2000 Ford Windstar intermittent starting issues?

Question

My nanny drives a 2000 Ford Windstar minivan, and sometimes it doesn't start, as if it is not getting any gas. We took it to the mechanic, but could not find anything wrong. The battery is good, the starter is good, starter celenoid (sp?) is good, fuel pump good, and the fuel filter was changed. I insist that the nanny uses 91 octane gasoline sold at reputable stations (chevron, shell, etc.). The starting problem is a concern for me because the nanny picks up my daughters at school, and takes them to ballet lessons, etc.

The starting problem is a mystery to me. The most difficult thing is that this doesn't happen all the time. Just occasionally. Someone suggested that we should not let the gas tank get under half full. Well, the tank was over half full when the van wouldn't start the last time. I have read that there was a recall having to do with the fuel lines. Could this have something to do with it?

Your responses are appreciated.

the motor turns, no clicking noise. It is as if the car "wants" to start but doesn't.

Answer 1

i thing your van need a tune up ,,,

there are some TSB on loosing coolant,,is it ??,,2 or 3 days do you add coolant,,will affect hard starting ,,,

if the car is park over night the gas goes back to the tank which is not suppose too ,causing a hard start in the morning
or in some cases any time,, (one way check valve not working some times ,,,dirty or rusted tank))

to test so you could explain it to your mech, ,,,,,
turn key on,,wait 4 second turn off ,,turn key on again,,
do this 4 times then try to start,,,

Answer 2

-I'm not sure what the fuel line recall is, but if is sucking air that would be a loss of pressure in a pressurized system.
-If the weather is cold at night and warn in the day, try gas line dryer (water remover), My ford always needs this a few times in the spring and fall.
- The starter Solenoid works if you can hear the motor trying to turn over, if not at all, then you may have starter issues.
Check these things (not in any particular order)
$ Spark plugs
$ Distributor (Cap&rotor)
$ Plug wires
$ Cylinder compression (amount of motor wear)
$ fuel filter
$ air cleaner
$ go to auto zone or Murray's and have any electrical codes read for free! (to rule out sensor issues)
$ battery connection wires ( are they good & strong, how about the ground?)
$ the fuel line issues
$ anything that my clog the exhaust.

Hope this helps

MR. MAC-USER!

Answer 3

Motor turns but no crank...hum

Have her put her foot about half way down when she cranks on it next time it stalls out like that and see if it starts... if yes, she may be having a idle speed motor issue....

If not she maybe have a intermittant no spark condition..can be caused by a few things, mainly senosr on front of motor..without codes or having the vehicle in front of me had to diagnose as this thing doesn't have distributors..

Answer 4

One of the Ford diseases is burnt out starter switches. Everything runs thru the switch in the steering column, just below the key. They plug right in w/ 2 screws.

Answer 5

1

Answer 6

with all that you never say what the problem is...cant turn key,turn key nothing,turn key click,turn key car cranks [fast or slow?]