1995 Ford Windstar Won't Start - Engine

Question: It ran fine and then stalled while starting twice and ran until home, about 3 miles with one stumble after about 1/4 mile. It died while idling, wouldn't re-start for 2 cranks and then started on 2-3 cyl. Next day it started immediately and it ran fine for a few minutes before being shut-off. Next day wouldn't start, found reference to TPS being a potential problem since no Chk Eng light. Auto-Zone has analyzer for 96 on, not 95 so got TPS and installed. It started right up and it ran fine for a minute before being shut-off. Next day plugged the old TPS in and it started, but not immediately, and then died (proves it was the TPS, right?). Reinstalled the TPS and it won't start. On my 81 Chev the "analyzer" plug could have 2 pins jumped and it would blink a code, anything like that for 95 Windstar? This a typical failure? Haven't checked fuel, but awfully fast decline for filter plugging, fuel pressure regulator failure? Crank position?

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Technican: Check your fuel pressure. A dying pump can act just like that. Check for spark, a bad crank sensor will kill the spark, (and should also set a code, but not always.) I believe the same scanner used for 96 can be used for 95, but needs to be set to 96 settings. There is no paper clip tricks on the OBDII systems.

Owner: Since I wrote the question I checked the spark and there is none now. I used an inductive timing light on all 3 front cylinders and got nothing. What's the best place to start checking for no spark? Thanks

Technican: If there is no spark on 3 cylinders, likely you have a module or crank sensor problem. Other possibilities include bad computer, wiring problem, blown fuse, bad relay. Does your check engine light come on when you turn the key on. If so, check for power on the red/light green wire with the key on at the ignition coil. If ok, suspect the crank sensor or module. If the check engine light does not come on, check your main relay, fuses and wiring to the computer. Best wishes,

Owner: Although I couldn't find an OBD-II sticker, there are O2 sensors up & dnstream of the cat converters and you said it may work, I borrowed an analyzer and plugged it in. First got a com failure and then Passed. It started right up like nothing ever happened. It ran fine-slow, fast, cooled off, restarted, on the freeway, full throttle, idle- it still said Passed-No faults everytime. What do I do now? Take it to the dealer and be sure the right diagnostics are being run? Drive it until it craps out again?

Technican: The answer to that question depends on 2 factors. #1 How much money do you want to spend? #2 Are you willing for the inconvenience of another break-down? Remember also that it is humans working at the dealer. It is humanly inpossible to diagnose a past electrical problem if it is not failing now. (But there are a few tricks to try to make it fail while in hand) Best wishes.

Owner: Both your points are 100% correct, but The question is this - do you have ANY doubt that the generic OBD-II tester from Auto-Zone can't find or read a fault that the dealer diagnoitics for a 95 can, since the 95 may not be 100% OBD-II compliant? How much should just plugging it in at the dealer for a diagognostic check cost?

Technican: The dealer has some additional machines they can use to find problems that don't show up with a simple scan. Regarding price, you will need to call the local dealer to find what they say.

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1995 Ford Windstar Won't Start - Engine

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