Broke again...no start

[Pablo sho]

This f-ing sho is about to go to the scrappers. Ran to town today. It started fine every time. Never had acted up. Today it made that grinding sound like it was already running and you try to start it. Don't ask how I know that sound. Then I try again absolutely nothing. No sound or anything. I'm guessing a wire is loose or something but it's to hot right now so I thought I would see if anyone else experienced this!

 

[Pablo sho]

I couldn't take it. 90 degrees. Went and did some checking. Ignition fuse is blown. I replaced it and it blows when I try to start. Guess I have a dead short. Will the starter solenoid do that?

 

[luigisho]

That is the first place I would look. Is there a relay somewhere that is supposed to fail first? I don't have my GenIII manuals and stuff so I would be curious to see which fuse and what else runs that circuit. It it were my car I would look at the wiring under the car to the starter and if nothing fishy I would try a replacement. You can always return it if that is not the issue. Not normally a throw parts at it guy but with time consuming wire chasing I would try it here. Starters are relatively quick to do.

 

[Pablo sho]

Thanks. I found it last night and forgot to report. I lost a bolt when I removed the the thermostat. I couldn't find it so went and got another one. Well I found it laying on top of the solenoid. Lesson learned.

 

[sperold]

^^^^^^ This is my guess as well, sounds like a failed starter to me.

 

[98SF19]

There must be some quantum level connection between our cars Pablo. I had nearly the exact same experience Saturday . . . Went to gas car up and afterward, it started fine (starter didn't sound like it was anywhere near even declining, though not new). Went to Advance and turned it off, and she didn't start up when I came out, no turning at all and no relay clicking. Even had an employee pop the starter as I tried to start - nothin'. Older guy said he could hear a single "click" which he figured was starter getting power and seizing. Got a free tow but haven't checked fuses or relays yet, which I strongly suspect. What sucks is that I fixed 2 oil leaks in that area, so the problem can't be oil sludge build-up. I've gone after the starter twice so it shouldn't be a biggie if fuses/relays are ok.

 

[Pablo sho]

Yep. I swapped relays. That didn't work. So I started checking fuses. Found one ignition fuse blown. Started looking for burnt wires when I saw the bolt laying on the starter. Luckily I saw it before I had the whole thing tore apart. Good luck.

 

[gamefanatic]

Yeah, my original starter had that same problem earlier this year. Mine didn't blow the fuse, but would randomly not start. Essentially it was the solenoid not engaging. Usually letting it sit for a while, like an hour or more, and it would start like a champ. Finally got stuck at the gas station and I took that as the sign that we were done. Replaced it and no more issues.

 

[98SF19]

Well as for my no start condition - I tried a new relay in place of original and heard a CLICK when trying to start. At the same time as the CLICK, the dome lights go out and I can't get anything to turn on. Disconnected/reconnected battery and put original relay back. Car started. Going to test the 30, 85, and 87 post plugs and check for dirt and junk around starter connections. I did feel some grime on bottom side of fuse box.

 

[Devin]

Yep. I swapped relays. That didn't work. So I started checking fuses. Found one ignition fuse blown. Started looking for burnt wires when I saw the bolt laying on the starter. Luckily I saw it before I had the whole thing tore apart. Good luck.

A lost bolt was shorting out the solenoid? Man, that sucks. At least it was an easy fix once you found it.

 

[Pablo sho]

It did it again. I thought I missed something and it wasn't the bolt but there was another bolt in the exact same place. WTF. I have Gremlins.

 

[E1]

Or a SHO-ltergeist

 

[98SF19]

OT . . .
Nice one Eric. Gave me an idea: What better vehicle to do a remake of "Christine" than with a Gen 3 SHO instead of a Plymouth Fury (yes I had to look it up). It ended with the crushed car starting to regenerate. That could surely work it's way into a early 90's time frame storyline. The Gen 3 is the red-headed step child of the sho family after all, and as such, has an axe to grind!

On topic . . .
my fortune improved with the starter issue - I removed the high temp reflective tape I'd put on starter a while back when I had leaks above it. DOH! This may have been the problem the whole time. I think the tape is slightly conductive and was shorting out the solenoid. Had to jump across the relay connections still, but it started. Seems there's still something weird going on with starter and battery . . .