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Closed6 replies

Right church wrong pew.

ArtArtCMC, 1641cc

Went to go get dinner in the DD. (ford exploder). Key turned and spun thru all the normal stops. Nothing. Lights on dash board light up. Head lights work 12.9V on the battery. No solenoid clicking.  Other cars, Other times, I turn the steering wheel, left and right and/or let the car roll a bit a put back in Park.  One of these things usually engage the ignition. Tried a second key.

 

Called AAA. told them we needed a tow, NOT a battery or jump.  So what do those idiots do, send a guy who is only authorized to jump start. After he also fails, "Yep it's not your battery" Now it's too late to get a tow truck as  AAA won't leave a car in a unsecured location.

 

Any quick fixes here??  Thanks so much

 

Art

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Gordon NicholsGordon NicholsMassachusetts 1993 CMC Supporting Member

Make sure the BIG cables going to the solenoid are tight, but it sounds like you have a dead starter solenoid.  

 

Ford starter solenoids are usually mounted on the firewall or inner fender well within 24" of the battery.

 

If you can find the solenoid, you can use a single jumper cable to jump across the big solenoid cable studs and make the starter spin.

 

good luck!

Sir Lapalot (Ash)Sir Lapalot (Ash)

If it's the starter solenoid, sometimes tapping it (not hammering, but a decent tap) to loosen the pin inside is what's needed.  It won't be a permanent fix, but hopefully enough to get it started to move it, so you can go get another one.

 

If the solenoid isn't the regular Ford-style but looks more like a Coke can, then squeezing it (two hands around the side of it), then tap the top a couple of times.

 

Might work.

Sir Lapalot (Ash)Sir Lapalot (Ash)
That happened to me once also.  Car started, everything normal, just couldn't shift out of Park. 15 mins of head-scratching and then I figured out it was the Brake On/Off Switch.  But I don't think that would affect actually starting the vehicle - it was more an issue with the shift-lock not releasing.
 
(slightly hairy experience when I tried to tap the brakes to kill the cruise control on that same ride home and the car kept motoring on, but then I quickly realized that with no brake signal, the cruise couldn't be killed.........duuuh!)
 
 
Originally Posted by flyenby:

I had a 2002 same problem....turned to be the brake light switch you can try jiggling the switch at the brake pedal. New switch is easy to install..get aftermarket  about 20.00.  Very common issue.  Good Luck

 

ArtArtCMC, 1641cc

Thanks guys, I  was able to try a couple of the suggestions. But I ran out of time, having to get the Exploder towed, so I could get my wife's car out of the driveway, for work this morning.  When the mechanic advises the issue I'll post. Thanks to all, that's what is great about this place.

 

Art

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