Car died - left me and my 3 daughters stranded

[djbartu]

When I picked up my three daughters at summer camp yesterday, my '98 SHOwagon started as normal, idled fine, then when I put it into gear, it really ran rough. Almost as if it were only running on half it's cylinders. When I stepped on the gas a little more - it stalled. Then it wouldn't restart. When the key is turned, not even a click - the starter doesn't kick in at all. No check engine light or any warnings. Radio, lights, etc. still work so it's not a dead battery. Any ideas?

 

[SHO#7]

When I picked up my three daughters at summer camp yesterday, my '98 SHOwagon started as normal, idled fine, then when I put it into gear, it really ran rough. Almost as if it were only running on half it's cylinders. When I stepped on the gas a little more - it stalled. Then it wouldn't restart. When the key is turned, not even a click - the starter doesn't kick in at all. No check engine light or any warnings. Radio, lights, etc. still work so it's not a dead battery. Any ideas?

Start with checking you battery. Should have 12.5 or so volts with the car off. Look at the connections, check for battery ick. These cars do crazy stuff when the power is low. That is an easy check that you can do from home.

Mike

 

[djbartu]

I wouldn't suspect the battery because the engine initially turned over without any hesitation whatsoever. Right after it died, I did disconnect and reconnect the battery to be sure all connections were tight - no luck. Everything under the hood is very clean, so corrosion of the terminals is not a problem.

Later today the car will be towed from it's "point of death" to my mechanic. I just wanted to give him a heads up as to what the problem might be.

 

[SHO#7]

So the engine shut off, you cranked to restart but it did not fire. After that it just would not crank at all. Is that correct? Then you checked the terminals, and they were tight and clean. But now it will not crank over. Does it just click or what.

Mike

 

[Mr. SHO]

Welded?

 

[SHO#7]

I should hope so. He bought it from Brad @ SHOfast.

 

[djbartu]

Welded twice, once by Brad (or someone before him) ... rewelded correctly by Kirk.

Anyway, after the vehicle stalled, it never even cranked anymore. No click - nothing. But radio and other electronic systems function properly.

 

[SHOZ123]

Check the fule pump fuse, be sure the switch in the trunk is passing voltage through and check the PCM fuse under the hood.

 

[naval-avi8or]

When the key is turned, not even a click - the starter doesn't kick in at all. Any ideas?

Maybe the anti theft system. It will prevent the starter from doing anything if chip isn't detected.

 

[djbartu]

The problem has been traced to a bad coil and a blown fuse. Now, why did the fuse blow? Why no code?

Should all four of the rear coils (possibly all eight?) be changed as long as it is apart? And again (as has been asked before on this forum) what brand to buy?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mr. SHO]

Now, why did the fuse blow? Why no code?

Which fuse was it? That would help in figuring out why it blew.

 

[djbartu]

The fuse was the #10 - I believe this one controls the PCM ??

 

[Mr. SHO]

Well, if it killed power to the PCM, then the PCM would have dumped the KAM (memory) and there wouldn't be any code upon restoring power to the PCM.

I would inspect the rear main wiring harness very carefully, looking for blistered/melted insulation and/or pinched wires.

 

[RoadSHO]

These are good prices for Motorcraft coils about $100 ea. I replaced the rear 4 when I had the cams welded on my '98. Also insullated the coil wires.
https://www.rockauto.com/applet3.html

 

[djbartu]

What causes a coil to go bad? It seems like a pretty common problem. Should changing all of the coils be part of maintenance? That would make for quite an expensive tune-up.

 

[SHOZ123]

Not that much worse than a V6 60k. From my experience if you don't want the hassles once one goes bad replace them all. Either that or start a non-ending coil problem chasing.

 

[bwb96]

What causes a coil to go bad? It seems like a pretty common problem. Should changing all of the coils be part of maintenance? That would make for quite an expensive tune-up.

Most common reason would probably be heat. Should they be a maintenance item? Sure, just like the tranny.

 

[shogansta]

I had the same problem with my sho its a electrical problem there is a wire rite next to the trans my mechanic cut it and the car just started its werid and it hasnt done it every again

 

[djbartu]

Cut a wire??? Why? What caused him to think that this wire was the problem? My guess is if that wire was there originally, it had a purpose. (Possibly something with the anti-theft system?) I don't think I'll try that solution.