1999 E-150 intermittent starting problem. Turns over but doesn't start. Most of the time it is ok.

SOURCE: No Start, No Spark, for Grand Caravan 3.8L

we get remans bad out of the box......... good luck

SOURCE: p0301 trouble code

The misfire is detected by the misfire monitor as a slight change in engine speed which the PCM calculates back to a particular cylinder. The monitor is active continuously, but associates problems into 3 types. Two of the types are monitored on successive trips. The first trip the monitor detects a misfire it sets a pending code but not the MIL light. If on the second trip the same problem occurs the DTC code is set as current problem and sets the MIL light on. The MIL will stay on untill the DTC is deleted. The remaining type is a most sever case and signals the possibility of cat damage. In this case the misfire monitor identifies the problem and the PCM determines it to be severe and immediately sets the DTC as current and the MIL light to flash at a rate of 1 per second until the condition is no longer present, at which time the MIL stays on steady.

So once the P0301 is set it never turns off, except by code deletion procedure.

I think a lean burn condition could cause a misfire, but probably not from a PCV problem which should affect all cylinders equally. There would likely need to be another problem with that cylinder or intake or ...... .

Jason Phillips

• 500 Answers
• Posted on May 18, 2009

SOURCE: coil pack diagram?

cylinder 1 is on passenger side, coils should be numbered, cylinder 4 is on drivers side

SOURCE: Explorer turns over but won't start. Took off a

It could be a fuse or the crank sensor or cam sensor or maybe the coil pack itself. Are getting a "check engine light"? The owners manual should tell you what fuse does what.

Jta91

• 99 Answers
• Posted on Jan 28, 2010

SOURCE: INTERMITTENT SPARK

Make sure the spark plugs are not platinum or anything other than regular copper plugs. The S-series uses a "waste spark" system and will destroy platinum plugs. Regular copper NGKs that came from the factory with the car work the best.

How do you know it is a spark problem? Are you able to verify spark, fuel and compression?

I ask because the usual solution to what you are describing in your problem is replacing the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS). The factory one is plastic and cracks. When it cracks it sends the PCM a signal that the engine is 40F below zero. The PCM will compensate by dumping A LOT of fuel into the engine to try and warm it up. It will cause all kinds of starting and idling problems.

Autozone or the dealer sells the better brass tipped one. The ECTS is located just under and behind the upper radiator hose. You'll need to remove the air intake tubing to see it or get to it. It has two wires going to it and goes into a connector. Squeeze the connector at the "ears" and it will come off.

Now is the time to check the connector for corrosion and gunk. If there is clean it out very well. If there is no gunk or corrosion continue on.

A 10MM DEEP well socket will take it out. Swap it quickly because some coolant will come out (a couple of ounces). Hand tighten it and snug it with the socket (not too much because it will strip out). Connector back on (either direction it's non polar). Put the intake back on and enjoy better starting and idling.