incredibly annoying no-start condition

[NIKOTONKS]

As a prologue, the car has been doing this for some time, but it always fires right up after about 5 seconds and it has never happened in traffic before.

I'm driving home tonight, and sitting at a light, awaiting my left turn arrow. As it turns green I phase out (had been at work for 11 hours) and stall the car. Embarassing, but surely not a major problem, I'll just start it up again. NOPE.

Turn the key, and nothing happens. Long story short, I tried every variation of gear selection, clutch in, clutch out (neutral) give it some gas, blah blah, and it wouldn't start until I got out, kicked the tires, yelled "you f#$#$%@ bitch!" and got back in. It fired right up after that.

More about the problem itself: With the key in the start position, I hear an electrical noise, and all the lights are doing exactly what they should be doing. However, the starter does not engage at all. Nothin. Zip. On the 10th try or so, it just fired right up.

So I have a 2 part question: What loose wire is causing this problem, and why is it intermittent? I would sure as **** like to get it resolved, lest I make an ass out of myself in a busy intersection again.

 

[sdpatt]

It could be either the clutch interlock switch or the starter solenoid. What year is your car? That would determine where the starter solenoid is located. The clutch interlock switch located on the clutch pedal is responsible for preventing the starter from getting power unless the clutch is fully depressed. You can bypass this switch in an emergency, but it is a good idea to repair or replace it.

 

[91 SHOplus]

My wife had at one point an 87 GL. The starter solenoid (sp) went bad and had the same symptoms. We just rested a screwdriver across the terminals to jumper it, and then drove straight to a ford dealer for the part. Then it was about $25.

 

[NIKOTONKS]

right on, I suspected as much.

Thanks