• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Won't Start!!!

  • Thread starter Thread starter hawkchief718
  • Start date Start date Oct 14, 2007
H

hawkchief718

New Member
Jul 3, 2005
5
0
0
Originally from Texas, now stationed in Hawaii
Oct 14, 2007
#1
  • Oct 14, 2007
  • #1
My car's been sitting for 15 months while I was in Iraq. I've replaced the battery, given her fresh gas, and checked everything I know how but she won't start. Won't even turn over. I turn the key, get a click and then nothing. It only clicks once and only on the 1st turn of the key. Have to wait about 15 minutes before it will even click again. I'm thinking bad starter, but that's not a lot to work with when it comes to my limited diagnostic abilities. You folks have any ideas? I'd love to hear them.
 

skywalker

Member
Dec 22, 2003
733
0
16
Pensacola, FL
Oct 14, 2007
#2
  • Oct 14, 2007
  • #2
I'd say starter. Cheap and easy to start with for certain. Also try the starter solenoid.
 
S

suki243

Member
Dec 19, 2006
662
0
19
Southern California
Oct 14, 2007
#3
  • Oct 14, 2007
  • #3
stater solenoid, also check the wiring from voltage regulator to alternator, battery, solenoid. Try also to start by bypassing the solenoid. Maybe some critters or something got to the wires.
 

JDS68Stang

New Member
Sep 3, 2007
153
1
0
New York State
Oct 14, 2007
#4
  • Oct 14, 2007
  • #4
Tap that solenoid good with a wrench first a few times before you replace the starter, I guess they can get stuck. Learned that from D.Hearne here so if it works thank him.
Welcome back.
 
G

gjz30075

Member
Aug 30, 2004
250
0
17
Roswell, Ga
Oct 14, 2007
#5
  • Oct 14, 2007
  • #5
hawkchief718 said:
It only clicks once and only on the 1st turn of the key. Have to wait about 15 minutes before it will even click again.
Click to expand...

I'd say solenoid, based on this.
 

Tim65GT

Active Member
Feb 24, 2004
1,149
2
39
West Texas
Oct 14, 2007
#6
  • Oct 14, 2007
  • #6
I know you said you replaced the battery, but it doesn't hurt to check the voltage anyway. It should be 12.8V fully charged. 12 - 12.5V is OK. Check it while turning the key to start. It shouldn't drop to less than 9V.

If tapping on the solenoid doesn't help, Bypass it with Jumper Cables as a test. Use just the red Jumper clamps. Go from the battery positive with one end and to the starter cable side of the solenoid with the other end. (Get ready for some sparks) If it cranks, it's your solenoid. If it doesn't, it's a bad starter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Electrical 1990 Vert starting/Solenoid issues
  • Tom77
  • Apr 18, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
480
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 18, 2025
85GTStangGuy
F
1986 mustang no start
  • foxyjamss221
  • Oct 11, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
379
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 13, 2025
foxyjamss221
F
T
At a Loss - Won't Start
  • TheJay806
  • Apr 28, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
195
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 28, 2025
AeroCoupe
F
Fox 1990 Mustang GT 5.0 A9L – Engine suddenly shuts off but immediately restarts when key turned
  • FishermansFriend
  • Aug 9, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
16
Views
598
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2026
General karthief
1999 Mustang GT - No Start- Need help understanding the fuel pump circuit and how it works
  • 99gtGuy
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
596
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Nov 7, 2025
04newedge-
0
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?