No crank, no start, no click

PRIDEMOREBONNY

MEMBER
1994 MERCURY TRACER
1.9L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
69,000 MILES

I am working on the vehicle listed above Trio. It has not been driven for over 5 months, when I went to check the engine size so I could get tune up parts for it I found a mouse nest on the battery. I cleaned the battery terminal and posts, tested for voltage, only had 9 volts so I put a charger on the battery, charged it and let it sit overnight. Checked it next day, it held charge, still no crank. Ran a jumper wire between the ignition terminal on starter and the battery, the car started right up. Removed battery and checked for chewed wires. All wires and hoses I can see look fine. Checked voltage on starter and alternator, not getting any voltage at either of them with key off and on. Lights and wipers work good. Also headlights stay good and strong when turning ignition key to the start position. Took a test light and tested all the wires going into ignition switch, isolated the wire for start and the test light did not light up when the key was turned to start. I am thinking it is the ignition switch but would like a professional opinion before I start taking things more apart then they already are, and spending money that does not need to be spent.

Sunday, July 13th, 2014 AT 11:49 AM

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check all your fusible links/fuses and the starter relay if all good-replace the ignition switch and go from there

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, July 13th, 2014 AT 2:51 PM

PRIDEMOREBONNY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have already checked all fuses and links, I am going to get a new ignition switch and hope it works.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, July 13th, 2014 AT 7:05 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,108 POSTS

Hi,

Based on what you have already checked, it does sound like the ignition switch. However, I am going to provide the checks needed to confirm. Here are the directions for testing the switch. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

_____________________________________________

1994 Mercury Tracer L4-116 1.9L SOHC
Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Vehicle Starting and Charging Sensors and Switches - Starting and Charging Ignition Switch Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics
COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
Component Testing Procedure
Component Testing Procedure

pic 1

Terminal Locations
Terminal ID

pic 2

Schematic
Schematic

pic 3

________________________________________________

Here are a few links you may fine helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

________________________________________________

Here are basic instructions for replacement of the switch if you determine it is bad:

1994 Mercury Tracer L4-116 1.9L SOHC
Procedures
Vehicle Starting and Charging Sensors and Switches - Starting and Charging Ignition Switch Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
1. Remove multi-function switch.
2. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector.
3. Remove three mounting screws, then the ignition switch.
4. Reverse procedure to install.

_______________________________________________

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Images (Click to make bigger)