i had this very same problem about a year ago.
it turned out to be a ignition wire chaffed for me.


when your car starts can you turn your head lights and fog lights on and it will stay running?
cause if i did that it would shut the car down.

 

It stays running once it starts. Did you have to dc the battery cables for an extended period of time to get the car started?

 

I had this problem with the first ZX3 I owned. Ended up replacing the battery with a new one, even though a voltage test showed that the battery was still good for those couple of minutes. If your battery has no cranking power, then it's toast.

 

Did they run a load test on the battery? They would've had to hook it up to a machine, and depending on the machine it might've even said Load Testing. If he just put an electrical tester on it in the car- that's not a full battery test. Like Peregrine mentioned- batteries can have voltage, but not carry a load.

I was thinking bad battery terminals also- but not the neg, the Pos on the starter is likely the problem. Remove the neg terminal, and check to be sure that the Pos battery cable is tight at the starter.

There is another possible problem not related to the battery, and that's the ignition switch. The battery is the first place to check though, and the tightness of those primary battery cable connections at the battery, starter, and engine block respectively. You're not showing signs of neg cable problems, but when you do get around to replacing those- try to avoid the cheap terminals. Locate a compression terminal, if your battery location is anything like mine, you'll need a 90 degree compression terminal. I'd be surprised if the Ford terminals were bad, those- at least on the Duratec- seem like super solid terminals. I'd likely replace the cable with a factory part if it came with that same terminal.

 

If there is NO sound, try stomping the clutch extra hard if it's stickshift or jiggling the shifter if it's automatic. Might be one of those safety switches needs a little encouragement.

 

If there is NO sound, try stomping the clutch extra hard if it's stickshift or jiggling the shifter if it's automatic. Might be one of those safety switches needs a little encouragement.

Good point. Try checking the plunger switch for the clutch pedal underneath the dash. IIRC is should be white facing down towards the floor.

 

I it may have been the battery too but I bought a new one and put it in still didn't start so I left the old one out for an hour then put it back in and started right up. Will have to check the cable to the starter in the morning. I'll post the pics too

 

Pica I have the same problem as u. Am thinking it's my starter slowly giving out again.

Let me know if u need help looking over the car.

 

Cool thanks! I have my guy looking at it so he will let me know tomorrow what he thinks. I am scared im going to get stranded somewhere so I had to take it in. Last thing I want to do is get stranded in Compton haha in my bright yellow car.

I will let you know what he comes up with but he did mention the starter as a possibility. Also, if you need anything from ford like that alt pigtail, let me know cuz my buddys uncle works at Wondries in alhambra in parts. He hooks it up!

 

Just like i posted in another post check the fuses with a meter to make sure they are all ok..Seen a few no starts cause of this problem

 

The plunger is good, I did check that. I took it to my mechanic and he didn't have any problems starting it over a 2 day period lol just my luck. So I guess I'll just wait and see what happens.