Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'94 Mercury Grand Marquis, No Start Mornings

Q: My son's ‘94 Mercury Grand Marquis won't start in the mornings. Even the mechanics can't figure out what is wrong with it. So I came to my trusty computer to find out if there has been any recall on that particular auto. Your site has not helped me. I really don't need or want (& can't afford) to buy a subscription to a publication to answer this question. Can you please tell me if there were any recall notices on this vehicle?

A: Yes, I can tell you if there are any recalls or service bulletins on your vehicle. But I have to tell you they will not fix your problem! Are you telling it like it is? The car does not start every morning? Your mechanic can’t figure it out? There are five work days to the average week. That means there are five mornings, in a row, that a technician would have to diagnose your problem in one work week. An engine that will not start is a dream to diagnose in comparison to a vehicle that has an intermittent no start problem. You’ve clearly defined the condition that creates the problem. Clearly it is time to have a technician that knows the difference between her/his grease gun and sound diagnostic procedure. Get a new mechanic.