2006 Lincoln LS, cranks won't start

[Southern Gramps]

Short version: car stalled while driving (sitting at light) would not restart.

Trouble shooting. Fuses check good. I hear fuel pump run for two seconds when ignition is turned to run. Unplugged MAF and engine did start, running for a few seconds. Removed battery, charged, re-installed: gauges sweep - cranks no start. Unplugged MAF a second time - no start, gauges no longer sweep.

Possibly related: the fuel display currently and intermittently shows empty despite having a half tank of gas.

Long version: fuel display has been intermittent for months. Annoying but no impact to drive-ability.
Just prior to the above event, the car ran poorly. I parked it overnight, added two gallons of gas, car ran fine (including fuel level display). I took several short trips without complaint, then the above event happened. I have verified good fuses for: #5;fuel injectors, #12 COP, #17 fuel pump. Inertia switch is normal. I inspected the pins at the fuel tank connectors, good - no apparent issue. Engine light never came on. I do not expect to find any codes.

Help please!

 

[HaMMeRx516]

sounds similar to something that happened to be when i first bought my LS and didnt kno a thing about it or cars in general.

went to go drive, it stalled out reversing out of a parking spot. and i couldnt get it to start after that. pushed it back into the spot, sat for a while trying to figure out anything that it couldve been, to no luck. endded up having to call AAA and get it towed. It sat in my friends driveway for a day and a half and I tried starting it, and it did. finally got it home after a 4hr trip home and once i got it back to the place i bought it from, it crapped out again.

Needless to say they fixed the problem for free since I just bought the car maybe a week or 2 before that, and from what i remember they said it was a relay that they had to change. they could have been BS'ing me since I, at the time didnt know ****. but it never happened again lol

 

[joegr]

What's the PATS light doing when it won't start?
The gauge sweep is usually a sign of a bad/failing battery.

 

[Southern Gramps]

Thank you both for the suggestions. I swapped the COP and Fog Light relays - no improvement.

I rechecked the battery voltage it was low, about 11 volts - replaced battery.
I tried to jump start the car, but no luck. The PATS seems to healthy, replacing the battery and opening the door sets it off. Otherwise PATS is quiet when cranking.

I did get the engine to sputter a few times.
The diodes checked good - infinite resistance or 2.5 ohms depending on current direction.
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I did not notice any fuel odor, despite the multiple cranks. I suspect the fuel pump intake is clogged. There was no fuel output at the filter (key turned to Run position), either side.

The fuel pump is held in by tangs and a metal ring. I can't get it to budge. Any suggestions?

 

[joegr]

Here's the official way to remove the pump.
http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6xa1007.htm~gen~ref.htm
Most either make their own tool out of a couple of pieces of bent metal, or use a hammer and a big screw driver to unscrew the ring.
I'd be surprised if the intake sock is clogged. However, there is a filter on the pressure side of the line inside the pump assembly. It's also possible that the problem is at the transfer pump assembly.

I am assuming that you already checked/replaced the fuel filter behind the drivers wheel well cover. Every one that I have changed has been pretty dirty.