won't start

[iloveoldcars]

I have a 1983 Lincoln Towncar. When I tried to start it today - nothing happened. It didn't turn over or make any noises. The only noise I can hear is a faint beep when I open the door. I am getting no power to lights etc. even while trying to jump it. There has been a rattling noise from the front right of the car for a few days. The rattling stops after I accelerate, but starts again after I stop and start accelerating again. Two days ago - after I drove for about 15 minutes and turned it off - I tried to start it again immediately and it was only turning over. I waited 10 minutes and it started fine. It was starting yesterday with no problems (other than the rattling).
The battery wires and grounds seem to be attached, but my boyfriend said the solenoid might have been smoking when he tried to start it while jumping. What am I dealing with here?

[MagicRat]

I shall move this to the Town Car forum. You will have a better chance of getting a useful answer there.

[Blue)(Fusion]

Are you sure when you were jumping the car you were connecting the wires correctly? It might be a dead/bad battery still so do not rule that out.

You said you checked the battery connectors, but did you follow the lines for any frayed lines/shorts and tight connections? Do the headlights lights dim when you try to start the car?

[junk yard doggie]

A good old 1983 model If the engine is cranking over when you jump it it's not the starter solenoid. Start off by making sure the battery is holding a charge. Most auto parts stores will charge and test them for you. I didn't see your location, but cold weather will kill older battery's quick. If the engine is cranking / turning over, it's not the starter solenoid. Check for spark. If you have no spark I would suspect the ignition module. 83 should be that small grey one mounted on the distributer. Those are common to go bad. Good luck.

[iloveoldcars]

My battery was bad - so I bought a new one. Put it in, and it started. Went to drive it and it stalled out. Won't start again now. So I know it's not the solenoid or the ignition module. Thank you for your help, though. Anymore ideas of what it could be?? I'm thinking something to do with the wiring....

[junk yard doggie]

I see you're in Commerce, I used to live in Novi. I know the area well, and I know it's gets cold up there too. So you got a new battery now. What's it doing at this point? If it's still cranking it's not the solenoid. If it started and ran, It shouldn't be the ignition module. Those usually go out and stay out. Unless the wiring connector is loose or corroded on the ignition module. It could be the coil wire, check that. You still need to check for spark. I suposse it could be fuel related. Mechanical or electric fuel pump on that 83 ? It seems like Ford still ran the mechanical one in 83. Does your fuel tank have better than 1/2 tank? This cold will freeze up any moisture in the tank. This will really cause problems on low tanks.

[iloveoldcars]

I just put gas in the car - about $20. It shouldn't have anything to do with that.