98 ZX2 intermittent starting problem

bvolks · 08-01-2009, 11:17 AM

A frind of mine is having an intermittent starting problem with his 98 ZX2. The car had always worked fine until one day last week when it wouldn't start for his daughter. He had a friend who worked at Ford check it with a code reader and nothing showed up. Half the time it will start right up and half the time it won't. He can tell if it's going to start as soon as he turns the key to the "on" position because the radiator fan ALWAYS comes on when it doesn't start. He tried unhooking the temperature sensor and replaced some $300 control module but it still does the same thing. I was thinking maybe a bad connection or ground somewhere but have no idea where to begin looking.

Ford Man 59 · 08-03-2009, 09:58 PM

Tell him next time it won't start to turn the key to the on position and listen to see if the fuel pump is coming on. My '88 was having the same problem one time several years ago, sometimes it would start and other times it wouldn't. Finally one day I noticed the fuel pump didn't kick on when I turned the key on and the car didn't start. The problem with mine was a bad inertia switch. Went to the junk yard and bought a used one for $5. and it's been working ever since.

I had a friend recently who was having a problem with his '98 ZX-2 not starting, just a buzzing from one of the relays inside the CCRM. He solved his problem by turning the key on and removing and re installing the fuel pump fuse in the fuse panel under the hood several times. All I can figure is that either he had a bad connection at the fuse or by removing and replacing the fuse with the key on reset something.

Of course neither of these things are a gaurantee, but though both were worth looking into.

BroncoJoe19 · 08-04-2009, 05:04 AM

The fan may also be activated when the AC is on. You'll have to look at a wiring diagram (many are available online at autozone) I guess it is related to the AC Clutch relay.

Does the fan come on because the engine is hot? Heated components have more ressistance to allowing current to flow.

You can always go back to basics. When it doesn't start, check for fuel pressure, and check for spark.

BroncoJoe19 · 08-04-2009, 05:19 AM

I'm guessing that the $300 module you refer to above was the CCRM

BTW ground 100 is usually at the right or left upper radiator support.

98EscortCCRM.JPG

Ford Man 59 · 08-05-2009, 03:38 PM

$300. is about the price of a new CCRM, so I too assumed that was what he had replaced. Wish I'd known he needed one I had one listed in the for sale section for $60.

jebus · 08-26-2009, 10:03 PM

it looks like you your friend and I are having the same problem. just wondering if they figured anything out yet

Ford Man 59 · 08-27-2009, 11:58 PM

Check the grounding block on the negative battery terminal to make sure all the grounds are making good contact and that none of them have come loose or partially broken wires.

crossin99 · 10-05-2009, 06:30 AM

I am having the same problem with my 98 zx2. Sometimes it will start right up, others it will just turn over/click once and then be completely dead. For awhile I was having to turn the ac to off when I turned the car off because it would constantly run, but even doing that now isn't helping. Also when it would not start I would just disconnect the battery and then reconnect it and it would start right up. I don't know if this reset something or why this was working but it did up until this weekend. Now the car will turn over multiple times but will not start. All of the wires are firmly connected and I have had just about everything replaced within the past year other than the starter.

Intuit · 10-06-2009, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crossin99

I am having the same problem with my 98 zx2. Sometimes it will start right up, others it will just turn over/click once and then be completely dead. For awhile I was having to turn the ac to off when I turned the car off because it would constantly run, but even doing that now isn't helping. Also when it would not start I would just disconnect the battery and then reconnect it and it would start right up. I don't know if this reset something or why this was working but it did up until this weekend. Now the car will turn over multiple times but will not start. All of the wires are firmly connected and I have had just about everything replaced within the past year other than the starter.

Could that be the AC Compressor clutch not disengaging ? Would the starter have the power to turn with the AC Compressor still engaged ?? (the way to test would be to simply take off the serpentine belt)

'94 LX model - when I had a similar issue many many years ago it was a bad connection at the battery. But of course, the other guy would've had to have disconnected the battery in the process of replacing the CCRM module. Theoretically he would've taken the opportunity to clean up the terminals then.

Regarding an intermittent crank but no start, when I had that issue it was the fuel pump. It always ran, but once you keyed off and it quit running, it would allow fuel to flow right back into the tank instead of holding pressure in the line.

Another thought would be to check the timing belt and make sure it hasn't slipped. Also maybe the basic maintenance item of spark plug connection and gap.

jane · 10-05-2009, 08:44 PM

I'm having this same problem with my Zx2...just wondering if it ended being the fuel pump? and how much did it cost to fix?