Sometimes car won't start!!!

[BlacMacGT]

I have a problem with my 01 GT. Sometimes I could drive it somewhere, turn off the engine. When I try to start it back up, it just cranks, but won't start. After checking under hood, it seems that eventually it will start out of nowhere. It does this every now and then and I haven't a clue as to what the problem is? It seems to start when it wants to. I have added pullies, plenum, intake tube, mass air to the engine and change oil regularly. Can anyone tell me why it is doing that?   MB

[Snake 42]

Have you checked the connections at the battery and at the starter? Sometimes they get loose or covered in corrosion and go open intermittenly. Also check the ground cables at both ends (this happened to my pickup and I finally found where the ground cable had burned in two behind the headers) because ithey can also cause starting problems. Hope this helps.

Snake 42

[BlacMacGT]

I don't think that is has anything to do with batttery or connections. The car will crank without any problem. It just won't turn over to start. I was thinking that it could be my fuel filter, but I'm not sure.

[quake101]

Is it getting spark when cranking?

I would start with the basics.... air, fuel, spark

[BlacMacGT]

I have been doing some checking and my mechanic thinks that it may be a problem with my PATS system (theft light flashes fast when trying to start it). I have tried to use both sets of keys(thought that the key might need reprogrammed) but BOTH sets couldn't be bad at the same time?! The car will start when I least expect it to. It seems to crank right up and runs great. The next day it won't start again. It also may be my PATS module inside steering column? Are you familiar with this?? Is it costly to repair. Ford wants 100.00 per key!! Also 100.00 just to check it out!!

[quake101]

Hrmm, I really don't know anything about the PATS system. I know it sucks but maybe the $100 fee to check it out is a good idea.

[ELB 1]

If it is the anti-theft your best to go ahead and get the computer flashed.

Does it restart when the keys has been out of it or while the key has been in the ignition turned but not cranked?