Well, its been over a year my poor tbird has been sitting, It sucks having the funds to do the restoration, but not having anywhere to do it (or store it) keeps things from moving forward.
Well anyway, it ran perfectly fine when i parked it, broken engine mount nothing too major, but everything about the car was good. I went to move it the other day and it started in 2 seconds, idled for a good 15 minutes, kicked down after about 3 1/2 mins, just like normal.
I went to put it in reverse (column shift) and it cut out... ok.... try again same thing.
Then it wouldnt stay running except when the key was between start and run, so to move it I had to hold the key a certain way (and grinded the flywheel a few times) to get it to move.
Would this be a switch going bad, or did some basterd rodent feast on my wiring somewhere?
I noticed my hood liner has a hole now right behind the battery, are there any delecate wires I should check there?
- blain
Has the ignition switch ever been replaced ?
I would start by removing the lower column cover and taking a look at the switch .
I think my uncle (original owner) told me he took it in for a recall back in the day. Ive followed all wires under the column to the battery and around the starter, no chew marks. if the switch itself is bad, can i replace it without having to replace the key?
the same key opens the doors and does the ignition if i remember correctly...
You sure can , this is for a MarkVII but the procedure is the same for your Bird
http://thelincolnmarkviiclub.org/documents/tech/1988-1989IgnitionSwitch.pdf
http://thelincolnmarkviiclub.org/documents/tech/1984ignitionSwitch.pdf
Wow, great walkthrough.
I'll pick this up http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Ignition-Starter-Switch-BWD_5971225-P_410_R%7CGRPSESWAMS_541503797___# if I get in there and conclude that it is loose. Plus that means i get to buy a torx hand driver set finally ;)
Nice Bird in your sig pic!
I replaced mine... Piece of cake!
some did not have bolt heads on them.
I would assume they replaced them with a torx by hand after the recall, but I wont know until i get a good dry day to look in there,