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Crank or Cam sensor??

C

cshelden

New CEG'er
Joined
Apr 21, 2008
Messages
8
Hey all,
My 1996 Contour is dead in the drive way. Backed it up to let kids play ball, set a few days now it won't start. It is getting spark, it is getting fuel (replaced pump less than 500 miles ago/filter). Installed new plugs/wires less than 500 miles ago. It acts like it almost wants to start but just never does fire on over. It turns over the motor will spin real quick then back off then spin real quick like it is about to fire. Hope that makes sense.

So I have 0 codes other than the one about the O2 on the lower side of the car by the radiator and have had for some time. My thoughts are cam sensor or crank? Easy check? Or just go buy one and "hope" I hate doing that though. I see they are 15.00 ea at AZ or Orielly.

Thanks guys.

Charlie
OKC,OK
 
I thought it had a chain but what do I know. Thanks though, any quick dirty way to tell? Somehow I don't think that will be a fun change in this car.:confused:
 
cshelden said:
1996 2.5, did I post under wrong forum? Sorry if so.
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nope you are in the right spot but having infromation like that helps us get to the root of the problem.


fyi your 2.5L V6 has timing chains.

more often then not if everything else is rules out on a no start condition it is the crank sensor.
 
Sorry,
I posted under the Duratec Maint thread I just presumed it would mean 2.5. Maybe my message fell under another thread as well? I'm new to how the forum works? If one posts under duratec does it also go under a "general" everything thread as well?
 
cshelden said:
Sorry,
I posted under the Duratec Maint thread I just presumed it would mean 2.5. Maybe my message fell under another thread as well? I'm new to how the forum works? If one posts under duratec does it also go under a "general" everything thread as well?
Click to expand...


yes this post was originally in the duratec maintence forum, but this isn't a maintence post, its a troubleshooting post because we don't know what is wrong. So I moved the thread here to general troubleshooting which is the more appropriate place for this post.
 
Charlie,

Try pushing the gas pedal all the way down (this closes the fuel injectors). You may have "washed out" cylinders. Lost compression as the piston rings are not as "tight" as it used to be.

If that doesn't work, try removing two spark plugs, put in a teaspoon or two of engine oil in the cylinder, reinstall and then crank again. The oil helps to regain compression.

Of course, make sure the battery is good too.
 
Will do...I tried that since I can still remember the days of carburators and chokes and stuff. It still didn't start. I'm sure the rings have wear it has 230,000 miles. Owned it since new, just recently started being cranky.
I've not ever heard of washed out cylinders, that is interesting.

Sorry for not posting in proper forum, which now makes sense why no one knew what size motor I had. My post was moved to the general catagory from the duratec one. I know now.

Thanks,
Charlie

PS...is the crankshaft position sensor change a 15-30 minute job or will it require removing things to get to it. Just tring to see if I can do it quickly tonight or hold off till the weekend.
 
cshelden said:
...PS...is the crankshaft position sensor change a 15-30 minute job or will it require removing things to get to it. Just tring to see if I can do it quickly tonight or hold off till the weekend.
Click to expand...
5 minutes, but I would not change that unless I know that was the culprit.
 
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