Need some suggestions on my 03 Cobra

etony89 · August 24th, 2008, 05:29 PM

I have an 03 cobra and the other day when I went and got gas and a few miles after I got the gas the car started acting up. It just died randomly and wouldn't start the first couple tries. I got it started and got it to my friends house and let it sit for a few. Then when I went to leave it wouldn't start. I tried quite a few times and I ended up push starting it and it didn't start after the first time but the second time it did. The car will rarely start just turning it over. I have to push start it and it takes a few tries for it to start with doing that. I have changed the plugs and fuel filter. I also drained the tank and put new gas in it with treatment hoping it was just bad gas and it seemed to help at first but now it is still acting up. It seems to be getting enough fuel because you can smell it. I am thinking that something is going on with my ignition. Also if I get the car going and drive it then shut it off and try to start it soon after like within minutes it will start. If anyone has had the same problem or got any suggestions on what to check or change please let me know. Thanks.

Diabeetus · August 24th, 2008, 05:45 PM

Take it to a priest cause it sounds like its possesed. I was gonna say dont use the gas pump with the green handle, but you said you drained it and it would have been apparent if you did indeed go green. I would say take it to ford and have them plug it into their little diagnostic machine and pay the 150.00 or so. I think that should nail it down. If not, refer to the first sentence...god be with you.

futureMACH1racer · August 24th, 2008, 05:46 PM

Definately sounds like an electrical problem, start with the ignition, grounds, ecm, starter,

AzSonicSnake · August 24th, 2008, 06:04 PM

cobras are known for killing alternators. i would start there. sounds like your not getting full power to your electrical system.

etony89 · August 24th, 2008, 07:03 PM

i have checked the ignition system. it is fine. tested the coil. the alternator is fine, no problems. i work at a part store so i have tested pretty much everything that i can check. other than the fuel system but it is building up pressure when i try to start it. cause when i press the tip on the release it squirts out fuel. and i did not get diesel in there. i thought they possibly put regular in there but it didn't change anything when i took the old gas out and put new premium in there. i have hooked it up to a diagnosis machine because my buddy has one and it didn't detect anything. I have no clue what else to check. and it just happened friday and the dealer is not open on the weekends. so i may try to bring it there tomorrow. any other advise please let me know. thanks.

futureMACH1racer · August 24th, 2008, 07:10 PM

Have you checked the grounds?

BLCK OUT Z28 · August 24th, 2008, 07:43 PM

did you check you conections to your starter and battery or your starter motor or cylanoide(sp?) (is there alot of carrosion on your battery posts?)

C MY 4D · August 24th, 2008, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by AzSonicSnake

cobras are known for killing alternators. i would start there. sounds like your not getting full power to your electrical system.

+1 have you load tested the alternator? Mine died a few weeks ago and was only producing 40 amps under a full load.

1StockGT · August 24th, 2008, 09:11 PM

I had a problem with mine a few months back. It was idling low and rough, but it was only hard to start at the initial start up first thing in the morning. I wasn't throwing any codes. It was still under the warranty so I took it to the dealer twice before they did something about it. According to them the pcm needed and updated program. So they flashed the new program on and it's been fine every since with lots of new mods to boot. I think I had to pay $100.

etony89 · August 25th, 2008, 12:59 AM

yes i have load tested the battery. all the connections are in great shape and have no problems. its nothing with the starter or alternator. it turns over fine, no problem getting it to turn over it is just not firing. i am going to check the whole ignition system tomorrow to see what is going on. i don't have a check engine light come on when it does run. i am going to hook the scanner up to it tomorrow again just to be safe. all the coils are fine, they have the right amount of ohms. i don't know if there are any sensors i should check. i will call the dealer tomorrow and ask them their opinion. if anyone has anything else to check let me know. thanks for all the help.

WilltheThrill · August 25th, 2008, 12:26 PM

i had problems with mine similar to what you're dealing with. it ended up being a bad part in the steering column where the key goes in. ive had to replace that part twice now

the technician that worked on the car said my problem might be because i always tilt the steering wheel up and down when I get in and out of the car.

it might also be your fuel pump. a mechanic told me(about my car) that the fuel pump could still be working but if its not pushing a certain minimum psi, then the car wont start.

AzSonicSnake · August 25th, 2008, 01:04 PM

yea, the fuel pumps could be an issue too. did not think of that. but its certainly a possibility. just because you have pressure at that scrader valve does not mean its enough...

etony89 · August 25th, 2008, 03:44 PM

Ok I will check the fuel pump as soon as I can. I was wondering about the ignition switch also. I was looking at what parts there are to the ignition at work and that was about the only thing that I haven't checked that there is. I will pull that out and check it. Most likely will replace it. Hopefully it will fix it. Please keep the suggestions coming. Thanks.

