1997 Ford Aerostar XLT has trouble starting.

[pbprocess]

Hello everyone. I was given this car, it cranks but does not start. The fuel pump cutoff switch is not tripped, any suggestions ? It has a full tank of gas. The old owner did a tune-up, but could not reach one spark plug.
Thank's,
Mark

 

[dogfriend]

I would go with the basics: fuel, spark, compression.

Test to see if you have fuel pressure at the fuel rail. If so, listen for the injectors opening or use a noid light to see if they are getting a signal.

Test for spark with one of those testers that you hook a plug wire to. One bad plug should not keep it from starting but will make it run badly.

If you have fuel and spark, then do a compression test to make sure you have compression (i.e. the timing chain isn't broken, etc)

 

[pbprocess]

1997 Ford Aerostar XLT

Thank you, the van was running barely, and now it wont'.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I would think fuel by the last post... When was the last time the fuel filter was changed? Is there pressure at the fuel rail schrader valve?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've renamed your thread, and moved it into the Aerostar section. Which motor do you have (3.0L or the 4.0L)? Do you have a check engine light when you turn the key? Did you scan for stored codes?