Why won t my Ford Tempo start?
In most Ford Tempo no-start cases, the issue usually comes down to power delivery or fuel/spark delivery: a dead or weak battery, bad starter or solenoid, faulty ignition switch, or fuel delivery issues. Start with the charging system and battery terminals, then move to the starter and ignition, followed by fuel delivery and safety interlocks.
Common reasons a Ford Tempo won't start
Understanding the usual suspects helps focus your checks. The Tempo, like many mid-1980s to early-1990s Fords, shares common starting-system faults. Here are the most frequent culprits.
- Battery is dead or too weak to crank the engine.
- Corroded or loose battery terminals and ground straps.
- Faulty starter motor or solenoid.
- Faulty ignition switch or ignition cylinder.
- No fuel or fuel-delivery problems, including a failed fuel pump or clogged fuel filter, or a bad fuel-pump relay.
- Ignition system problems such as a failed ignition coil, distributor cap/rotor (if applicable), or worn spark plugs that won’t spark.
- Blown fuses or faulty relays in the starting, ignition, or fuel circuits.
- Safety interlocks: automatic transmissions not in Park/Neutral or a faulty clutch safety switch on manuals.
- Immobilizer or anti-theft system interference (less common on older Tempos, but possible in some markets).
Summary: Power supply, ignition, fuel delivery, and safety circuits are the usual roadblocks. If the Tempo won’t start after these checks, further diagnosis or professional help may be needed.
Diagnostic checklist
Use these checks to systematically identify the starting fault. Begin with the electrical system, then cover fuel delivery and ignition, and finally safety interlocks.
Electrical system checks
Electrical issues are the most common and easiest to verify. Start here to confirm the car is getting proper power and control signals to the starter.
- Check battery voltage with a multimeter; a healthy battery should measure about 12.6 volts with the engine off and higher when charging.
- Inspect and clean battery terminals and grounds; ensure clamps are tight and free of corrosion.
- Attempt to start and listen for noises: a single click often points to a faulty starter solenoid, while no sound or rapid clicking can indicate a weak battery or bad connections.
- Test or swap the starter relay and any related fuses; a bad relay can prevent the starter from energizing.
- Verify the neutral safety/ clutch safety switch is functioning: automatic cars should start in Park/Neutral, manuals require the clutch pedal fully pressed.
Conclusion: If the electrical checks show full power and proper signals but the engine still won’t turn over, move to fuel and ignition diagnostics.
Fuel delivery and ignition checks
These checks determine whether the engine is receiving fuel and spark at the correct times. A failure here will typically prevent ignition or engine turnover even if the electrical system is fine.
- Listen for the fuel pump priming when turning the key to ON; a quiet pump often indicates power supply or pump failure.
- Check fuel pressure with a gauge if available; compare to the service spec for the Tempo’s engine.
- Inspect the fuel filter for restrictions and replace if clogged.
- Inspect ignition components: spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor cap and rotor (if your engine uses them); check for spark at the plugs with a tester.
- If applicable, verify crank/cam sensors and engine timing are correct; wrong timing can prevent starting or cause hard starting.
Conclusion: Fuel delivery and ignition issues are common culprits when the engine cranks but won’t start, or when there’s no combustion despite power to the starter.
When to seek professional help
If the Tempo cranks but doesn’t catch, or if you see no fault codes and can’t isolate the problem with basic checks, a professional diagnostic is advised. Modern scan tools can read engine codes and test the powertrain control module, while a mechanic can perform more advanced tests like fuel-pressure profiling and starter-current analysis.
Preventive tips
Regular maintenance reduces no-start events. Keep the battery and charging system in good shape, replace worn spark plugs, ensure the fuel system is clean, and inspect safety switches and wiring for wear over time. For older Tempos, keeping a simple spare fuel pump relay on hand can help in remote areas.
Summary
When a Ford Tempo won’t start, start with the basics: power delivery, fuel delivery, ignition, and safety interlocks. Systematically test the battery and connections, the starter and relays, then check for fuel pressure and spark. If the problem remains unresolved after these steps, a professional inspection is the next best move to avoid guessing and avoid potential damage.
