My daughters 1993 Taurus, with 3.0 and auto tranny, won't start occasionally. By messing around with the shift lever, I can hear the fuel pump kick on, and then the car starts fine. Lately however, that trick isn't working too well.

Any tips on changing out the switch or adusting the linkage?

Thanks!

Brian

 

There's nothing in the shift/transmission electrical system that shuts the fuel pump on or off. It sounds more to me like you have the shift column or cable jarring a wire with an intermittant open(cut). Possibly down around the electrical ignition switch. Take a look under the dash around the column. You may be lucky and see something obviously messed up. Watch for any wires touching moving parts and if you see any touching, look closely for insulation damage.

 

Thank you very much for the help!

The reason I suspect something in the shift linkage, is due to the handful of times my daughter has called me to tell me her car won't start. Usually I get there, play with the shifter (mounted on the center console) and can hear the pump kick on.

Perhaps the wire to the fuel pump runs through that area?

In the past, I had a problem with the brake pedal switch, which would not allow the car to change gears from 'park' to 'drive'. I fixed that though, at the pedal.

Thanks again!

Brian