Knightwolf61

Ok I have a problem with my 2005 Ford Mustang V6 4.0. Ive been having problems with it not starting periodically. It wont turn over or crank at all but the dashboard lights up. Its not the battery or starter because ive replaced them after the problem started and its still happening. It started right after I had a thermostat housing leak but ive replaced that since as well. I switched out the starter relay with another relay but still nothing. The weird thing is that if it doesnt start and i take out the starter relay for a few seconds and then put it back it will start. It runs fine after its started but then sometimes right after i turn it off it will not start back up. Other times I can start it several times in a row. Any ideas?....Thanks

Nuke

Have you tried replacing the starter relay and cleaning all of the associated relay socket contacts? Checked the associated wiring? If doing something with the starter relay causes it to start, then I'd begin checking that portion of the circuit. Also, look at the wiring diagrams to see what the starter relay is associated with: http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=1

markkk

check the alternator

tx_zstang

Do the interior lights dim when you try to crank it? Can you hear clicking when trying to start it? Honk the horn when it happens to 'test' the battery.

You could have a bad starter, too.

chris09

if its an automatic then check the above mentioned, if its a stick, then i would look at the switch that says the clutch is fully depressed.

pat6674u

Check all your ground wires. You'd be surprised what kinda havoc a loose one will cause.

Knightwolf61

We.. Thanks for all the replies. The 2nd dealership is saying that the fusebox has a short going to the starter from the starter relay and advised they will need to replace the entire fusebox. 320 dollar part plus 335 labor before taxes. The tech said he has only seen this happen in one other mustang and that one was a new 2009. Figures I get the only other stang to ever have that problem.... Thanks again

157dB

My BEC (fusebox) has defective sockets for the relays just like you are
describing. I had to pull mine apart and squeeze the contacts back together.

Its OK until you start removing and installing the relays a couple of times.
I was diagnosing a cooling fan problem and the relay I had out a few times
stopped making contact (short) with the BEC (fusebox) socket.
I guess if you leave the relays/fuses alone, the connections stay made.
But go fiddling with them and it will not be pretty.
I am glad I didnt go the $320 route.

philipswanson

On mine, the starter is fine but the solenoid which mounts on it, is getting hot and will not actuate the internal arm that moves the gear in and out. I think they made allot of different solenoids and mine doesn't have the right throw. If I take it off the starter and move it by hand about a half inch, I can get it to actuate but when I put it back in, it won't work even tho its new. I have another one coming.

Phil Swanson