Ford Thunderbird (1997) has a delayed start what is wrong?
So I got my Thunderbird a little while ago. I noticed it has a delayed starting problem. You will hear the fuel pump turn on along with the fan. The fuel pump can turn off but until one of the fan turns off the car will not start. As the weather gets colder it takes longer to start. Such as this summer at about 70 degrees it only took 5 minutes. If I had turned it on earlier that day it only took 2-3. However now that the temperature has dropped to 17 degrees it takes forever to start. For example I went out this morning and turned the key on expecting my normal 30-45 minute delay. However after an 1 hour and 15 minutes the fan still did not turn off so I could not start the car. I ended up turning the key off and finding another ride because of my car. What could be wrong with my car? I was told it might be something like a fan relay box. Also I have replaced all of the fuel line items with new ones. Such as the fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, fuel pump, etc. With brand new parts and it is holding pressure.
Sounds like possibly a bad coolant temp sensor (called a CTS or ECT sensor)… Or a bad CCRM Constant Control Relay Module which is what controls the fuel pump and fans…(also called IRCM Integrated Relay Control Module on some models) … Or a defective PCM… Or bad wiring/connector issues.
If the coolant temp sensor is defective and always reads too high, it may trick the computer into thinking the engine is too hot/overheated which will then turn off proper power to the fuel pump and engage the cooling fan to cool the engine down for proper starting. The computer may adjust IAC settings and injector pulses for wrong engine conditions. Powering the cooling fan is the default position/setting of the CCRM if the PCM is not controlling it so it may indicate a PCM or wiring issue.
You might try unplugging the temp sensor for the computer (may be another sensor for dash gauges so unplug proper one) which will put the computer into limp mode and may help starting if that is indeed the problem but the engine will only run with reduced power with temp sensor unplugged. Better to have a shop or dealer diagnose the issue. A scan tool will show if the temp sensor is working correctly and other issues with the PCM… Or may need further testing of the CCRM or related circuits for bad wiring, loose grounds, etc.
Given that it started easier in warmer weather, I'm leaning to a bad temp sensor but could be other issues.
Related info/wiring schematics…
http://www.eanswer.com/ford/3u9ug-1995-ford-thunderbird-lx-4-6-v8-starting-problems-morning.html
http://www.justanswer.com/ford/29mv8-car-won-t-start-first-time-ever-1997-thunderbird-4-6l-cranks.html
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