Still intermittent start regardless of temp.

[PunkST]

Car gets super temperamental about starting when outdoor temp is above 50 degrees. Still chasing this ghost in my machine. Cycle the button enough times and itll start. Its highly embarassing, and frustrating though. Any ideas? Im about the jump the neutral safety switch like i did in my focus and see if the problem goes away.

 

[TyphoonFiST]

Remote battery Dying in Key?

 

[PunkST]

Nope. Car would complain about it. Only odd warning is occasional hill start assist not available. ( usually cuz im on flat ground.)

 

[PunkST]

Ok so if i press the start button and let everything boot up first. Then if i push in the clutch it will start first try. If i hit the pedal right away and attempt to start it. It wont until a couple of "key" cycles. Any ideas??? Maybe my start switch is going bad? Maybe i have a relay somewhere going out?


Side note. My AC hasnt worked since the crash as well. Just blows hot air at me 😐

 

[Snrub]

Before your last post, I was thinking of suggesting an issue with starter/starter solenoid. I've experienced similar issues when the solenoid is failing, but working intermittently.

With the updates in your last post, I'm not so sure what to suggest. I'd suggest it's possible the wireless receiver for the signal from the key may not be working well. If the key battery is dead, the car is suppose to start when you hold the key up to the steering wheel column where you'd traditionally insert the key. I wonder if you try this if you will have consistent results and it would help to determine if this suggestion has any merit.

 

[AZSP33D]

It’s a matter of having the right amount of fuel, air, spark, rotation of course... try a shot of starting fluid as it will provide a clue if it’s fuel related. Also helpful for finding vacuum leaks, just don’t catch anything on fire

 

[JDG]

Have you checked fuel and spark? Spark plug condition and gap? Do you have fuel pressure? What are your lowside and highside pressures?

 

[Snrub]

If the engine isn't turning from the starter, spark, fuel, etc. aren't part of the equation. If it is, then it's probably not a key signal/starter type of issue. I was interpreting the engine as not turning, but reading again, I'm not certain from the description. Please clarify.

 

[AZSP33D]

If the engine isn't turning from the starter, spark, fuel, etc. aren't part of the equation. If it is, then it's probably not a key signal/starter type of issue. I was interpreting the engine as not turning, but reading again, I'm not certain from the description. Please clarify.

Good point, I thought the switch was being cycled after going through the starting/cranking without firing.

 

[PunkST]

Engine isnt turning over when it acts up. Starter is getting no signal at all to engage and spin.
Which is why i end up having to wait a few and cycle the button / push in the clutch again.
It gets more temperamental when it gets hot out. I have noticed that.

 

[TyphoonFiST]

Factory starter? Not a parts store wonder starter?

 

[PunkST]

Factory motorcraft starter, yes. So replacing the 4 year old 100k mile unit didnt help the issue.

 

[Alkoran]

Clutch switch?

I'd begin to check what are the requirements for the starter to get a signal, then check those requirements one by one until you find the culprit(s).

 

[Switters]

Bad engine/battery ground? These seem to show up more when warm/hot.

 

[PunkST]

Bad engine/battery ground? These seem to show up more when warm/hot.

I can clean up the grounds again. Its a fresh battery as of late feb. when i got the car back.

 

[PunkST]

Clutch switch?

I'd begin to check what are the requirements for the starter to get a signal, then check those requirements one by one until you find the culprit(s).

Those are next on my list to test/replace. Along with start button.

 

[spedy7]

Definitely agree on a possible ground issue. Threw me off once on a power seat issue, some dolt didn't put the screw for the ground back in causing it to sometimes work. Clutch switch is also a possibility, but guessing wiring/ground issue because...well...accident lol. Ohm out the ground for the starter circuit to a known good ground and go from there.

Edit: Checked the wiring diagram and the starter grounds to the transmission/block, so any ground issue would be due to corrosion between the starter itself and the transmission/engine. Ground strap issue should cause drivability concerns. Maybe take a good look at the clutch pedal and make sure its being pressed down far enough to allow the engine to start. Could be a damaged clutch switch that got jarred from the crash, or maybe a bent clutch pedal. Hard to e-diagnose, but just stuff I'd check with the given info. Best of luck .

 

[PunkST]

Definitely agree on a possible ground issue. Threw me off once on a power seat issue, some dolt didn't put the screw for the ground back in causing it to sometimes w

With how many other bolts this dummy missed on my car ( the whole dam intercooler just flopping in my bumper. Not mounted. Brackets busted and missing bits 😐) i should really check the grounds next time i crawl under. Plus it sat in snow for a month before even really getting worked on.

 

[slopoke]

Have you tried bypassing the switch? Should be easy to do.

 

[TyphoonFiST]

Ambient temperature switch telling the computer its a either super cold out or way too hot causing the starting issue. This can be checked with a good scan tool with live feed data. Just a thought.....