Taurus Operating Temp - Won't Start - FIX

Recently I asked the forum if anyone knew why my 93 Ford Taurus would not start sometimes after being stopped after reaching operating temperature. A number of reasonable solutions were offered. Electrical problems were dismissed because the car would hit on starting fluid. A couple of solutions suggested that the fuel pump was getting ready to fail. That was close to the answer. The problem was the fuel cut off switch located on the right side of my SW behind an access panel. It seems that the leads to the switch were corroded and not making good contact. Also, I was told that a ground associated with this switch was bad. To test, listen for the pump to run when you turn the switch. If it doesn't, have someone access this switch and try jigglling the wires to see if the pump runs. I hope this helps someone who has the same problem.

Recently I asked the forum if anyone knew why my 93 Ford Taurus would not start sometimes after being stopped after reaching operating temperature. A number of reasonable solutions were offered. Electrical problems were dismissed because the car would hit on starting fluid. A couple of solutions suggested that the fuel pump was getting ready to fail. That was close to the answer. The problem was the fuel cut off switch located on the right side of my SW behind an access panel. It seems that the leads to the switch were corroded and not making good contact. Also, I was told that a ground associated with this switch was bad. To test, listen for the pump to run when you turn the switch. If it doesn't, have someone access this switch and try jigglling the wires to see if the pump runs. I hope this helps someone who has the same problem.

Let me update this. The problem described above was a slippery one. Turned out, it wasn't the fuel cut off switch. The car started demonstrating the same problem a couple of days later. Finally the problem was traced to the Body Control Computer. This is located under the hood, near the radiator, under the plastic cover that has information on it about the serpentine belt, etc. It is about 4 inches square. You may be able to confirm if your car demonstrates the same problem as mine by, lifting this plastic cover and thumping on the Body Control Computer. If your ignition is on, you should notice a click followed by the sound of the fuel pump engaging. Let me know if this helps you. I just want to find out how prevalent this problem is.