Engine No Start

BAKER98

MEMBER
1994 FORD TAURUS
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
155,000 MILES

So I had just finished putting on everything, after repairing a water pump. I then forgot to attach the radiator cap that says “DO NOT REMOVE WHEN HOT”. So I go to start the car, and the fluid comes out like a darn volcano. I go to replace the cap. I hadn’t realized it had spilled over any electrical components, because when I go to start it again, it clicks, and the whole thing goes dead. There’s now absolutely no power to the car, and I’m hoping it didn’t just ruin the alternator I just replaced. The cap is located on the left side literally right next to the thing. Could this be the alternator? Or something else?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

If coolant got on the starter or connections then yes this could cause the engine to not start.

The best thing to do is run through the diag of a no start and see what turns up. Here is a video that will help with this:

https://youtu.be/dCjmRL3p4Cs

This could be a possible starter or relay issue as well so here is another guide that will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

I am attaching the wiring diagram below of the starter. We need to go to the starter and confirm that you don't have 12 volts on both wires when cranking the engine. Then work backwards to find the issue.

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

This could be an issue with the park neutral switch has coolant in it so it is not allowing the starter to engage.

Please run through this info and let us know what you find. Thanks

Image (Click to make bigger)