2001 Mustang won't start

The ol lady has a 2001 Mustang v6 that won't start. It all started a month and a half ago when it was starting to get cold. The car was having troubles starting and it sounded like a typical battery issue. I replaced the battery and that seemed to fix it. I also put about 1/3 can of Seafoam in the gas tank.

Then a couple weeks ago the car was having troubles starting again. It would crank fine but it just wouldn't start. I ended up getting it started by turning the ignition from OFF to ON, pausing for a few seconds then repeating the process 5 or 6 times to cycle the fuel pump. That worked for a few days. Now, it won't start at all.

What I've done so far:
Replaced battery
Added 1/3 can of seafoam
Checked fuel shutoff
Changed spark plugs 6 months ago
Seems to be related to the cold

What else can I do, short of driving it into a lake? I understand it could be the fuel pump but we don't have the money to get it replaced.

 

maybe its the alternator, try jump starting it, and if it starts up easy then its the alternator or the replacement battery was bad but if it doesnt then you know you have a real problem.

 

By cycling the ignition, you are giving the fuel pump extra time to build pressure. This makes me suspect a fuel delivery problem. Have you checked voltage at the fuel pump and at the fuel pump relay?

Of course, low voltage could mean:
- bad battery
- bad alternator
- bad wiring / ground
- bad fuel pump
- bad relay

 

Sounds like a fuel issue. Pull out one of the sparkplugs, connect the plug wire to it and ground the plug by setting it on the intake manifold so that the page of the plug is making contact with the metal of the intake manifold, then have a buddy crank the ignition. While doing that check to see if you see a spark between the electrode and the plug. If nothing, it's an ignition problem, if it sparks, then it's a fuel problem...

 

Ford =

Fix
or
Repair
Daily

 

start with the fuel filter first if you suspect it to be a fuel issue. its right up behind the spare tire/trunk area if i remember correctly from the 02 mustang that my wife had. they are relatively easy to change......5 dollar a/c line tool does the trick.

 

too be honest the lake idea sounds about right...

 

Fuel pump no question. I have owned a few Fords and have seen this problem. I had to get a tow when mine stalled at an intersection! If you can get it started again, take it in to have the fuel pressure checked. The pump, if it needs replacing, is in the fuel tank and will cost ~$200.00-$400.00. Sorry and good luck.

 

Unfair!

My 2005 Mustang GT at 125k has needed NOTHING but regular maintenance and, uh, lots of gas money

My 2005 Tacoma 4x4 at 73k has needed regular maintenance plus 2 spiral cables (clock springs) and a steering rack TSB.

That being said, I love them both, put them through hard driving, and consider them to be very reliable vehicles.

 

Check this link...talks about the fuel tank removal for a 2001 Mustang. Hope this helps.
http://www.automedia.com/cs/forums/t/864.aspx

 

Hmmm....

Well, when it gets warmer again on Wednesday or Thursday I'll check voltages, spark, and I'll try jumping it. I might see if I can get my hands on a fuel pressure tester also. I'd like to check as much as I can without buying anything.

It's parked on the side of the street in front of our house, so it literally is Found On Road, Dead.

 

Here's a helpful tip I learned when you suspect fuel pump problems....

When you often let the gas level get below 1/4 tank, especially with older vehicles that have the fuel pump inside the tank, you run the risk of junk getting stuck in the fuel pump. When this happens, you'll end up with symptoms similar to the ones I described above.

To fix this, you need a rubber mallet and another person. Have your buddy crank on the ignition while you beat the hell out of the fuel tank about where the fuel pump is. It might take a few tries, but this will dislodge the junk from the pump and hopefully allow the pump to work again.

Change the fuel filter and keep the gas level above 1/4 and you should be fine.