C MY 4D · August 25th, 2008, 03:47 PM

If you believe its the fuel pumps then just datalog the car during startup and check the fuel rail pressure.

etony89 · August 25th, 2008, 08:31 PM

i will have to try that. i found out today that it is throwing a code and that my check engine light doesn't work. it is throwing a p0190. the scanner says its a fuel rail pressure sensor circuit malfunction. does anyone know of a way to test a pressure regulator? or a way to test if the pump is putting out enough psi without dropping the tank?

AzSonicSnake · August 25th, 2008, 08:33 PM

frps is also a common failure on cobra... kenne bell makes a little disc that goes under it help save it. its a rather common problem, and i am kinda hitting myself in the head for not thinking of that....

C MY 4D · August 25th, 2008, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by etony89

i will have to try that. i found out today that it is throwing a code and that my check engine light doesn't work. it is throwing a p0190. the scanner says its a fuel rail pressure sensor circuit malfunction. does anyone know of a way to test a pressure regulator? or a way to test if the pump is putting out enough psi without dropping the tank?

There is no regulator. Fuel pressure is controlled by the computer via the fpdm. If the fuel rail pressure sensor is fucked up it has no idea what to do.

superbean · August 26th, 2008, 12:07 AM

voltage drop tests...
loose grounds...
int. voltage regulator going bad...

etony89 · August 26th, 2008, 02:22 AM

anyone know where to get a frps for a decent price? or anyone have one that they want to sell for a good price. one that works. lol

AzSonicSnake · August 26th, 2008, 03:13 AM

tousley ford, 1-800-328-9552 ask for Steve

tell him your an svtperformance user, gives 10% over cost pricing...

August 24th, 2008, 05:29 PM	#1
etony89 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 54 iTrader: 0 reviews	Need some suggestions on my 03 Cobra I have an 03 cobra and the other day when I went and got gas and a few miles after I got the gas the car started acting up. It just died randomly and wouldn't start the first couple tries. I got it started and got it to my friends house and let it sit for a few. Then when I went to leave it wouldn't start. I tried quite a few times and I ended up push starting it and it didn't start after the first time but the second time it did. The car will rarely start just turning it over. I have to push start it and it takes a few tries for it to start with doing that. I have changed the plugs and fuel filter. I also drained the tank and put new gas in it with treatment hoping it was just bad gas and it seemed to help at first but now it is still acting up. It seems to be getting enough fuel because you can smell it. I am thinking that something is going on with my ignition. Also if I get the car going and drive it then shut it off and try to start it soon after like within minutes it will start. If anyone has had the same problem or got any suggestions on what to check or change please let me know. Thanks. __________________ My lug nut has more torque than your Honda!

August 24th, 2008, 05:46 PM	#3
futureMACH1racer Honeybadger is Crazy 2008 F-250 Super Duty Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: United States of America Posts: 10,901 iTrader: 0 reviews	Definately sounds like an electrical problem, start with the ignition, grounds, ecm, starter, __________________ RIP Travis Bilings 5/6/1982-7/5/2011 Be polite. Be professional. But have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

August 24th, 2008, 06:04 PM	#4
AzSonicSnake 2009 ROTY 2003 SVT Cobra 11.07@127 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Phoenix,AZ Posts: 5,716 iTrader: 1 reviews	cobras are known for killing alternators. i would start there. sounds like your not getting full power to your electrical system. __________________ MM Cobra Club #25 My Autolog Profile

August 24th, 2008, 07:03 PM	#5
etony89 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 54 iTrader: 0 reviews	i have checked the ignition system. it is fine. tested the coil. the alternator is fine, no problems. i work at a part store so i have tested pretty much everything that i can check. other than the fuel system but it is building up pressure when i try to start it. cause when i press the tip on the release it squirts out fuel. and i did not get diesel in there. i thought they possibly put regular in there but it didn't change anything when i took the old gas out and put new premium in there. i have hooked it up to a diagnosis machine because my buddy has one and it didn't detect anything. I have no clue what else to check. and it just happened friday and the dealer is not open on the weekends. so i may try to bring it there tomorrow. any other advise please let me know. thanks. __________________ My lug nut has more torque than your Honda!

August 24th, 2008, 07:10 PM	#6
futureMACH1racer Honeybadger is Crazy 2008 F-250 Super Duty Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: United States of America Posts: 10,901 iTrader: 0 reviews	Have you checked the grounds? __________________ RIP Travis Bilings 5/6/1982-7/5/2011 Be polite. Be professional. But have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

August 24th, 2008, 05:45 PM	#2
Diabeetus Regular Black 2001 Cobra Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 344 iTrader: 2 reviews	Take it to a priest cause it sounds like its possesed. I was gonna say dont use the gas pump with the green handle, but you said you drained it and it would have been apparent if you did indeed go green. I would say take it to ford and have them plug it into their little diagnostic machine and pay the 150.00 or so. I think that should nail it down. If not, refer to the first sentence...god be with you.

