I’ve got a 2003 Focus SE DOHC with 93k miles that cranks but won’t start. I replaced the ignition cylinder and dealt with a PATS issue (got it reprogrammed). It has a new battery, plugs, plug wires, and ignition coil. The ignition was replaced last night, but now it just cranks and won’t start.
I’m thinking it might be a fuel issue. Planning to use starter fluid tonight to see if it helps. If it does, maybe it’s bad injectors or something fuel-related. The previous owner didn’t provide any service records, so I’m a bit in the dark. Any advice is welcome!
Did you test the fuel pressure yet? Also, check for spark by pulling a plug, connecting it to the wire, and cranking to see if there’s spark. You can use an inline tester for this. Compression test wouldn’t hurt either. Have you ever seen this car actually run?
You mentioned fixing the PATS issue, but are you completely sure it’s resolved? If the anti-theft system isn’t fully working, it will crank but won’t fire because it disables the spark.
Since you replaced the ignition cylinder, which is tied to the anti-theft system, I’d look there again to rule it out.
@Zeke
I’m confident it’s fixed. My friend used his Ford computer to reprogram it, and I watched him do it. It even started once after that but died, and now it only cranks.
Shan said: @Zeke
I’m confident it’s fixed. My friend used his Ford computer to reprogram it, and I watched him do it. It even started once after that but died, and now it only cranks.
If it started and then died, it’s leaning towards a fuel issue. Maybe the fuel pump quit working? Try spraying a small amount of starter fluid into the intake. If it coughs or runs briefly, then ignition is fine, and it’s likely a fuel problem. A fuel pressure tester would confirm if it’s the pump or injectors.
@Zeke
Yeah, I’m really thinking it’s fuel-related too. I’ll try the starter fluid tonight and hope for some progress. I thought I could hear the fuel pump priming before, but I’m not 100% sure. This car’s platform is new to me, so I’m learning as I go.
@Shan
That gauge should work fine for checking the pressure from the tank pump. This generation doesn’t have a high-pressure pump, so it’s pretty straightforward. You’ve got this!
Zeke said: @Shan
That gauge should work fine for checking the pressure from the tank pump. This generation doesn’t have a high-pressure pump, so it’s pretty straightforward. You’ve got this!
Oh wow, we’re total idiots… we forgot to program the immobilizer!
Zeke said: @Shan
That gauge should work fine for checking the pressure from the tank pump. This generation doesn’t have a high-pressure pump, so it’s pretty straightforward. You’ve got this!
Thanks again for the advice. I’m thinking the fuel issue could also be from it sitting in the previous owner’s yard for over a year. Who knows what else I’ll find wrong with it.
