I just purchases a 1985 Colony Park which I knew did not run. I'm trying to diagnose what might be the problem before going out and buying all new parts. I put a new battery in it and all the lights and so forth work. When I turn the key, all the accessory lights come on as well but when I turn it past "ON" to "START" nothing happens. It doesn't turn over at all and no other noises come from the car. I figure it probably has something to do with the starter or starter solenoid as the rest of the car is getting power. Any ideas out there?
Fords and Mercury's from the 70's, (not so much from the 80's), sometimes had a problem with the transmission selector remaining solidly in Park. I would suggest reaching over the steering column with your left hand, grab the transmission lever and pull it up, (to the left), as much as you can. At the same time, turn the ignition key. Most likely it's something more involved than this, but try it. Maybe the fix is as easy as that. Do you know if the car has an after market alarm system. If it does, it might have a hidden cut off switch somewhere. Look under the hood and if there's a "siren" looking thing under there, (that aren't the horns), maybe that could be it. When you turn the key, it doesn't click or anything, right? It just does nothing.
If you don't even hear a click, from the solenoid, then check out the stuff that snooter suggested. I saw one immobilizer installed with only black wires to about 6 different circuits in a 1984 Mustang. A total mess under the dash. If you've got anything like that, you may have to get another harness. Let's hope its a bad ground under the hood or a dead solenoid.
It's also worth the time to take the covers off the steering column and looking at the ignition switch. The switches are a common fault after the two halves start to separate. Many a Ford has burned to the ground due to those switches and they are only about $13. It certainly could be the problem.
Thanks everyone for the ideas so far. I worked with the gear shift and now I am hearing a click coming from underneath the passenger side. I'm going to assume that this is the solenoid and that the starter must be bad. Would you suggest replacing the solenoid too just to be on the safe side?
Throw a soleniod in and see if it engages the starter. It might just be a bad soleniod,and the starter may still have some life it. It's worth a try.
A little off topic but...I found a 1985 shop manual for the Grand Marquis/Town Car/Crown Vic for the Engine, Chassis, Electrical. Is this the only one or are there any other supplements or anything?
If it isn't the solenoid or starter check into what tbird said. It's a common problem in those Fords.
My ignition switch needs replacing, and it's the same symptoms and issues and... even looks the same. $26 plus tax and a couple bolts or big rivets.
Thanks everyone for all the info...I haven't had a chance to tear into it yet but i'll definitely be checking those places first.
There was a recall on these cars way back. The electrical start switch in the dash could be the fault. The easy way to tell is to apply a 12 volt lead to the solenoid with the ignition on. If it starts, there you are. If it doesn't by-pass the solenoid and see if it turns over. if so, you need a new solenoid. Check all the battery cables, too. I've replaced all of mine with 1 gauge.
