Patcroy Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Anyone know why my 09 Flex LTD has intermittent starting problems. Had to have it towed yesterday and it was -25... no fun. Once on the tow truck platform it started but reverse lights were on in park! Plus couldn’t move the stick shift out of park. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 If the battery is more than 2 years old I would replace it, even if it supposedly tested ok. I'd say 90% of the time this fixes that type of issue. The other possibility is a loose terminal or loose ground connection. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 Hi akirby. Yes it is older than 2yrs and I will check my grounds also. Thanks for the tips Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 These modern vehicles and batteries behave very strangely. They can crank the vehicle but cause all sorts of strange problems, and the older style testers think they're good. My rule of thumb is if the battery is more than 2-3 years old just replace it before you go chasing other stuff. Or get a Solar BA-7 digital tester - it works great checking the CCAs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 Well you are right akirby.. The battery was ok but I found verdigrri on both terminals... so I cleaned, brushed thoroughly and it starts like a charm now. Those were Really weird symptoms but you nailed it square on the head. Being an old mechanic I am still a user of sliding sticks and laser lights to align tow in. Would you know off hand how many degrees I should adjust the front wheel in at please? Its so hard to get appointments around here and besides my system does work. Thanks Patcroy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 I don't know but try sending a PM (private message) to eGuru or yt90sc - they're actual Ford techs. I'm just an IT guy that reads a lot..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 Hi again akirby! I am new to this site and do not really know how to navigate to ask eguru or find him. Wonder if you could offer me some pointers please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 I sent them the link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 Thanks again akirby, ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YT90SC Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 0.1 degree total on front. .36 degree total on rear. Both toleranced + or - 0.20 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Thanks again. Akirby and friends for alignment specs. Going back to my initial no crank no start issue, well the problem persists. This ign starting system has a feature where you simply flick the key and the starter keeps turning till engine starts. Well that feature definitely is out snd often times by turning the key and holding it may turn over or just engage very shortly but not enough to start. I jumped battery to starter direct and starter is fine. Now apart from the ignition switch and the relay am I missing something to check ? Yours truly Patcroy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 1 hour ago, YT90SC said: 0.1 degree total on front. .36 degree total on rear. Both toleranced + or - 0.20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Yt90SC Thanks for alignment specs. It’s appreciated. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Ok I found the culprit. The starter relay worked only on occasion and since replacing all is back to normal. Happy camper once again. Thanks guys. Sometimes just writing about it helps too! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 23, 2019 Author Share Posted February 23, 2019 Well well well! It seems I’m nit out of the woods yet.. No start issue occurred again.. reappeared. So I fumbled about with the automatic shifter and got partial clicks at the neutral position. Then by insisting got it started and made it home. Did some research and now the switch inside the tranny shows every symptom of failure I have been experiencing. Shift regulator. The good news is I dont have to remove the trans. Bad is it takes a manual to change this part the correct way. Anybody have this for 09 Flex ltd please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 Hate chasing electrical gremlins....good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcroy Posted February 23, 2019 Author Share Posted February 23, 2019 No choice I say.. We depend on these vehicles and its the 1st time in 35 yrs I got my Ford towed home. Oh! No check engine light or any warning either. Just a dead disconnect like a mad bro... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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