I hear you about the service manual. That was one of the first things I bought for the car. I’ve been doing a lot of reading, searching the forums, and watching videos. A learning process, for sure.
I'll check into that. PO replaced the MAF, along with a new alternator, battery, and TP sensor. i figured the fuel smell was from cranking without ignition, and my cobra doesn't have any cats. I'll check into that, though. Thanks!
So, the locksmith had to order another ignition cylinder, because the one the previous owner gave me didn’t fit well. The ignition cylinder was definitely broken, though. When the new ignition cylinder arrives, he will key it to my original key, and program a spare. Car still starts and runs...
Update: I primed the fuel pump and checked for fuel at the test port. There was fuel there. Next, I pulled a spark plug wire to check for spark. As my wife cranked the car, it started! (With one plug disconnected, no less) I have no idea how that happened. I tried starting it a few times...
Thanks for all the different answers guys! I'm glad that there are so many different things for me to try via the forum.
First, the locksmith is coming tomorrow. He is going to change out the ignition cylinder and program my 2 keys. We shall see where his troubleshooting leads. If anything, I...
I will follow up on this after the locksmith has done his work. On a side note, I got my new Motorcraft Cam and Crank sensors in today. If the new ignition cylinder fails to start the car, I will be replacing these next. I figure I'll start with the Cam sensor and go from there.
I have a locksmith coming by this weekend to replace the ignition switch and program my extra keys. He claims to have knowledge of the PATS system used on our cars and will be able to tell if that's the cause of my issue. We shall see...
Thanks again for all the advice and recommendations so far!
Thanks so much for the replies! I have a replacement ignition cylinder on hand with 2 keys. Could a decent locksmith be able to program the keys even though the car is not currently able to start? I have one known good key. I've heard that the PATS can be "fooled" by having the good working key...
Couple of things I noticed today: The part of my ignition switch that you turn to start the car will spin entirely around without stopping. You have to line it up so you can insert the key. Secondly, I noticed that the "THEFT" light blinks while cranking. Is this indicative of a PATS issue? If...
No, I didn't. That's something I will look into, thanks!
I used a hose. Nothing directed at electrical components, and no pressure washer.
If the FPR was suspect, would there be fuel at the vacuum port?