More Problems wont turn over

[chad millett]

These things are adding up quickly. Now my 93 town car wont turn over. It happened in a total of three starts. The first time it was a delay when the key was turned before the engine cranked. Then the next time it wouldnt tun over for several tries. At least I made it home. Now it wont turn over at all. The dash lights come on with the key until its in the starting position and then the dash lights go out. Ive messed with the connection which is good with no results. Im confused. Maybe the solenoid? where is that located?

[inafogg]

hello, it sounds like an ignition switch problem the way you discribe it. may want to check for adjustment

[radioconsult]

Sounds like a common starter failure problem. Sometimes you can get it to start by rapping on the starter with a hammer, but don't count on it.

[chad millett]

how do I check for ignition switch adjustment? It doesnt seem loose or anything. It feels normal when you turn it. Would this make the dash lights go out in the start position?

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by chad millett

how do I check for ignition switch adjustment? It doesnt seem loose or anything. It feels normal when you turn it. Would this make the dash lights go out in the start position?

Dash lights going out in 'cranking' position is normal, you'll see that when it's working properly too....

The only thing I've heard that 'comes loose' in the steering column is the plate at the bottom. It's secured with 2 or 3 Torx head bolts that loosen and cause problems with shift cable adjustment. I'm not saying the Ign Switch isn't coming loose, or isn't going bad.. it's just not as common as the Starter & Solenoid issues on this car.

The actual ignition switch isn't behind the key cylinder as you would expect it to be, it's lower down the column and activated by a pushrod from the lock Cyl to the Ign Switch. I can imagine if an Ign Switch was somehow loosening would not allow that pushrod to do it's job properly.

With the age of this car, it can go either way.. Switch or Solenoid.. you'll need to check both.

A good test would be to jump the Solenoid t see if it cranks immediately.

[Bearfoot]

I've been having a similar problem with my '95 TC. It only happens when the weather is cold outside. I have to turn the ignition switch on and let it sit for about 30 seconds and then try. Usually it starts right up. Sometimes, though, I have to turn it as far as it will go into "start" and then back off just a hair - very minute. This afternoon the temp was up to 57 and there was no problem at all. When it gets warm enough for me to work outside I'm going to see if I can figure out the cause.

[chad millett]

Where is the solenoid located on the Town Car? Is it on the starter? I dont see it on the firewall like some fords have.

[junk yard doggie]

Hello

The solenoid is on the starter on the 93 TC You most likely have the three bolt starter. The starter will have to come off to get at the solenoid. I am willing to bet that is your problem.

[inafogg]

radio's post is a good possibilty also.alot easier too if the brushes are worn.try the tapping on starter.let us no!!

[chad millett]

I tried rapping on it and that didnt work. I will have to remove it and put a new solenoid on I guess. I think the starter should be good. It always turned over fast and started easy. Now it just doesnt turn over or click....nothing.

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by chad millett

...Now it just doesnt turn over or click....nothing.

No Click !!! Hmm, a bad Solenoid usually still clicks. It's not usually the solenoid coil that goes bad, it's usually the contacts inside that get worn.. but you still hear the click as it throws into those contacts.

With no click, I'd alter the plan of attack somewhat.
If you do have that three bolt starter, I hear it's a real pain to get at one of those bolts, in fact I hear of some folks just installing two of the three bolts.

That said, you can still check out the starter, solenoid and wires/cables but may experience difficulties in doing so. While you're down there getting pissed at that third bolt, be sure to test the voltage (or lack of) from the wire that's intended to fire the solenoid; it should be hot when the switch is in the cranking position.

[junk yard doggie]

Yes make no mistake that third bolt that you can't see will piss you off to no end. I can see why people only use two bolts to reinstall. If you are good, you could take the starter apart and check those brushes. I would, just to see what kind of shape the starter is in.

Here is the cross ref. info for the starter on the 93 TC, it fits a lot of stuff. I'm sold out of those starters, but you could get a good used one for quite a bit cheaper at a local salvage yard.

COUGAR 94-96 8-280 (4.6L)
CROWN VICTORIA 92 3 bolt (from 2/19/92)
CROWN VICTORIA 93-95
FORD F150 PICKUP 97 8-280 (4.6L), ID F2VU-11000-AC
FORD F250 PICKUP 97 8-280 (4.6L), ID F2VU-11000-AC
GRAND MARQUIS 92 3 bolt (from 2/19/92)
GRAND MARQUIS 93-95
LINCOLN & TOWN CAR 92 3 bolt (from 11/91)
LINCOLN & TOWN CAR 93-95
MUSTANG 96 8-280 (4.6L), DOHC
THUNDERBIRD 94-96 8-280 (4.6L)

[danielsatur]

Action Taken:
1) ENG OFF-TURN ON BRIGHT HEAD LIGHTS + HONK HORN!
2) Does the horn work?
3) Take battery out and have charged + Tested.
CAUTION: If you always jump-start the car ,this always cause too much of a demand for the alternator,
You will be fixen that next.
4) JACK-UP Passenger side and pull starter off.
5) Visual Inspect battery cables for oil + corrosion. (box+starter)
6) Depending on age + mileage,you might want to buy a new-one.
7) Take apart and clean+bench TEST.
8) When putting starter back,make sure all BOLTS ARE IN + TIGHT.
There is alot of demand for the battery during start-up,I allways turn everything off.
9) JUST TURN THE KEY IN ON POS,and let the ECM,BCM,FUEL PUMP,and DASH get there morning JUICE.
10) Start the car,and if turns over slow,it's very COLD outside.

GUYS: Don't let those computer and digital electronics through you off,they can be are
Friends when troubleshooting.

Note: Starters get there grnd by the bolts,they draw alot of current.

GOOD LUCK - Please Reply when you get it Fixed.
MCGIVER

[chad millett]

I found the problem. The small wire that clips to the starter was loose and not getting a connection. Im glad it was that. It looked near impossible to get at the top starter bolt. I would have had to take half the car apart I think. Its starting fine now.

[inafogg]

glad to hear chad & thanks for posting the fix