88 TC-Won't start and other problems

I have an 88 Town Car that I bought for $800 with 87k original miles. I've had it for over a year and it's been a great car, up until now. The only problems are there is a short somewhere in the system and my signals don't work. The hazard light work and blink, but my signals don't work. The short occurs when someone bumps or tries to turn on the interior lamp, the radio shorts out.

Now about the big problem....
I came out about a week ago and tried to start it and nothing. No sound of the engine turning over and no spark. So I replace the battery and when I connected the battery the headlight came on and still no sound from the engine. I tried shorting the connectors on the solenoid, still nothing. I've never seen anything like this, not that I'm all that knowledgeable about cars.:rolleyes:

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanx

I have an 88 Town Car that I bought for $800 with 87k original miles. I've had it for over a year and it's been a great car, up until now. The only problems are there is a short somewhere in the system and my signals don't work. The hazard light work and blink, but my signals don't work. The short occurs when someone bumps or tries to turn on the interior lamp, the radio shorts out.

Now about the big problem....
I came out about a week ago and tried to start it and nothing. No sound of the engine turning over and no spark. So I replace the battery and when I connected the battery the headlight came on and still no sound from the engine. I tried shorting the connectors on the solenoid, still nothing. I've never seen anything like this, not that I'm all that knowledgeable about cars.:rolleyes:

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanx


i couldnt tell you where the short is since all electrical systems on any car is a mechanic's worst nightmare. However, I can give you some solutions to you car not starting. On most ford products, the solenoid tends to go bad. It is only about a $10-$20 part to replace. Let me ask you this. When you turn the key, do you hear a "click?" Not like a click when you have a dead battery, but just a single "click?" If so, your problem could be the starter solinoid. However, it could possible be that your starter is shot. Usually with a couple wacks to the starter, the car will start and you can get it to where you need to go to get it repaired. The starter on ford products are pretty small and are in the shape of a small cylinder, probably as big as a regular size coffee can. On my 95 town car, it is more towards the passenger side of the car underneath the car itself im not sure where it is on an 88. however, i have a feeling that it is either your starter solinoid or the starter itself. i had a problem on my town car that was pretty similar to the problem your having and i replaced the solinoid first (since its a cheap part) and it turns out that my starter was bad. hope this helps.

i couldnt tell you where the short is since all electrical systems on any car is a mechanic's worst nightmare. However, I can give you some solutions to you car not starting. On most ford products, the solenoid tends to go bad. It is only about a $10-$20 part to replace. Let me ask you this. When you turn the key, do you hear a "click?" Not like a click when you have a dead battery, but just a single "click?" If so, your problem could be the starter solinoid. However, it could possible be that your starter is shot. Usually with a couple wacks to the starter, the car will start and you can get it to where you need to go to get it repaired. The starter on ford products are pretty small and are in the shape of a small cylinder, probably as big as a regular size coffee can. On my 95 town car, it is more towards the passenger side of the car underneath the car itself im not sure where it is on an 88. however, i have a feeling that it is either your starter solinoid or the starter itself. i had a problem on my town car that was pretty similar to the problem your having and i replaced the solinoid first (since its a cheap part) and it turns out that my starter was bad. hope this helps.


oh one more thing, it could also just be as simple as a relay. check your relays under the hood of your car. one of them could be blown. check those first before you do anything else.

oh one more thing, it could also just be as simple as a relay. check your relays under the hood of your car. one of them could be blown. check those first before you do anything else.

Thanks alot for your input. This is good to know. I was hoping it would be something simple. :iceslolan

Thanks alot for your input. This is good to know. I was hoping it would be something simple. :iceslolan

no problem, let me know how you make out.

no problem, let me know how you make out.

This is embarrassing. I've never done this before. Actually, it turned out that the battery was connected backwards. I'm an idiot. The battery is a refurb with no markings. So it fried my alternator. :rolleyes: :sly: :loser: :screwy:

This is embarrassing. I've never done this before. Actually, it turned out that the battery was connected backwards. I'm an idiot. The battery is a refurb with no markings. So it fried my alternator. :rolleyes: :sly: :loser: :screwy:


you know its funny. when it comes to things going wrong with cars, it is always something stupid. your lucky the battery didn't blow up in your face. but hey, we all make mistakes. if it makes you feel any better, i re-did my entire air suspension on my 95 town car and put the wrong fuse in for the compressor (which was brand new and isn't cheap at all) and it made the compressor surge which blew one of the air bags which was new. so dont feel bad. like i said, when it comes to problems with cars, its always something stupid and more obvious that you think.

oh one more thing, it could also just be as simple as a relay. check your relays under the hood of your car. one of them could be blown. check those first before you do anything else.
on your starter there is a one wire slide on connection. this wire has a tendacy to become corroded and loose . remove and clean and squeeze it lightly for a tight fit