Please help with my 95 Continental

[dankc3]

I was driving down the road and the car just quit. Doesn't start back up only makes a clicking noise. Tried replacing the starter and that wasn't it. Dont know what to do now. Please help THANK YOU

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by dankc3

I was driving down the road and the car just quit. Doesn't start back up only makes a clicking noise. Tried replacing the starter and that wasn't it. Dont know what to do now. Please help THANK YOU

Sounds like the battery died but here's some more information on how the stater works.

Go through this and see if something rings a bell:


«1995 Continental Table of Contents»
«Group 03: ENGINE»
«Section 03-06: Starting System»
«DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION»

Sequence of Operation

1. The ignition switch is turned to the START position.

2. Voltage is provided to the starter solenoid from the ignition switch through the transmission range (TR) sensor.

3. The starter solenoid directs battery power to the solenoid coil.

4. A magnetic field is created in the solenoid coil.

5. The iron plunger core is drawn into the solenoid coil.

6. A lever connected to the starter drive engages the drive pinion gear to the flywheel ring gear.

7. When the iron plunger core is all the way into the coil, its contact disc closes the circuit between the battery and the starter motor terminals.

8. The current flows to the motor and the starter drive cranks the flywheel and the crankshaft.

9. As current flows to the motor, the solenoid pull-in coil is bypassed.

10. The hold-in coil keeps the starter drive engaged with the flywheel.

11. NOTE: An overrunning clutch in the starter drive protects the starter motor from excessive speeds during the brief period before the driver releases the ignition switch from the START position (as the engine starts).

The starter drive remains engaged until the ignition switch is released from the START position.

[dankc3]

I tried a new Battery and the same clicking noise still happens. I had the starter tested and it passed the test but i still get the same clicking noise

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by dankc3

I tried a new Battery and the same clicking noise still happens. I had the starter tested and it passed the test but i still get the same clicking noise

solenoid on the passenger side theres anoter solenoid under the hood...

[dankc3]

huh???

[BullyDozer]

It sounds like you have a loose or dirty ground strap... Check to see that ALL of the battery connections are clean and tight.. Good luck! Bully

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by scrapper1

solenoid on the passenger side theres anoter solenoid under the hood...

I've heard of dual solenoids, but couldn't find another one in the 1995 FSM

Dankc3:
Follow the positive battery cable; if it's a short cable going to the top of the fender.. it's connecting to a 2nd (actually the first) solenoid. The final solenoid is attached to the starter (as you know) and seems to work on a bench-test as you mentioned previously, I would suspect the first one... or bad cable connections.

If you're just clicking, you most likely have a bad connection, or bad solenoid.
Yes, there are some earlier Conti's with dual solenoids.

The bad connection can also be a ground as BullyDozer mentioned.. don't just look at them and assume their good, pull the cables off, clean/inspect and replace as required. Check that the battery ground is secured to the engine block and at least one ground strap goes from the engine to the car frame. Do the same with all the connections on the positive cable(s) as well.

[dankc3]

Thanks I'll try that and let you know!!

[liam1306]

With the car in park - even if it won't start - turn the key to start and then try to pull the key out.
If the key comes out in the start/run position replace the key cyclinder (have it done, or be real careful if you do it).
The key cyclinder is the first electrical switch.