newbie needs some help

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newbie needs some help

July 31, 2007, 12:11:02 AM

Hi,
Got a 1992 cougar LS with 3.8L and need a few tips. I ain't that great with electrical issues so heres my problem.
When I turn the key I get all the ignition lights on the dash but the starter doesn't work. If I take the negative cable off for 3 to 5 seconds and put it back on the starter works fine. after I shut the car off for a few minutes I get no starter again so I go through the process of taking the cable off and putting it back on, then it works.
I tried new cable clamps and a different battery and still the same symptoms.
solenoid? bad ground? bad starter?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Thanks

starter issue

Reply #1 – July 31, 2007, 11:34:50 AM

I guess what I'm asking is by pulling off the neg cable am I resetting something having to do with the starter circuit?
Thanks
JR

newbie needs some help

Reply #2 – July 31, 2007, 11:45:21 AM

Check all grounds? Make sure good and clean. Solenoid is cheap to replace...Starter can be removed and checked at any parts store. Hope this helps!
:birdsmily:

newbie needs some help

Reply #3 – July 31, 2007, 11:12:55 PM

you have to do what,,,,,,,,for how long,,,,,,, for how many cookies!

ive never seen that problem but ill tell you where id start.

Tap on the starter solenoid prior to starting next go around.

Does this problem seem to effect your battery charge?

starter trouble

Reply #4 – August 01, 2007, 09:19:19 AM

Its the est thing I ever came across, usaully when the solenoid quits it just quits. You have to take them apart and clean the contacts. These new style solenoids are different looking than the old and don't seem repairable.
It does not affect battery power or cause a drain on the battery.
The starter is fairly new, not to say it couldn't be bad.
With these computer controlled engines, all the sensors and relays I was just wondering if they had anything to do with it being how when I shut the electricity off it seems to work fine till it sits awhile.
I guess I'll try the basics first and hope for the best.
Thanks for the feedback
JR

newbie needs some help

Reply #5 – August 01, 2007, 09:23:37 AM

Solenoids are also like $7.

newbie needs some help

Reply #6 – August 01, 2007, 09:42:04 AM

the only thing i can think of compared to the way you are thinking might be a relay contact sticking instead of relasing contact when the key is turned off.

Several relays come to mind but the start circuit does not have one of those smaller relays.,,, just the starter solenoid (relay).

tap on the solenoid,, next bang on the starter (highly unlikely the way you describe the problem).

newbie needs some help

Reply #7 – August 01, 2007, 09:43:49 AM

wait a min,,,,,,,,, this is an mn12 car,,,,,,,

i may be totally wrong on what i have said. I have no experiece on thie wiring harness in this car.

newbie needs some help

Reply #8 – August 01, 2007, 10:55:01 AM

Quote from: jcassity;165175

the only thing i can think of compared to the way you are thinking might be a relay contact sticking instead of relasing contact when the key is turned off.
quote]

ya or maybe some "heat overload protection" thingy? it seems like EVERYTHING these days has something like that and theyre often WAY too touchy.

newbie needs some help

Reply #9 – August 01, 2007, 05:45:55 PM

After reviewing my '01 Crown Vic/Grand marquis EVTM (the only thing newer then the fox's that I have) I don't see anything that would be reset by disconnecting the negative battery cable.

Trace the battery cable to where it connects to the engine block. Make sure it is tight. Maybe just moving the cable makes it reconnect just long enough for one more start.

Does the car have any after-market anti-theft devices that may disable the start circuit?

The Grand Marquis has the starter solenoid as part of the starter motor. A start relay picked by the ignition switch, picks the starter solenoid.
Is that what your '93 has?

Are you up for trying to trouble shoot it with a volt meter?

newbie needs some help

Reply #10 – August 01, 2007, 10:25:27 PM

do you think it has something to do with the brake pedal and having to push it to start the car?

newbie needs some help

Reply #11 – August 01, 2007, 10:37:16 PM

A few questions 1st if you don't mind?
From the factory:
Is the vehicle supercharged?
Is the vehicle an auto or stick?
Does the vehicle have abs?
Does the vehicle have theft deterent?
Are there any aftermarket devices on the vehicle?
Most important, when the vehicle acts up does the starter relay click?

newbie needs some help

Reply #12 – August 02, 2007, 12:22:08 AM

Quote from: dudeman351;165372

do you think it has something to do with the brake pedal and having to push it to start the car?

humm,,

whos our local mn12 guru?

someone here has these cars nailed down real well.

newbie needs some help

Reply #13 – August 02, 2007, 12:36:08 AM

I just went out and checked. My 94 cougar I don't have to press the brakes pedal to start it. Not sure on the older ones.

newbie needs some help

Reply #14 – August 02, 2007, 01:26:59 AM

Make certain the vehicle is in neutral for a manual trans. or park for an automatic and the parking brake fully engaged.
Trace the positive battery cable to the starter relay which is bolted to the fender skirt. Make sure the relay is secure and the metal bracket its bolted to is clean and tight. It is case grounded.
If the problem persists, when the vehicle is acting up, locate the red with a blue stripe pigtail wire going to the starter relay. Disconnect this wire and use a jumper wire(a remote starter switch is ideal) to jump the relay terminal to the pos. battery terminal. If the vehicle cranks then you have an issue with the igniton switch or starter circut. This simple test will give us more info for additonal diagosis.