This problem started out intermittent, but has become more constant. When the key is turned on, all dash lights look good, dome light good, radio good, etc.. But when you run the key all the way forward to start the engine, there is no sound from the engine at all. After 20 or 30 minutes, the car will crank normally. This is happening usually when you stop for gas, then the car will not crank - we have to push the car to the side and wait for it to cool down. Seems to be heat related of course. Dealership tested - could not recreate the problem. The battery tested bad, so we replaced the battery with a new Ford factory battery which did not help the problem. Any ideas on this? We're taking it back to the dealership for another look, but they are saying on the phone that the alternator is the next likely item to replace - common sense seems to not support that conclusion though. I'm afraid of throwing a lot of $ at this problem.. Thanks for Help!
2007-12-29 00:56:42 · 6 answers · asked by Stevej. 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
These cars are plagued with ignition lock problems - my 2000 is on its fourth.
You wouldn't think that would be heat senstive as yours appears to be, but still.
2007-12-29 01:03:45 · answer #1 · answered by silverbullet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if the new battery is being kept fully charged by the alternator and the full battery voltage is getting to the starter motor, it may be that the starter solenoid or motor is bad. This assumes that the solenoid is connecting the battery to the starter motor when you turn the ignition key to start. The other possibility is a security anti-theft problem of some sort that prevents the starter motor from running.
You should search the service bulletin titles for any related to this problem including the key cylinder problem mentioned above. I would take it in to the dealer and have the ignition lock cylinder and switch checked under the service bulletins listed below.
http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/MaintenanceServlet
http://www.mycarstats.com/
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/tsbsearch.cfm
2007-12-29 09:06:45 · answer #2 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if they say ltenator then charge the battery and start it with the charger on the battery if it starts then dissconnect the charger and the postive battery cable to the battery if the car is still running its not the altenator cause thats whats keeping the cr running. possibly an ignition module maybe even more so the soloenoid on the starter. sometimes it starts sometimes it doesn;t but if heat is a problem with it to then its none of the above just prolly bad ignition
2007-12-29 09:11:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get hold of a voltage meter (You can buy one for $20.) and test the voltage on the car. Make sure the battery is at 12v or higher. Make sure when the car is running you have 13v or higher, that tests the alternator. Check voltage to the starter, and voltage to the ignition switch. Both should have 12v going to them. If not check the wiring and the cables. Test the ignition switch, make sure there is continuity in the on-off positions. Good Luck. I suspect the starter is bad.
2007-12-29 09:15:47 · answer #4 · answered by FILE 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It could be something as simple as a bad radiator cap. If it doesn't open up right, it will cause too much pressure to build up. The next time you start out, loosen the cap 1/2 way so it's a little loose. If that works, try a new cap with a few lbs less pressure.
2007-12-29 09:10:21 · answer #5 · answered by Bob H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband is an auto electrician and says it's more likely to be a starter problem.
2007-12-29 09:03:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