Intermittent No-Start Condition - Please Help!

[g89lx]

I have an AOD-equipped, '89 LX 5.0. Recently, I've been having difficulty starting the car.
This has happened several times. Once, it took place after the car had been sitting for a few hours, but the other times were after I had driven the car for a while. I'll go to start it, turn the key, and it won't crank at all. The usual lights on the dash come up and I'll hear the fuel pump kick on, but nothing else happens.

The following items have either been checked or replaced:
Battery and cables
Fuel pump
Fuel pump relay
Neutral Safety Switch
TFI Module

When the car does finally start (for no apparent reason), it runs normally. It looks like an electrical glitch. The only other things that I can think of that may be causing the problem are the starter solenoid or the ignition switch mechanism.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ECU5.0]

my roommates 91 escort is doing the same thing and ive been tryin to figure out what it was....no idea

 

[DCOBRA97]

Check the actual ignition key part on the column. I know that Ford had some problems with them in the early years.
You seem to have done the other things I would have suggested.

 

[ka0tyk]

replace the starter relay on the drivers side fender where the battery cables all go to... its like a $7 part and they're known to go faulty.

 

[g89lx]

Thanks very much for the suggestions. This problem is really annoying, because I don't want to drive the car anywhere for fear I'll get stranded.

Anyone else have any suggestions for me?

 

[g89lx]

Thanks

Ka0tyk,

I replaced the relay and that appears to have solved the problem (knock on wood). Just wanted to thank you and the others who offered help.

g89lx

 

[HISSIN50]

if it happens again, turn the key on, pop the hood, make sure you are in neutral. take the slide on connector (small AWG wire) off the solenoid. touch it to the battery lug on the solenoid (with all the cables on it).

if it still does not start, jump across the lugs on the solenoid.
based on what test works, you will know what to look at/test/replace.

just for future reference.

 

[bgjohnson]

that problem can also indicate a faulty starter also or faulty ground, but good thing you got the problem fixed