No crank, no start?

Tiny
CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 62,000 MILES
Hi,

The car, (sitting in garage for a few months) does not crank, replaced the starter and solenoid but still no luck. (Motor is not seized)

When you turn the key, you get just a clicking under the dash (glove box area) when you put the key in the start position.

Even tried starting the car in neutral to no avail.

Any advice appreciated. Thank you.
Monday, November 28th, 2022 AT 1:12 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

If you hear a click on the right side of the dash, that is likely the starter interrupter relay. If it clicks, it's actuating.

Here is what I need you to do: Locate the red wire with a light blue tracer on the starter solenoid. Have a helper turn the key to the start position. Does that wire get power? If it does, do the same thing with the black wire at the solenoid. If that shows power with the key in the start position, go to the starter motor and the black wire is what triggers the starter motor. See if it has power at the starter with the key in the start position.

Let me know. Also, I attached the starter wiring schematic below, so you have a reference.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Monday, November 28th, 2022 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Thank you for your reply. Just to clarify, I would take a test light and where would I hook it up to? I think the alligator clips to the positive battery terminal and just pokes the wires as previously mentioned through the insulation.
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Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

No, when checking for power, the alligator clip will be on the negative terminal. If you touch the opposite side of a wire with power, it will turn on.

As far as poking through the insulation, you can do it that way, but I always try to check at the connectors.

Let me know what you find,

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 AT 7:00 PM

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