'97 Mustang V6 no start

[BR549]

Daughter backed her car out of the garage yesterday and the car started fine, no problems.
4 hours later went to run errands and nothing, no click, nothing, dead.
'97 Mustang V6 3.8L 84,xxx miles. Battery is 6 weeks old.
Any ideas??

 

[addyguy]

Loose connection?

 

[crw]

There are some great videos on YouTube that show how to pinpoint a starting problem using a digital multi-meter (less than $5 at some stores). You can place the probes at various places along the circuit, and when an assistant attempts to start the car you can measure the voltage drop.

Like most people, I get frantic and start removing parts and taking them to be tested. Next time I see this sort of problem, I hope to use the voltage meter method to save time/money.

 

[crw]

I wish I could find that link...

 

[BR549]

checked connections, checked fuses, tapped on starter...still dead

 

[Quest]

Based on your descriptions (no click, nothing after 4 hrs), this is a sign of a dead battery, and may (in 1 way or another) related to a non-charging alternator.

Please take your battery + alternator to AZ or similar to have them checked.

Q.

 

[Jimmy9190]

Ford used to mount the starter solenoid on the inner fender well near the battery. They used to have a small gauge wire on the solenoid that had 12 volts on it when the ignition switch is in the "start" position. This wire engaged the solenoid to start the car. I am not a Ford guy and maybe they don't have the starter solenoids like that any more but it would be worth a look.

If she does have a solenoid, maybe it is bad or there is a loose or corroded connection. Years ago you could use a screwdriver with a thick handle to short the battery and starter contacts on the solenoid together and get the car to start. It was also a way to identify a bad solenoid. I have no idea if it's like that on a 97. It might be worth a look though.

 

[StevieC]

Check the fuses under the hood, there is usually (blue I think) one for the starter system.

Also try starting it in Neutral. Could be the Transmission range switch if equipped with an automatic transmission or neutral/clutch switch if Manual.

If automatic and doesn't start in Neutral, try abruptly moving from park to the last gear and then back to park as quickly/hard as you can as this sometimes fixes the rang switch. (without damaging force of-course)

 

[Buick92]

I had a 1997 mustang with the same issue, turned out the alternator was bad which I didn't believe at first, sure enough it wasn't charging the battery.

 

[HangerHarley]

Originally Posted By: Buick92
I had a 1997 mustang with the same issue, turned out the alternator was bad which I didn't believe at first, sure enough it wasn't charging the battery.


You also need to make sure its not out of gas.

 

[Buick92]

Originally Posted By: HangerHarley
Originally Posted By: Buick92
I had a 1997 mustang with the same issue, turned out the alternator was bad which I didn't believe at first, sure enough it wasn't charging the battery.


You also need to make sure its not out of gas.

If he hasn't checked that we have more to worry about.

 

[BR549]

Battery and alternator are out and ready to go to Oreilly's in the morning to be checked. 3/4 tank of gas soooo thats not it. Solenoid is located passenger side next to bell housing, tapped on that as when turned the key this afternoon(no luck). Just got home from work, thanks for all the replies.I'll let you know what I find out.

 

[BR549]

Bonehead award of the week winner!!
the negative battery post terminal was loose at the cable....when I checked earlier I checked at the post

. Installed all new terminals and she's good to go. Thanks to all who replied !!

 

[StevieC]

It happens, don't beat yourself up too much.