I have an 02 Windstar, it cranks but won't start

10

Asked by ramman97 Oct 11, 2013 at 11:22 PM about the 2002 Ford Windstar

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

fuel relay is working,

14 Answers

9,690

Its either the crank or cam sensor. Cracked over head cam? Really

9 people found this helpful.
650

Not likely a cracked cam. Start with the process of elimination. You need 3 key elements for an engine to work properly: spark, fuel and combustion. If its cranking then you already know its getting spark. The thing to look at is fuel. Try turning the key to the on position but DON'T start it. If you hear a slight whine then fuel pump is likely working. However don't stop there. Locate the Schrader valve under the hood on the engine. This is located on the fuel rail. Use a flathead screwdriver and try carefully pressing it in. You should get a nice amount of fuel squirting out. If not suspect a bad fuel pump. Before you try any of this have the vehicle scanned for trouble codes as these can point you in the right direction. However sometimes they only give probable cause of the code(s). You may even need a tuneup.

20 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
10

Thank you for your answers, but still no luck, than crank position sensor checks out and not knowing how to check cam sensor I swapped the pick-up of cam sensor with a known good one but still no fuel pressure

10

Thank you for your answers, but still no luck, than crank position sensor checks out and not knowing how to check cam sensor I swapped the pick-up of cam sensor with a known good one but still no fuel pressure

1 people found this helpful.
50

Battery is good but the engine won't start

5 people found this helpful.
20

check to see if you have 12 volts at the pump

2 people found this helpful.
230

Cranking does not = Spark, it only means the engine is turning over unless it starts for a second or two (which Would indicate spark). Fuel pump 'whining' does not = needed fuel pressure, it only means pump is getting power. Neither the crank nor the cam sensors have anything to do with the fuel pressure or fuel pump. They do provide information to the PCM for Fuel and Spark timing. A crank/no start situation can be caused by one of the above input sensors (crank/cam) and they will not always throw a code. 1st step is to check codes. 2nd step check for spark. 3rd step check fuel pressure with a gauge and compare to spec. if low does it start with ether? if yes - then bad pump./good spark...if no - then no spark. If no spark then check Ignition Coil, cam sensor and or Crank sensor....plugs/wires. Mobile auto mechanic, Michigan, 1988-present

23 people found this helpful.
90

I found it just had this problem with 2003 windstar couldn't start it all week put charger checked fuse then looking in manual found Fuel reset switch in the panel with jack. Press button. Turn key on but don't crank the engine. Then start after couple minutes. Started on the second try. This is a switch that is activated by a big jar that the car thinks you have had a crash and shuts off the fuel system in case of leak. try it on your van and see if it works for you. Ken

8 people found this helpful.
10

I have 2002 windstare ford van se the saftey swtch in back of van right side has been pressed to reset will it hurt to unplugg this switch and drive like that

1 people found this helpful.

I Have a 2003 Ford windstar i have to Jumpstart my van it will start but dies in 10 to 15 seconds of running what s the problem

Your Answer:

Windstar

Looking for a Used Windstar in your area?

CarGurus has 2 nationwide Windstar listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Earl Garris
    Reputation
    1,070
  • #2
    Ficarri
    Reputation
    770
  • #3
    JohnBarJB
    Reputation
    730
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.