SHO won't start, won't even crank

[Erich]

I was getting ready to go home from work today when it happened. I turned the key with the clutch floored and nothing happened. All the usual power accessories went silent but no cranking. I let it go and thought about it. I tried again and got the same result. This had happened to me the week before so I thought back to what I had done then. I disconnected the negative terminal and let the computers reset. I reapplied power and tried again. Still nothing. I'm absolutely confused now. Any ideas? Also, if you can think of something feel free to email me at [email protected]! I need this car back and I don't like leaving her sitting in the Best Buy parking lot.

<small>[ March 14, 2003, 07:17 PM: Message edited by: Erich ]</small>

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

I have two possible options...Im not an expert though.

1) I had the same problem last summer. Sometimes my car had no problems starting, then randomly...more and more often as time went on...my car would do nothing when I floored the clutch and tried to start it. Long story short, my starter was going out. I didnt know it thought b/c AutoZone tested it for me and said it was good...turned out when I took it to Advance Auto Parts and they said it was crap. Something about AZ's testing just doesnt work.

2)Your battery could be about dead. There may be enough juice to run your accessories, but the started needs so many volts/amps to kick over.

You have a MTX....just push it in gear with the key in the on position and pop the clutch. thumbs_u Reverse is the easiest gear to do this in.

My $.02...FWIW...

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

...oh and welcome to the forum!

 

[projectSHO89]

Common problem with any automobile or truck.

If the lights dim/go out when you attempt to engage the starter, only two things are likely:

1) The battery is dead

or

2) The heavy connections or cables for the battery and starter are defective.

Been discussed much recently. Please read back a few pages in this and in the Engine forum.

Jump start it, kick start it, or call AAA.

Steve W

 

[DubbaDooz]

I'm having the same problem right now, my friend. I feel your pain. I ordered new battery cables and plan on installing them as soon as i can. I'm prettymuch convinced it's a bad ground or a defective cable. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

DubbaDooz:
I'm having the same problem right now, my friend. I feel your pain. I ordered new battery cables and plan on installing them as soon as i can. I'm prettymuch convinced it's a bad ground or a defective cable. I'll let you know how it goes.

not saying yours isnt a bad wire, but I checked all my wires and replaced some of them and it ended up being the starter.

The easiest thing to do is just take the starteer off and have it tested....takes me like 5-10 min.

 

[DubbaDooz]

not saying yours isnt a bad wire, but I checked all my wires and replaced some of them and it ended up being the starter.

The easiest thing to do is just take the starteer off and have it tested....takes me like 5-10 min. [/QB]

sorry, i don't mean to hijack yor thread here, but maybe this can help you, as well. I just read that another SHO owner had a problem with a bad connecting wire in his starter, (i just had mine replaced a couple months ago) could this be a problem, too? My particular situation differs a little bit in the fact that my car (as my father reports) sometimes even fails to be capable of lighting up interior lights/headlights/etc...

also, how could i go about testing my starter? Will autozone check it out for me?

<small>[ March 15, 2003, 12:35 AM: Message edited by: DubbaDooz ]</small>

 

[Erich]

W00t! Responses so soon, you guys rock! A few hours ago my friend took me back to her with his Jeep and I got it to start! But I'm an idiot and quickly turned it off so we could go to Best Buy. When we came back it did nothing again. When the sun was still shining I spent plenty of time under the hood and did notice a good deal of corrosion on my cables. These are the original cables also. About 3~4 weeks ago I purchased a Die Hard 680CCA battery to replace my old 1000CCA that I thought was going dead. I don't think it's made a difference. I'm guessing that the corrosion on the inside of the rings where they contact the terminals is causing SOME of the problem. Unfortuantely I couldn't get ahold of a small wire brush or terminal brush. ::sigh:: When I tried starting earlier I tried it with all the accessories off and still got nothing. I do plan on replacing the Ford cables with something newer (read 'better') as soon as I get it back home. Thanks for your input on this matter, I appreciate your opinions!

 

[projectSHO89]

Before ya go off ordering parts, removing and replacing stuff just because it is a likely suspect, do yourself a BIG favor and actually troubleshoot the problem.

Follow this link: http://www.spmotorsports.com/starter_troubleshoot.html

It has diagnostics on HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT THE STARTER CIRCUIT!

All you will need is a voltmeter and a few minutes, then you can be sure what the problem actually is. About $20 from Sears or Radio Shack.

This isn't voodoo, black magic, or any other black art. It is a skill that is easy to develop.

Once you actually have done some testing, come on back for assistance in interpreting the test results or procedures.

Steve

 

[Erich]

My SHO is currently in the care of my mechanic. he's a wizard with fords so I trust him. I'll save that link and check it out once she comes home again.