02 Focus no cold start

[chris67]

Your vehicle uses ERFS or electronic returnless fuel system and the press. can vary between 35-65 psi. It should hold the minimum press fo at least one minute after shutdown. If there is no schrader valve on a system then you have to open a quick coupler and use an adaptor in line. Do not cut anything and tee in as they are high press. If you smell a strong raw fuel odour after trying to crank for awhile then I would say you have fuel and are weak somewhere else. 4 things needed for a gas engine to run. Fuel, air, spark and compression.

 

[wander2039]

And the saga continues. Drove down to Fort Smith, AR this weekend and stopped in Rogers to eat a Smokin' Joes Ribhouse... excellent place BTW. Driving around town I heard the fans kick on high and looked down just to see the temp gauge slowly ticking it's way up to the red mark. Funny thing is it ticked it's way back down after hanging there about a second. Did that about 4 times and in town only, the next day it did it twice after just starting it. Didn't smell hot and I actually verified after we got home that indeed it's not running hot. The temp sensor next to the thermostat controls the gauge and fan. Which when it doesn't start the fans do kick on about the same manner. That sensor is cheap and I've had the same issue with my Festiva's not starting and being that same sensor. If that's what's causing it I guess they're not engineering any different.. that's surprising. The ECM monitors engine temp off another sensor on the back of the engine.

 

[wander2039]

Okay replaced the temp sensor on the thermostat housing. So far it started this morning and this evening with zero issues. Actually started better than it has in a long time. I do notice it takes alot longer for it to warm up versuses before. The pain was trying to figure out the right sensor. They switched in 02 to a clip in sensor that one uses a screw in. Had to look at 00 Focus.. it is a Nov/01 build. This is the 3rd or 4th temp sensor I had to replace usually just on the Festiva's. Must just be me!

Now debating on buying it from my parents.. if it's worth it with the possible dropped seat valve in future. Could run the rest of the cars life or could happen tomorrow. A updated rebuilt head cost $300ish and could be done at timing belt time and never have another issue. The only other problem is the AC doesn't work. Much better driver than another of the other 3 right now though!