I have a few questions about my 2000 Ford Focus SE. I have just recently been having problems with it. It will not start. If I spray starting fluid into the intake it will start up, but if I start reving it or trying to put it in gear then it will stall.
When I try and turn it over (without using starting fluid) the engine sounds like it is going to start so I dont think that it is the starter. I can also hear the fuel pump in the back buzzing when I try to start the car so I dont think that it is that. The car has gas in, and I can turn the radio, heat etc so I dont think its the battery.
A couple of weeks ago I had a problem with my MAF sensor and the car was running very poorly, threatening to stall etc. I took it to a shop and they cleaned the MAF sensor and it ran fine after that.
I tried to clean the MAF sensor yesterday and still no joy. So my question is :
1. Would a bad or non functioning MAF sensor cause the car to not be able to start at all?
2. If it would not cause the car to not start, does anyone have any idea of what the problem could be?
The check engine soon light is on, but as the car will not start I cant take it to Autozone to get the computer diagnostic
Did you change the fuel filter. If its clogged you may not be getting enough fuel going through it.
Try the coil pack. Not sure how to test it.
you have auto or manual tranny? Can you keep it running by keeping your foot on the gas?
I don't beleve the MAFS should keep the car from starting. Actually it should not because I have run my car with it unplugged accidently and also have run it without the TPS plugged in accidently.
Did you change the fuel filter. If its clogged you may not be getting enough fuel going through it.
Try the coil pack. Not sure how to test it.
you have auto or manual tranny? Can you keep it running by keeping your foot on the gas?
I don't beleve the MAFS should keep the car from starting. Actually it should not because I have run my car with it unplugged accidently and also have run it without the TPS plugged in accidently.
Good things to check here as FX3 (Dan) said - and you've stated the replacement of the sparkplug helped. Fuel Filters, PCV's, kinks in hoses may attribute to poor fuel/air feed and no running.
I'd say check your coil as Dan has mentioned above.
The MAFS - I've run my car without it attached as well so I would hesitate to think it is this.
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First of all, I would like to thank everyone who is responding to my posts and trying to help me
There is 110,000 miles on the car and to my knowledge to fuel filter has never been changed (is it easy to do or hard?) It has an automatic transmission.
When I start the car up (using starting fluid poured into the intake it will idle but if I put my put on the gas at all or try and put the car into gear it will stall. (makes me think that it may be the fuel filter and when the car starts up it is just running on the starting fluid! maybe)
I am going to check all the hoses and make sure none of them are kinked.
Where abouts is the coil located and how would I go about checking it and how would I go about replacing the fuel filter.
Running on starting fluid is common because it is combustable. If you sat there and sprayed the starting fluid the car would run and you would probably be able to drive it also.
The fuel filter is on the pass side at the back just in front of the gas tank. Its a big silver canister with a hose coming out of each end. It can be a pain to tak out if rust has attacked the mounting bolts. I had a hard time changing mine as I has to do it with a hand wrench at 1/8 turn at a time.
Another thing to check is to make sure the fuel injectors are plugged in(harness may have come loose/appart) and there are no broken wires. The injectors are on the rail on the back top of the motor.
Basicle it sounds like your not getting fuel to the motor.
Did you have the fuel pump recall done? Your pump could sound like its on and working but not pulling fuel.
Has your fuel pump been replaced under the recall campaign from Ford? It, to me, sounds like you arent getting enough fuel. Check the fuel filter first because its the easiest to do.
If that doesnt fix it then have that fuel pump replaced if you havent already done so. Ford should come and pick it up and tow it to the dealership for you and replace it free of charge because of the recall on that particular part.
The fact it wont rev up or stay running in gear to me signals the fuel pump issue, it doesnt seem to be handling a load put on the motor. One Focus I diagnosed with my scan tool was idling on about 15psi of fuel pressure. The fuel pump should be putting out about 35 - 40 psi of pressure if I remember correctly.
____________________ My car is a synner! It uses Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants.
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it
I did not know that the fuel pump was under recall. I have a 2000 ford focus SE and when I type my VIN into fords web site it says that there is only one recal for my car which is something about corrosion in the locking mechanism for the back doors.
Is it just that fords site is not showing this recall?
I am going to try and replace my fuel filter this evening and and make sure that my fuel injectors are plugged in.
Is there a specific phone number that I should call about the recall or should I just call the ford dealership.
Just call the dealership and tell them that you need your fuel pump replaced and you have not had the recall done. They are sure to know what you are talking about. Its a recall that had been out some time now and is very common it seems.
If they give you any problems ask to speak with the service manager, if he cant help you, its time to go to the regional level and bitch them out. Whatever you do.. DO NOT PAY FOR THE FUEL PUMP!!
____________________ Its all fun and games until someone gets poked in the eye with a dick
And to ease your mind I don't think the coil pack is completly bad. You said the car started and ran with the starting fluid so we are dealing with a fuel issue for starters. Do what you said you plan on doing about the fuel filter and than calling Ford for the fuel pump recall.
Get the car running and take it from there. 1 step at a time.
Replaced the fuel filter, no joy. Called Ford and they are towing it to the dealership today to repair the fuel pump as my car is one of the VINS that has the bad fuel pump recall.
I will keep you posted on what happens. Thanks everyone.
Do report back, but I feel confident that its the Fuel pump. Ive been through a failure myself and have help others that had that issue. I have to leave room it could be something else, but at this point I dont see how. Also, dont let them tell you its not the fuel pump so they arent going to replace it. It is a recall and I dont believe there are mileage limits on them, at least the fuel pump one that Im aware of.
Okay, I checked the paper work on the Focus and I still have the letter from the recall notice on the fuel pump.
"This offer is valid for a period of 10 year from the original warranty start date of the vehicle, with no limit on the number of miles that the vehicle has been driven."
Straight off the recall notification Ford sent out.
So make sure they get that thing replaced along with the sock filter and all the other goodies that are normally replaced when replacing the fuel pump. Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
Last edited on Wed Mar 23rd, 2005 01:59 am by SyntheticShield
____________________ My car is a synner! It uses Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants.
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it
Replaced the fuel filter, no joy. Called Ford and they are towing it to the dealership today to repair the fuel pump as my car is one of the VINS that has the bad fuel pump recall.
I will keep you posted on what happens. Thanks everyone.
You should really have them check the other recalls while they are there. I thought the earlier models had close to 10 recalls? Maybe I'm thinking wrong though.
____________________ "Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either, just fuck off and leave me alone. "
Just got back from the Ford dealership. It was a problem with the fuel pump. They replaced the Fuel Pump and did all the other recalls I had on the car.
There was no charge at all, not even for the towing.
