My dealer still has the car and is trying to duplicate and diagnose this intermittent problem. Perhaps someone else has wisdom that can help.
AUTO: 1999 Mercury Sable LS sedan, 24V, 58,000 miles.
ISSUE: Cranks and often ignites but idles at low (1/4 tank of gas in summer.
- When the car starts, it runs perfectly - smooth and powerful.
- Dealer replaced Fuel Pump Relay after event #2; then event 3 occurred.
- After events 2 and 3, no apparent error codes when connected to computer.
- There was once a PATS system error discovered in the log.
- I did not think to observe the THEFT indicator during these events.
- After complaining of musty smell in climate control, dealer installed "feature" that runs the climate control fan to help clear out the air chambers.
- There have been four total events like this within 3 years. First event at 38,000 miles. No start, no fuel pump sound. Sit for 1 hour waiting for tow. Started right up - could have driven it onto the flatbed. Replaced fuel pump (not sure why).
QUESTIONS:
- Has anyone observed (and solved) this issue?
- Do fuel pumps behave intermittently or do they fail "hard" and not recover?
- Any clue why time is my friend with this error? That is, what would change by letting the car sit for 30-45 minutes?
Thanks in advance! NZ
Posted to: alt.autos.ford and rec.autos.tech