August 24th, 2008, 07:43 PM	#7
BLCK OUT Z28 Newbie 2000 chevy z28 13.98 @ 102 mph at 6600ft adj. altitude Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 46 iTrader: 0 reviews	did you check you conections to your starter and battery or your starter motor or cylanoide(sp?) (is there alot of carrosion on your battery posts?) __________________ 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 M6, 13.98 @ 102 mph, mild tune, exhaust cuttout, LCA's and SLP Lid. sold...fuck ~(exhaust) http://upload.streetfire.net/video/c...rev_177166.htm

August 24th, 2008, 09:11 PM	#9
1StockGT Enthusiast 2003 Cobra Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Newport News,VA Posts: 628 iTrader: 1 reviews	I had a problem with mine a few months back. It was idling low and rough, but it was only hard to start at the initial start up first thing in the morning. I wasn't throwing any codes. It was still under the warranty so I took it to the dealer twice before they did something about it. According to them the pcm needed and updated program. So they flashed the new program on and it's been fine every since with lots of new mods to boot. I think I had to pay $100.

August 25th, 2008, 12:59 AM	#10
etony89 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 54 iTrader: 0 reviews	yes i have load tested the battery. all the connections are in great shape and have no problems. its nothing with the starter or alternator. it turns over fine, no problem getting it to turn over it is just not firing. i am going to check the whole ignition system tomorrow to see what is going on. i don't have a check engine light come on when it does run. i am going to hook the scanner up to it tomorrow again just to be safe. all the coils are fine, they have the right amount of ohms. i don't know if there are any sensors i should check. i will call the dealer tomorrow and ask them their opinion. if anyone has anything else to check let me know. thanks for all the help. __________________ My lug nut has more torque than your Honda!

August 25th, 2008, 01:04 PM	#12
AzSonicSnake 2009 ROTY 2003 SVT Cobra 11.07@127 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Phoenix,AZ Posts: 5,716 iTrader: 1 reviews	yea, the fuel pumps could be an issue too. did not think of that. but its certainly a possibility. just because you have pressure at that scrader valve does not mean its enough... __________________ MM Cobra Club #25 My Autolog Profile

August 25th, 2008, 03:44 PM	#13
etony89 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 54 iTrader: 0 reviews	Ok I will check the fuel pump as soon as I can. I was wondering about the ignition switch also. I was looking at what parts there are to the ignition at work and that was about the only thing that I haven't checked that there is. I will pull that out and check it. Most likely will replace it. Hopefully it will fix it. Please keep the suggestions coming. Thanks. __________________ My lug nut has more torque than your Honda!

August 25th, 2008, 03:47 PM	#14
C MY 4D Billy Weston 2003 Cobra 11.14@124.36 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hampton, VA Posts: 4,794 iTrader: 7 reviews	If you believe its the fuel pumps then just datalog the car during startup and check the fuel rail pressure. __________________ TT Build in progress....... Need work done to your car for a great price in Hampton Roads? Shoot me a PM.

August 25th, 2008, 08:31 PM	#15
etony89 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 54 iTrader: 0 reviews	i will have to try that. i found out today that it is throwing a code and that my check engine light doesn't work. it is throwing a p0190. the scanner says its a fuel rail pressure sensor circuit malfunction. does anyone know of a way to test a pressure regulator? or a way to test if the pump is putting out enough psi without dropping the tank? __________________ My lug nut has more torque than your Honda!

August 25th, 2008, 08:33 PM	#16
AzSonicSnake 2009 ROTY 2003 SVT Cobra 11.07@127 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Phoenix,AZ Posts: 5,716 iTrader: 1 reviews	frps is also a common failure on cobra... kenne bell makes a little disc that goes under it help save it. its a rather common problem, and i am kinda hitting myself in the head for not thinking of that.... __________________ MM Cobra Club #25 My Autolog Profile

August 26th, 2008, 12:07 AM	#18
superbean Hardcore Enthusiast 1998 Cobra 13.24@105.66 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,778 iTrader: 0 reviews	voltage drop tests... loose grounds... int. voltage regulator going bad... __________________ weeee foooord!

August 26th, 2008, 02:22 AM	#19
etony89 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 54 iTrader: 0 reviews	anyone know where to get a frps for a decent price? or anyone have one that they want to sell for a good price. one that works. lol __________________ My lug nut has more torque than your Honda!

August 26th, 2008, 03:13 AM	#20
AzSonicSnake 2009 ROTY 2003 SVT Cobra 11.07@127 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Phoenix,AZ Posts: 5,716 iTrader: 1 reviews	tousley ford, 1-800-328-9552 ask for Steve tell him your an svtperformance user, gives 10% over cost pricing... __________________ MM Cobra Club #25 My Autolog Profile

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