looking for quick help please - engine won't crank

[jcode68]

I'm hoping some Stangneters are online and can help me with a couple of quick responses. I'm ready to fire my 347 for the first time, but I turn the key and nothing happens I don't get a solenoid click or anything.

What I've done so far:

• Had battery checked at Autozone and it is good and has a charge
• I jumped the solenoid from one post to the other and it cranked

Couple of important notes:

• I am using the Crane Hi6 ignition system and matching electronig distributor- I rechecked all of the connections and all look fine. With the key in the on position, the red LED is lit, indicating the unit is functioning
• I am using a Powermaster starter #9603. This has a 1 wire hookup from the right side (opposite the battery + connection) of the solenoid straight the starter using heavy guage battery cable. There is a switch post on the starter also and the instructions stated to use a jump wire to the Batt post on the starter, which I did.
• I am using a Powermaster 1 wire alternator. I ran heavy cable to the Batt side of the solenoid. I still have the original voltage regulator harness plugged into the regulator, but have also tried unplugging with no different results. I don't this this has anything to do with my problem, but wanted to state this.
• I have checked my grounds. Battery is grounded to engine block with heavy guage battery cable and a ground strap runs from the firewall to a bolt on the engine.

I'm not sure how to properly troubleshoot this problem. My guess is the key switch when turn all the way to the start position is somehow not completing a circuit either to or thru the solenoid. I really want to hear this thing fire today, so please help!!!

Thanks

 

[red65]

If you're able to jump the solenoid and make it crank, then both the starter and solenoid are good. Something is preventing voltage from making it to the solenoid when you turn the key. Likely culprits:

- Ignition switch
- Neutral safety switch
- Clutch switch (you would have had to install this - vintage mustangs didn't have one, but newer Mustangs like Fox-bodies had it)
- The wiring between the ign switch, neutral safety and solenoid.

You probably forgot to hook something back up (Neutral safety switch is my best guess - do you have an automatic trans?).

 

[mitchcj1]

Hey man, I have this same issue. Try tightening down the nuts on the connections at the starter. If you have a circuit tester, you can see which leads at the solenoid are getting power when the key is on/start. could have those mixed up. The tester also works on the ignition switch if you can get to it under the dash. That about all I know of to try. Good luck. And if you really want to hear it, it should start up with the solenoid jump trick...

 

[jcode68]

Thanks for the response, I agree with your assesment. The car originally had a 3 speed manual trans. I don't recall it having a neutral switch, but where would it be? I also installed a T5 trans as part of this whole project and did not wire up a neautral safety switch, at least not yet.

 

[ARTTII]

I see your signature lists T5z for the transmission.

Is this the first start since you installed it? Did you switch from a c4 automatic? If yes to both then you need to bypass the neutral safety switch by plugging the two ends of the harness left hanging in the engine bay together.

Otherwise check all your electrical connections, you never know.

 

[red65]

Thanks for the response, I agree with your assesment. The car originally had a 3 speed manual trans. I don't recall it having a neutral switch, but where would it be? I also installed a T5 trans as part of this whole project and did not wire up a neautral safety switch, at least not yet.

An original 3-speed car wouldn't have a neutral safety switch. Get out your voltmeter and start working your way back to the ignition switch (or you might just start at the ignition switch, and see if you're getting 12V in at the switch, but not 12V out when you turn the switch). Good luck hunting!

 

[jcode68]

I figured it out! On the 3 speed, the wire harness that I thoight was just for the backup lights aslo had a jumper built in for the neautral safety switch. For the auto trans, the jumper would be replaced with real wiring. I created my own jumper as a test and it turns over. Back on track now!!! Thanks for the quick responses guys.