Starter question again

[Noobz347]

Im going into town tomorrow so I will take the battery with me and get it checked. I didnt know that the Optima red tops were that bad. I always that that they were good batteries. I really appreciate all the help! i will let you guys know how the test goes.

You know when I got the battery the car would start ever time. But its been a couple weeks since I have tried to start it. Plus its cold as hell here in North Dakota! Its been an easy -20 here latley! I guess im kinda retarded for not realizing the obvious!

Looks like a good time to mention:

DO NOT BUY OPTIMA BATTERIES FOR EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES.

Been there, done that, they suck in cold weather for vehicles that spend any time outside. Something with that coil setup they have inside. The gell freezes, the coil cracks, it's game over.

Good ole fashioned liquid, lead-acid is the way to go.

 

[StormWatch]

I just ran a new wire from the small post on the solenoid and spliced it to the white/pink wire in the steering column.

Only drawback is no clutch safety or neutral safety switch. You're bypassing them, so just be aware that the car is NOT IN GEAR when you start it.

 

[lxman]

Just to let everyone know, i took my battery to get it checked. They said it was only 29% charged. I pick it up tomorrow so I will try to start it then.

 

[lxman]

Just update everyone. I performed the drop test and found out what was wrong. 1.) Starter cable was bad 2.) starter was bad 3.) Battery was dead! LOL! I feel kinda dumb now, but hey crap happens. So now my only problem is my starter engages on run instead of start and when the motor does start, the starter stay goin causing the motor to run extremmly high. Any ideas? I was told since I have a different starter relay and not the motorcraft one that could be the problem.

 

[ID89GT]

Sounds like an ignition switch issue if the solenoid is staying on in the run position.

 

[lxman]

Yeah thats what I'm thinking now too, because I replaced the relay with the original and its still doing it. How hard is it to replace the ignition switch?

 

[jrichker]

There was a FREE recall on Ford ignition switches. They overheat and sometimes catch fire. That burns up the steering column and sometimes the car interior. Since this is very old information, you may not be able to get the switch replaced for free anymore. The auto parts stores sell the switches for $13-$15.

Saleen0679 was nice enough to dig this up for us awhile back: Replace a 1979-1993 Ignition Switch Assembly

 

[f8tlfiveo]

Make sure your making a good connection at your battery also. I have had that cause this problem before..

 

[lxman]

Cool t5ahnks guys! I really hope this fixes it. I have done everything else, all the tests replaced parts and everything.