I introduced myself about 10 days ago, after being given an 04 Crossfire Coupe. I installed a new battery to see what would happen after the car had been sitting since 2013. Well, I'm not sure what the issues are, but I will describe the good and not so good. I put new batteries in both keys and believe I correctly programmed them using the method described here- insert key, press lock or unlock twice and turn key to run within thirty seconds. With both keys, the emergency flashers blinked, as well as a few different sound made by the car. After doing the keys, I attempted to crank the car without the fuel pump fuse because of the stale fuel-3/4 of a tank the gauge says!. No crank at all, no matter what. I noticed the ignition had to be returned to full off before trying to crank again. Correct? The most notable thing that happened with key in run, is that the cooling fan runs, full bore. Also, the transmission will not move out of park. Foot on brake, key in run. At least one rear brake is frozen, perhaps pedal will not travel enough to trigger the release, and no vacuum while not running.I was able to release it with the screwdriver in the slot method. Other things while key in run, all dash lights on including seatbelt, which did not go off after fastening the belt. Rear spoiler is in up position, and will not lower with the button, though I did hear the motor run on occasion while pressing the down button. Spoiler switch red light is on.The good stuff, all exterior lights including hi beams work fine. Turn signals work , wipers work, could not check brake lights, no helper!
The way the previous owner described his attempts at starting was that it would crank two times, then no crank. But as he worked with it, it became a no crank at all problem, which is what I have found. I thought it would be a Skrem problem, but no crank at all is not an indicator. Correct? I have all new filters coming, before trying to actually crank to start the oil will be changed, gas will be drained, etc. I just got the factory manual set I had ordered. But draining fuel can be done by removing line to fuel pump, correct? Would like to verify engine condition before repairing brakes and such. PO thought the car had around 25,000 miles, but upon energizing the odometer, 19,857! And it won"t run? Sheeshe, my Lotus Esprit was more reliable than this appears to have been. Any help will be appreciated.

 

No crank is usually a RCM problem,
Search for "Mystery No Start" here on the forum.

 

Sitting for so long with a dead battery plays havoc with these cars and causes all kinds of problems. I agree with ala_xfire and start with the RCM. Since it will be awhile before you are able to drive it, save some money and send it to DJ for a rebuild. Search RCM on this site for all you need to know.

 

Also click on the link Link to common problem fixes and documentation on ala_xfires signature and get a trove of valuable info.

 

Email me at tighed1@hotmail.com for details on getting your RCM refurbished.
Sounds like the engine control and possibly the traction control relays are bad.

 

Thank you all for the replies. I will update as this goes along. I do appreciate the help.
Bryan

 

Over time, the car might stop cranking due to a bad RCM. I had a similar problem just a couple weeks ago, car would shut off while idling and would not turn back on after cooling down. Also when trying to restart it, no cranking happened. I went into the RCM and soldered what seemed a burnt contact. Car hasn't had any problems and I feel like it turns on and cranks up better since I bought it 2 years ago. Give it a try and inspect the RCM.

 

Been busy with other projects, but did receive a new RCM from Rock Auto yesterday. Have not tried it yet. I know some prefer Bosch and other name brand parts. This one is Standard brand and made in China. Once I remove the original one, I will sent it to DJ for refurbishment.Trying to attach a picture, just so you all know the car really exists. And, how do I size these photos. It sure looks super big in the preview.

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The Rock Auto RCM will be fine.
Definitely stick to BOCSH with the crankshaft position sensor. NO substitutes!!

 

I installed the new RCM last night. I was able to lower the spoiler, and no high speed cooling fan problem. That was about all the time I had to mess with it. Will be pulling a plug on each cylinder to add some oil before trying to crank the engine. I will remove the fuel pump fuse before trying to crank, since I have not removed the nearly decade old gas from the tank.Should be able to get to the plugs removed today. Any suggestions. At least some progress at this point!

 

Worked on the car again this afternoon. Got so involved in it that I forgot the monthly water board meeting I was supposed to attend. Anyway, pulled the plugs and squirted a bit of oil in each cylinder. Then used a bar on the end of the crank to verify the engine wasn't frozen, turned easily with no compression. So I tried the starter and it spun over fine. The shifter moved in and out of park correctly, door locks worked. So far I'm pretty happy. Reassembled the plugs and coils. Checked the air filters before reinstalling the engine cover and they were new looking. Guess the ones I bought will be inventory! Still need to drain the old fuel before trying to see if the engine will actually run. I will also replace the fuel filter and change oil before trying to start it. So far, the RCM seems to be the culprit. Cross our fingers.

 

Very good precautions before actual starting --- hope it runs for you.

 

Large photos will automatically resize to fit across the page, if you want a smaller picture you have to resize it using a photo editing app before uploading it.

 

A free XF..... that is so cool.

You're definitely taking the proper steps to get it back to running condition.

On a side note, I was in a similar situation with a XF that had been sitting.

Not real sure how you would get all the fuel out without dropping the tank.

My solution was to dump in a bottle of Heet, and top off with premium fuel and run it until the gas light comes on. I also dumped in a bottle of Lucas fuel system cleaner and in no time that 182k mile engine was running like a sewing machine.

When you do fire it off, don't be alarmed if you hear some ticking/rattling sounds. It may take a minute or 2 for the hydraulic lifters to pump all the way back up. Mine ticked for 2-3 minutes.

Jared

 

I had planned on draining the fuel today. The service manual says I have several choices. Run the engine until it quits/runs out of fuel. Use the correct scanner to set the fuel pump to run and drain the fuel at the fuel rail. Or, drop the tank and empty the fuel. I was hoping to pull the fuel line from the tank to the filter/fuel pump and since the car is still on the trailer, gravity feed it into fuel cans. Why can't I do it that way? Has anyone done it like I am suggesting?

 

I hope I never have to do that, having had trouble with a fuel tank and assorted wiring/hoses on a 2002 let alone a crossfire. That said, IF you want to insure the fuel lines/tank are as near 100% up to the fuel rail, hook a line to the fuel rail and run cleaners and a lot of gas through the tank fill using the fuel pump all the way (and back) to the tank & rail. Use a container large enough to capture everything you add and what is in the tank. After saving what comes out (if it isn't all clogged or clogs up) you'll know how clean and free-flowing it is (you can then pressure test the pump). Otherwise, you'll guess here, there, maybe fix this here, there. When this is completed (the flush) all you have left to check would be the injectors? Good luck with whatever you decide.


I am pretty sure others will chime in, remember my best guess is just that.


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I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS! I got fed up trying to deal with the old fuel issues. So, I pushed the schrader valve on the fuel rail and the fuel coming out smelled ok. So, put the fuel pump fuse in, put the key in ignition, turned it, fuel pump ran, and I cranked it. The car started as though it had run yesterday! No noisy lifters , no stumbling or misfire. A bit of steam out of the exhaust, which cleared as the car warmed . So I let it run until warm while testing all the accessories.Everything works, including air, heated seats, heater system, everything. WOW. A friend is coming by today to help me get the car off the trailer so I can change the oil and work on the brake issue. While on the trailer, the transmission shifted out of park and engaged reverse and drive with no problem. I really should not have started it without oil change and new gas, but I think I got away with something this time.
Thanks to those who singled out the RCM as the culprit.

 

Sometimes the easiest solution is the best solution.

I didn't screw around with my XF that had been sitting..... I just started the damn thing.

Good job, and an awesome deal!!

Jared

 

you aint kidding either about bosh

 

The brakes are not frozen. Wife and I just took it down the road and back, about a mile. Brakes fine. Rotors a little raspy because of the rust, but stops straight! I usually am not this lucky.