this is a focus specific board.

YA, 'CAUSE THOSE of us that fix these things for a living don't know anything......... :rolleyes:
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Offline Masherbrum

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #27 on: July 27, 2009, 04:44:51 PM »
Hey,  you will get better help here -----> www.focusfanatics.com
Than you will here.  Because this is a focus specific board.

I have worked on many cars, not as a mechanic, but because I'm mechanically inclined.   1982 XJ6, toughest brake job ever.   A chitload of Jeeps of all variants.   From removing bent driveshafts in 2 feet of snow, pounding out the bearings and having installed in less than 10 minutes.   From working on many Mo-powers, Ford, Chevies, etc because a friend was in need and short on cash.

But your post comes off as very condescending, even if it wasn't the intent.   

This forum is odd at times.   If I EVER thought of "building an engine", VirgilHilts would be called and even if it wasn't a Chevy engine in question, he'd give me factual information.    CAP1 seems to know a ton as well.

EDIT:   Fulmar, just be careful of the Ignition Cylinder rings.   The Focuses use the identical ignition as my "old" 2002 Explorer.   I had 38,000 miles on it and one rings bent.   The dealer covered it without question, but it blew chunks and I know this is common on Focuses and Explorers.   As well as faulty Ignition Electrics making Tow Truck drivers rich by towing Town & Country's and Focuses. 
« Last Edit: July 27, 2009, 04:48:40 PM by Masherbrum »
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Offline CAP1

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #28 on: July 27, 2009, 04:48:01 PM »
I have worked on many cars, not as a mechanic, but because I'm mechanically inclined.   1982 XJ6, toughest brake job ever.   A chitload of Jeeps of all variants.   From removing bent driveshafts in 2 feet of snow, pounding out the bearings and having installed in less than 10 minutes.   From working on many Mo-powers, Ford, Chevies, etc because a friend was in need and short on cash.

But your post comes off as very condescending, even if it wasn't the intent.   

This forum is odd at times.   If I EVER thought of "building an engine", VirgilHilts would be called and even if it wasn't a Chevy engine in question, he'd give me factual information.    CAP1 seems to know a ton as well.

thanks dude.......

i know some racing....mostly on ford smallblocks though. i know a little about chevys. my racing knowledge pales in comparison to virgil though.

 fixing them.......if i don't know how when it comes in my bay, i will when it leaves. if it can fit in my bay, i can fix it.  :aok

and i FRAKKIN love working on the computer nightmares that most hate.  :D
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Offline Masherbrum

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Re: Car starting problem
« Reply #29 on: July 27, 2009, 04:50:32 PM »
thanks dude.......

i know some racing....mostly on ford smallblocks though. i know a little about chevys. my racing knowledge pales in comparison to virgil though.

 fixing them.......if i don't know how when it comes in my bay, i will when it leaves. if it can fit in my bay, i can fix it.  :aok

and i FRAKKIN love working on the computer nightmares that most hate.  :D

hehe, I'm the type of person that would come by your garage and dawdle by it, not out of impatience.   But more of "Give me a f**king wrench and let me help."    :cool:   
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