zyphoid

Think we'll do it ourselves, after all. Thanks for the info. We also got the Chiltons (big book) info, but your directions are (the same but) much simpler to follow. We had several tell us we had to drop the tank, and others say no. Usually do own mechanic work, but never had to deal with the gas tank, etc. - just didn't want to get into all that mess, but apparently we don't need to do that...? Have access to a hoist. Guess we'll give it a try.

Matthew, thanks for your reply and information. It describes exactly what we've been dealing with - and why it's been so sporadic. Discovered if we get under there and "jiggle" it a bit, it will start right up (so at least we've been able to get it to the mechanics). We'd love to just replace this ourselves, as the lowest estimate was 450 (for the time involved), but don't feel as confident with this as we do with a simple fuel filter, for instance, and there's a lot of time involved, apparently.

It's the fuel pump. Thanks for your rude replies. The local mechanic and the mechanics at work (who work on trucks) found it. Both tested it. It is not a typical presentation of fuel pump problem, but can occasionally happen. Just not the first thing looked at with the starting issue. The pump was checked twice in May with two different mechanics and was fine then. When we called to compare repair costs, the dealer tried to tell us it was the starter and not the fuel pump - without even looking at it - even though we told him we had already replaced the starter and the fuel pump was confirmed. He also said "maybe we needed a newer car". Uhh, yeah - we really trust the dealer more now, don't we? We don't need another Ford, ever. We pick up our new Honda in a week - and will drive our 1990 Nissan, which NEVER breaks down - to pick it up. We won't need to be back here and whine with the rest of you. We'll happily have nothing left to whine about, since we won't have continual repairs and lies from Ford about manifolds and other issues.

The idle air control was replaced last May, shortly after the first few experiences of not firing - just had to double-check. This seemed to help for several months, and then it began again in the fall. That's when we replaced the battery and related, etc.. It wasn't driven for maybe 5-7 weeks because suddenly has a tie rod break and then a tail light switch go out which required removing the steering wheel. When those things were repaired, we drove for about 4 days, and now it isn't starting again. Thanks for the suggestion, though. Any other ideas appreciated...please!

Thanks for the suggestion. Actually, I believe this was replaced, but will certainly double-check. We've had the car repaired for various things so often over the last 7-8 months that I can't definitely recall if that was one of the repairs, but I think so.

Know this is not exactly a repair forum, but maybe someone has had this problem with their Marquis and can give us a suggestion...? For months now, we have had a continual problem with our 96 Grand Marquis not wanting to start. Usually it will turn over, but just won't fire. (It makes the same noise as when you have a low battery, but maybe a little stronger). We have had it several times to two local mechanics who are excellent (can't afford a dealer mechanic), who have done the usual things plus more - plugs, battery, some other sensor type thing (can't remember what it's called), etc., and sometimes it will be okay for a while and then always will do it again. We're almost embarrassed to go back to the mechanic, who really is very good and has tried everything he can think of. This frequently happens in the morning and when it's cold out, but not always. (When this happens, it does not suddenly decide to start when it warms up outside. Sometimes a quick battery boost will force it to fire, but the battery and all related parts are new). This has been going on for months. We just drove it again for four days and then this morning it's sitting in our garage again, unable to start. We have gotten to the point where we rarely drive it anymore because we can't trust that it will start. We have used 3 of our 4 alloted AAA service calls because of this problem within 2 months of renewing our AAA membership! Is there something that we're missing???? We have had nothing but problems with this car and would like to get rid of it, despite loving the size and "safe feel". But we can't until we figure out what this problem is. This car also had the manifold problem but we missed the repair deadline by a few weeks - car was sold in March but our repair wasn't until April, so no reimbursement. I'm afraid that with this continual problem and the others, and with the manifold rip-off, we will not be buying another Ford. My All-American patriotic veteran spouse has decided to buy a...Honda! But in the meantime, ANY suggestions on what we can look at for this problem? Anyone else have this happen?

You are likely out of luck. You have to have a receipt for a 1996. This whole thing has made us so angry and we will never buy another Ford. We own a 96 Grand Marquis. Our manifold failed in late February 2003. Being young and poor, we couldn't get it repaired until April. On the advice of our mechanic (because he'd had so many repairs) and with internet research, we knew to keep the receipt AND we kept the original manifold as well. We discovered at the dealer recently that our car was originally sold in March 1996. We missed the seven year deadline by a few weeks - and simply because we couldn't afford that expensive repair that was Ford's fault in the first place. So we still paid for their mistake and no reimbursement here, either. To his credit, the dealer was very kind and I could tell he truly felt bad. He said out of all the people he's had in (and he's had a lot even at this small local dealer), only ONE has qualified. He said he's had several which missed the deadline by one day, just based on the official date of purchase according to the VIN. He said he felt terrible for them and suggested they call the company anyway to complain. We will call Ford and whine, of course, knowing it will do no good. But we will also be making the point that we will not be buying another Ford, with this manifold deal and the continual problems we've had with this car. For the very first time, this former military and very patriotic family is actually considering buying a...HONDA. :blink: We have always done everything we can to support our country, the workers, the businesses - but to be totally honest, we can't afford the repairs anymore. The Honda people at work never have repairs and are always giving the rest of us rides, etc.. Wish Ford would get on the stick. And they wonder why they are continually losing money...???????

Names would be nice...