New SHO owner and car won't start

[shetheri]

I just bought my '93 ATX about 5 weeks ago. It ran perfect for the first 3 weeks, then it had a no start when warm problem and now it won't start at all.

When I go to turn the key the fuel pump pressurizes, and all acc. work just fine, but the engine will not crank, no battery tick (dead battery), nothing. I did a search and could not find a similar description. I looked through the old crank position sensor and cam position sensor posts and it seemed like all those problems the car would at least crank.

I am not sure about the DIS and how it communicates with the computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[projectSHO89]

"No crank" means that the engine does not turn over since the starter never turned over.

If this is the case, you need to troubleshoot your primary starting circuit. This includes the starter, battery cables, and ignition switch, etc.

If you mean that it "Cranks, but does not fire", you will need to focus on the primary ignition system. That would be the DIS, CKP, coil, etc...

Be sure you're specific about your symptom and the system which pertains to it.

Steve

<small>[ December 16, 2002, 07:39 PM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[shetheri]

It is the "no crank" issue, but it is not the battery because all acc. work (lights, pwr windows, radio, etc). In the past, when this would happen, I could wait an hour or so and then it would fire right up. This time it has been 24 hrs and still won't start. I am looking into the start, but when it does crank there is not an issue. Would that lead to the solenoid as the root cause?

 

[FordLover]

shetheri:
It is the "no crank" issue, but it is not the battery because all acc. work (lights, pwr windows, radio, etc). In the past, when this would happen, I could wait an hour or so and then it would fire right up. This time it has been 24 hrs and still won't start. I am looking into the start, but when it does crank there is not an issue. Would that lead to the solenoid as the root cause?

it might be the solenoid, but it's mounted on the starter, so I believe you have to replace both anyway. Sounds like a starter to me, or insufficient juice getting to the starter.
-Martin

 

[Bizzy]

My 94 SHO did something like that after I owned it for like 3-4 weeks. It started kinda wierd about 2 times, almost like the starter needed 10 times the normal power to start the engine. Then it just quit. The starter was toasted. When I took the old one out I couldn't even turn the 10 tooth gear with a screwdriver. You can usually find a whole starter for about $100-140, and it might be worth just doing the whole thing rather than part by part.

Try hitting the solenoid with a hammer moderately to see if it will start.

 

[bradman]

I just had the same thing happen to me. The solenoid only wanted to actuate when cold. After a few days it wouldn't work at all. I got a complete starter and solenoid assembly from Walter at Linney's Auto Electric. He is very honest and has great prices. Email him for a price quote on a new or rebuilt starter, you won't be sorry.
( [email protected] )

 

[sdpatt]

Check the battery terminal connections first. Remove and clean them (and reset the idle speed afterwards). The cables, starter solenoid and starter are the primary suspects.

 

[shetheri]

Thanks for all the replies. I am just going to replace the whole starter. The battery and all the connections are clean and solid and all other accessories work fine.

 

[DAMNMYSHOTOHELL]

At least youve got those two Cobras thumbs_u

 

[steevil]

aside from the solenoid, could it be the brake interlock switch?

$12 brake light switch from Ford.

 

[projectSHO89]

There is no brake interlock switch in the starter circuit. It is there for the shift interlock, though.

The MTX uses an interlock switch on the clutch.

The ATX has an interlock on the transaxle that only closes when the transmission is in P or N. I'd start there.

Steve

 

[Rio]

Shetheri, can you drop a name of a good mechanic around here? I live in West Bloomfield and have had only bad experiences thus far w/ mechanics. Thanx man
-rio

 

[Sammage]

My SHO did the same thing when I had first gotten it, caused by a bad starter wire.

 

[shetheri]

Rio,

I am also trying to find a good SHO mechanic in the Metro Detroit area. I do not know of a good one, yet. I usually do most of my own work on my other cars, but since the SHO is my daily driver I need it to run ASAP. I have a bad habit of procrastination and lack of time.

projectSHO89,

Can you explain more about this transaxle interlock on the ATXs. That could be a possibility, because early on if it would not crank in P, I could put it in N and it would start. Now it just won't do anything. Also, when the symptoms first started it was a no start when hot, but would start when cold.

Scott

 

[projectSHO89]

I don't have the 93-95 ATX Helms to give you exact information.

However, the schematic to which I am referring calls the switch the "Manual Lever Position Sensor" and is described as being located at the "Top Left Side of Transaxle". I have also heard the swith called the neutral safety switch and the transmission range sensor.

In any event, it's purpose is to only permit the starter to engage when the transmission is in Park or Neutral for safety reasons.

Sounds like that's your problem (either that or a connection or wiring). The circuit is really simple. The hard part is locating everything for troubleshooting.

Steve

 

[Kevin Airth]

Turn your headlights on and have someone watch them when you try to crank the engine. If they dim, change the starter after cleaning the connections on the starter and battery first and retrying.
To check the shift interlock. Put it in N and with one foot on the brake, turn the key to start. Move the shift lever forward and back slightly to see if the starter kicks in. Could be the MLP(Manual Lever Position) switch or cable adjustment. I vote for the starter both of my SHO's died with out much warning.
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