2003 hard to start & power steering issues

[Baby Blue]

My 2003 Thunderbird Premium is having several issues that have yet to be diagnosed. It has starting problems. It will start and die repeatedly. Sometimes turn over but not start. However, if you turn the ignition enough it will eventually start. During the cold weather it doesn't even want to turn over on most turns of the key. When you finally get it running it has several other symptoms: the power steering doesn't work properly (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and will go in and out intermittently); the turn signals do not work properly (flash on an off but at odd intervals). I sent the FEM in to Module Masters for a rebuild, but they said it checked out fine. I have had the PATS system reset. I have had new coils and plugs installed. I have had the ignition cylinder changed. But nothing has helped. The problem is worsened. Does anyone think this could be the ECM? I am getting desperate for a fix.

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[biddle]

These cars frequently have fuel pump issues. The power steering and turn signals definitely are normally a bad FEM!

 

[BluByeU]

Could be something as simple as a weak battery. Exactly how old is the car's battery?

Can you tell us if there are any codes stored in the diagnostics. Don't have an OBDII reader? Either get one or go on over to an Auto Zone store & have them read the codes for you. With codes as a tool someone here can probably help you.

 

[Lulu]

My 2003 Thunderbird Premium is having several issues that have yet to be diagnosed. It has starting problems. It will start and die repeatedly. Sometimes turn over but not start. However, if you turn the ignition enough it will eventually start. During the cold weather it doesn't even want to turn over on most turns of the key. When you finally get it running it has several other symptoms: the power steering doesn't work properly (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and will go in and out intermittently); the turn signals do not work properly (flash on an off but at odd intervals). I sent the FEM in to Module Masters for a rebuild, but they said it checked out fine. I have had the PATS system reset. I have had new coils and plugs installed. I have had the ignition cylinder changed. But nothing has helped. The problem is worsened. Does anyone think this could be the ECM? I am getting desperate for a fix.

Possible fuel pump for the starting and the module behind the seats and on the driver side under the kick panel is responsible for the power steering possibly. There are two modules. I cannot remember which one affected mine.. I sent mine to MIDWEST tech to have both mine fixed.. I believe it was the one behind the seat

 

[Frankie the Fink]

The starting issue may be the fuel pump or a sticky fuel pump relay (cheap fix); also I have had a crank-but-no-start issue twice with my '02 but when I cleared some ODBC codes it started right up - strange but true.