Need Mechanic in CT,,, Intermittent Starting

[mm.owner]

Hi Everyone,

Anyone know a trustworthy mechanic in Connecticut?
( I’ll post this in New England section as well )
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My 03 suddenly developed an intermittent starting issue,,,
After reading other posts, I'm guessing it's either Fuel Filter or Fuel Pump,,, ( hopefully a loose wire to the fuel pump ? ).
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Fuel Pump reset not needed,,, red button not raised,,, already in down position
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I turn the key just to the point where the dash lights display,,,
Should hear a quick whirring sound ( indicate fuel being pumped ) right ?
Well,,, no whirring means no starting,,, engine cranks but won't ignite
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40K miles,,, garaged,,, battery clean and always on trickle charger,,, Only mods are JLT Intake and SCT for 3.55
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I have no mechanical ability or tools.
What should be checked ?
( Just before I sent this post, it started right up today )
I don't trust this vehicle any more and don't want to be stranded somewhere.
Just need someone to diagnose and fix the issue.
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Thanks in advance for any comments,
Bob Vincent

[russell072009]

i would try the fuel pump relay. it's in the engine compartment fuse box. swap it with one of the others just make sure it's the same kind. there are a few to choose from.

[russell072009]

heres a few pictures. i read the not mechanically inclined part of your post.

this is the engine compartment fuse panel
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l227/russell072009/IMG_20110410_171058.jpg

it's held closed by this little tab on the right.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l227/russell072009/IMG_20110410_171106.jpg

follow the directions. make sure you pull the fuse out and put it back in just to make sure it's not corroded. check the relays as well to make sure it's just not a bad connection.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l227/russell072009/diagram1.jpg

maybe it will be that simple and you'll be good to go. if it works great after that being the bad relay to the dealer or parts store and get a new one. hope this helps.

[mm.owner]

Hi russell072009

Thanks for the instructions and pics,,, i'll apply your recommendation, the next time the issue occurs,,, thanks!

So where do folks in CT get their MM tuned up ? or repaired ?

Morande Ford in Berlin does my oil changes

was there a Mustang place in Manchester that was doing dyno tune and testing ?

Thanks again,

BV

[20Marauder04]

Alot of the grand marquis, marauder, crown vics had this problem and they are known for a corroded or broken wire behind the front bumper at the corners and middle. Its the wiring harness that runs from the fuse box. Just a little info if it happens again try shaking the harness while someone starts it

[Michael]

Sometimes a good diagnostic trick with fuel pumps and starter motors is to wack or tap on the gas tank or motor with whatever you can find, if it starts after taping the the gas tank pretty hard it is the pump. Make sure the car does not start before you try this and only do one of the diagnostic tricks at a time to rule out which may be the problem.:burnout:

[RF Overlord]

mm.owner, be advised that the Marauder has a returnless fuel system. This means the pump only runs when it needs to. If you turn the key on without starting the car, you should should hear the pump whirr briefly...like maybe for a second or two...but it will then stop. That's not a problem, that's the way it's supposed to be. If you cycle the key, you may not hear it run the second time as pressure is already built.