1989 Ford Taurus Car wont start

THATGUY1011E

MEMBER
1989 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
158,000 MILES

Its a 89 ford taurus sho manual 3.0l. The car wont start suddenly. I tried starting it and heard a click. I replaced the starter and relay. Same symthoms. Everything else works lights radio wipers etc. Car is not able to be jumped.

Friday, March 26th, 2010 AT 2:56 PM

6 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Double check the battery condition and connections if okay check and test the clutch switch and ignition switch.

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Friday, March 26th, 2010 AT 4:12 PM

THATGUY1011E

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4 POSTS

I double checked connections and battery I also changed the cable terminals. This time when I tried to start the car the negative terminal ground melted as well as the the ground from the firewall to the manifold.

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Friday, March 26th, 2010 AT 6:04 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
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You have a power source that's direct short to ground. You sure the battery is hooked-up correctly.

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Friday, March 26th, 2010 AT 6:11 PM

THATGUY1011E

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Not to sound stupid but what do you mean by direct short to ground. And yes I replaced everything back in the position I found it. A hanger seemed to have fallen out of the engine bay not positive on that though around the time it stoped.

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Friday, March 26th, 2010 AT 6:53 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check at the alternator if that hanger is shorting out the battery terminal on it

A 3.0 SHO or 3.8 engine starting system has no clutch switch this is suppose to be part of the starting system-You sure its a manual tranny-Now if its automatic check the starter relay. Terminal melting is due to excessive heat caused by a short-Double check the positive cable all the way to the starter.