Ford Escape that doesnt start

[dexter]

I have a 03 Escape with 25K on the clock.
Lately after it's been sitting for about 1/2 hour it doesnt start(crankover or nothing). But if it sits for say 3 hours it starts fine.  
It's been to the dealer twice and they run all the usual checks and cannot find out why. It's not the immobilzer either.
Does anybody have any insight they can share?
Thanks

[inco]

Vapor lock is the obvious thing to look for, but with a vehicle so new it shouldn't be a problem and with FI I'm not even sure VL would be there.

Something is not working when heated but does when it cools off. Our mechanical Doctor of all skills, Barrie 1,will be along shortly and he may be accompanied by other knowledgeable people.

[Railton]

Dexter, When you write "immobilzer" are you writing about the "shift lock mechanism" or an aftermarket theft deterent system? If the latter then I suspect it is the "shift lock mechanism".
Railton

[mrthompson]

Try 'er in Neutral.  

[barrie1]

Welcome to the Forum Dexter, sorry to hear of the problem. Do you do a lot of start and stop   drivng, where you use the starter a lot? After you shut off an engine that is hot it increases in temperature for about 1/2 Hr to 45 minutes. If your starter Brushs are getting a wee bit tired then the Heat will not allow it to turn over until Cooled right down. The Brain box can do the same thing but generally they just give up and won't start at all.

[maritime_storm]

Ignition switch, starter going south, cranky neutral safety switch, or any one of a dozen other things. Try starting it in neutral as someone suggested, if it fixes the problem, it's most likely you have a bad neutral safety switch. My best advice, keep after the retailer is under warrantee. An e-mail to Ford of Canada won't hurt either.

[dexter]

It did it again, and had roadside tow it to the dealer as per thier instructions. Wouldnt start in neutral either. So im on Ford to make it right.
Thanks to all for your help.

[rtech]

When the unit will not turn over please pay attention to the Theft light ( on top of the dash or in instrument cluster). You know, the one that flashes about once per second all the time the key is out.  

Pay attention to what it dose when you try and start the car.  

1. it should turn on and stay on for about 3 sec. when you turn the key to run. then go off and stay off.  

2. If it flashes quickley with key in run position then the vehicle has not recieved a valid signal from your PATTS key. If this is the case it will not turn over and will not run.  

3. If the theft light stays on dim the it is a good indication you have a problem with the PATTS moduel, PCM or with the vehicle wire harness.  

All of the above information will be verry helpfull to your FORD dealer

[saint_satan]

Faulty crankshaft position sensors in Jeep Cherokees have created intermittent non-starting issues.  Maybe something similiar in the Ford?

[Roadrunner]

Welcome to the forum Rtech. I see the handle implies the real deal. Good post by the way, but I'm going to side with the heat related principle here.

Barrie, it looks like you have some competition now or will you two become bosom buddies?

[barrie1]

Hope So as He does Sound very good. Nice to have him here as a lot of people will be glad to have his advice also.

[Railton]

Now if we could just get ourselves a good insurance adjuster we'd be all set!
Railton

[Roadrunner]

I'm gonna write Dr. Phil. I'm sure there's lots for him to comment on.

[ovr50]

Rtech - welcome to the Forum. Nice to have another knowledgible techy type to assist Barrie, Johngenx and (now, the illustrious)Roadrunner. Some of us (like myself) are just drivers - we just drive em, we don't fix em. Stick around and share your insights (besides there's not much to do in the Hat in the winter). Ha.  

(Message edited by ovr50 on November 05, 2004)