Car wont start-95 mtx

[1995LOUDSHO]

I have an odd emergency issue on my daily driver. The car is a 1995 taurus SHO 5 speed manual. It has 87,000 miles on it, And up until this point has always ran great with no lights on or anything.

The issue:
Keys in and turn-no start, no crank over or anything.
BUT will start if car is pushed and drop release the clutch while in gear, then it will run like normal until the car is shut off and repeats the issue.
I havent had a CEL code either-so no clue yet

IT also though did start once with this issue by unplugging the negative on battery and clearing the computer. But issue returned after being shut off again

So, any ideas or suggestions? things to check?


Much appreciation in advance

 

[AREA 91]

Start with the battery connections.

 

[zblackbeast]

What he said... also check your connections at the starter.. when you turn the key to start, does it click or do anything at all?

 

[1995LOUDSHO]

checked battery terminals and cleaned them as well. they are good now.

checked all visible connections underhood but nothing loose I could find.

also I tried starting it later after I got it home-
right after turning off-wouldnt start
couple hours later -started right up

 

[1995LOUDSHO]

re

What he said... also check your connections at the starter.. when you turn the key to start, does it click or do anything at all?

Good question, when trying the key it doesnt click, turn over or anything
Just acts like alternator dead but has full battery power

 

[jayro]

So does anything electrical work? If they do, but nothing happens when you turn the key, it could be a simple as replacing the starter. Mine did this. I drove it to the bank and when I came out it wouldnt turn over at all. Came back after work and it started just fine. Next day, nothing. Replaced the starter and haven't had an issue since.

 

[1995LOUDSHO]

Yeah i have all electrical components. What you are describing is exactly what mine is doing. I will try the starter, but any chance could just be the starter solenoid? I have had issues with those on my old sho in the past

 

[jayro]

Yeah i have all electrical components. What you are describing is exactly what mine is doing. I will try the starter, but any chance could just be the starter solenoid? I have had issues with those on my old sho in the past

Its possible it's just the solenoid. I'm sure there is a way to test it, but I don't know what it is. I just replaced the starter.

 

[jelloslug]

Yeah i have all electrical components. What you are describing is exactly what mine is doing. I will try the starter, but any chance could just be the starter solenoid? I have had issues with those on my old sho in the past

Lightly hit the started with a rubber mallet. If the solenoid is stuck that can free it up.

 

[dohcsable]

Yeah i have all electrical components. What you are describing is exactly what mine is doing. I will try the starter, but any chance could just be the starter solenoid? I have had issues with those on my old sho in the past

92-5 have the solinoid on the starter itself I think.....I'd just replace the whole thing, they're cheap enough.

 

[zblackbeast]

^^ What he said. It doesnt matter if the alt. wont charge in starting. If the alt. is bad, but the battery has a full charge it will still start.

It sounds like your starter has seen better days.

 

[1995LOUDSHO]

^^ What he said. It doesnt matter if the alt. wont charge in starting. If the alt. is bad, but the battery has a full charge it will still start.

It sounds like your starter has seen better days.

I agree with with this. I am replacing the starter, everything it has been doing points in that direction. Ordered a starter, will be in tomorrow.

Is the starter a pita to install?

 

[93rev2sev]

Nope.

Disconnect battery.

Jack and securely supprt vehicle.
Remove little starter wire.
Remove Starter/Engine Block Ground Cable (while holding the bolt from behind with a 13mm - the skinniest one you've got).
Remove Battery Positive-Starter Cable
Remove lower starter bolt
Remove upper starter bolt
Drop starter on head.

Reverse for install

 

[Mike Gallion]

Little starter wire

Have you verified the little starter wire is still connected? Had the same issue on my SHO and it turned out the little wire going to the starter (solenoid wire) was making intermittant connection. Sometimes it would start and sometimes absolutely nothing unless I push started it.

 

[1995LOUDSHO]

I will double check, but appeared to be. It is more intermittent to temperature, when cool outside it usually starts, but in really hot weather after first start it wont start again

 

[1995LOUDSHO]

yep all connections were good. So I replaced the starter. Not too bad to do overrall, and so far seems to remedy the issues.

Thanks guys

 

[auto.guru]

just so everyone knows... or can learn a bit...

the windings in the starter expand when they get hot. Over time they expand to a point they dont make contact, or the carbon brushes dont touch the pieces inside to make a connection. Once the starter cools down the make some contact again and your able to start the car. This is typical from age and high temperatures (in the south with high temps, racing, excessive engine heat)

just a thought.

otherwise if it happens again then i would start looking at your ignition switch

 

[platoribs]

Nope.

Disconnect battery.

Jack and securely supprt vehicle.
Remove little starter wire.
Remove Starter/Engine Block Ground Cable (while holding the bolt from behind with a 13mm - the skinniest one you've got).
Remove Battery Positive-Starter Cable
Remove lower starter bolt
Remove upper starter bolt
Drop starter on head.

Reverse for install

One starter to the head should suffice, skip the "drop starter on head" step as you go back in with the new part.