V 10 spins will not crank.

[tarnold]

1997..first time ever will not crank. Usually just touch key and fires right off. Now leading up.. But don't see how this could be the problem. Drove up on some blocks to gain access to install new Hellwig sway bar. Where the L bracket on drivers side attaches on the inside of the frame there are two fuel lines going forward. Was very carefull in not disturbing them to attach top bolt on bracket. Got finished and tried to crank to drive off the lifting blocks. Just spins. Fuel pump fuse OK, removed passenger side panel to check emergency fuel shutoff, OK. Just noticed something else as trying all things, but I can shift the gear shift lever to any position and the starter will spin. I thought would only start in Park?? Old Fords had a shifter problem that you had to lift up on the shift lever to get to crank. Something is not allowing some sensor to not allow to crank. Other than unplugging fuel filter and turning over to see if fuel flow, how can I test fuel pump. Any and all ideas appreciated.

[shawdowboss]

Yes, normally a crank position indicator failure will throw a code.

Most problems for the newer engines you'll find, there's a code for. Some codes can only be read by mechanics, but there's a huge list in ODBII that is available from a normal code reader.

Good luck on finding your issue.

[tarnold]

Op again. Would this condition throw a code that a reader would detect?

[mobilefleet]

observe the rpm gauge while cranking. If it doesn't move you got a bad crankshaft sensor or wiring to the sensor which isn't uncommon on the V10. Could be just coincidence that it happened to occur after working on it

[mlts22]

Bordercollie wrote:
It's very dangerous if starter works in any transmission position but park or neutral. Once had our old Dodge van accidentally start fast idle in reverse, backed over my foot and went across the street, over a curb and hit a large fir tree in neighbors yard. Lucky no car was coming down the street.

When I was in high school, there was another student who was proud of the fact he could start his car in drive, and would use it to peel out on a daily basis.

[w3ozwizard]

May be a vapor lock. Get a bucket, disconnect the fuel line and turn it over. See if there is a good flow of fuel. Have someone help you do this. Should only take a second or two to see fuel is flowing. Now connect the line again and possibly the vapor lock will be taken care of by doing this.

[j-d]

I think you'll find the NS switch is a segment of a horse shoe, on the driver side of he transmission with several wires to a connector.

From how I read he OP, the fuel line was not disconnected. It's hard to find a spot to open a connection as in crack it open with a wrench. It's almost all connectors now. There should be a fuel pressure test port under the hood. Looks like a tire valve with (I believe) a light green cap. You could turn the key On/Off a couple times then carefully depress the valve, like you'd lower pressure in a bike tire.

Not starting AND cranking in every gear select position... Sure sounds like pinched/damaged wiring.

[ol__yeller]

The neutral safety switch isn't the issue if the engine is cranking. You do have a switch issue but it isn't what is causing your no start problem.

I seem to remember in vehicles of that vintage they had a fuel cutoff switch that activated in an accident to shut off fuel pumping a stalled engine. Some were accidentally triggered when the vehicle gets a jolt. I don't know if your RV has one but it would be something to research and an easy fix. Generally on Ford's they were located behind the passenger front kick panel.

[tarnold]

The neutral safety switch is what I'm looking for. Can't find it on YouTube.

[klutchdust]

Nuetral safety switch

[Bordercollie]

It's very dangerous if starter works in any transmission position but park or neutral. Once had our old Dodge van accidentally start fast idle in reverse, backed over my foot and went across the street, over a curb and hit a large fir tree in neighbors yard. Lucky no car was coming down the street.

[tarnold]

The starter spins, the motor does cranks(over). Think I've got it down to the shifter, steering column Just discovered the steering wheel will not lock while in park, after lunch will tear into steering colum and find out about the lock. Been all over the install on the rear axel. No wires could have been pinched on the bolt up. As stated in original post, something real funky with the shifter allowing cranking(over) when placed in any shifter position. But thanks again for the replies. We were planing on heading out west this Saturday.

[shawdowboss]

From what you've described, it sounds like the starter turns the engine over, but does not fire. Just cranks and cranks.

I would verify there is actually fuel flow near the engine to rule out any clogged fuel filters, or pump issues. Crack the fuel line near the engine and see if you have flow there, don't need to take it apart completely, just crack it loose to allow fuel to come out to verify the pump is sending fuel, there's enough pressure that a crack in the line will spray fuel pretty good - be careful.

On plugs, are they original or been replaced lately? They can cause non-starts where it just cranks, but does not fire if they are too worn out.

Lastly, if you have an ODB (or ODBII) port, see if you can borrow a code reader. A true non-start due to most malfunctions should show a code even if the engine won't start. That could help you track down the problem if you've verified fuel and spark.

The crank in any gear, sounds like a failure of the transmission position interlock relay (Park or Neutral should be the only gears). Not messed with those on new cars, old cars it was generally in the start circuit, so bad relay generally meant no crank.

Good luck.

[lanerd]

Your word usage is confusing people. Cranking and spining are the same thing. I am assuming that you mean that the engine will crank over but not start. Right?

I'm with others... you need to look at everything you did, or could have possibly come in contact with while installing the Hellwig. My bet is that you pinched a wire someplace.

Good luck

Ron

[BTPO1]

If it was working before I would look closely at what you have just done. This has been my experience. If something quits working after I have done something , then I will undo it and see if it works. You mention that you were careful with one of the bolts near a gas line, I would look closely at that bolt and the gas line. Also as said above it should only start in Park or Neutral. JMO