Maximus2014

I have a 97 GT that I can not get to start (in the conventional manor). The beginnings of my issue was with the car not wanting to start at random times. I noticed that when it didn't want to start, if I were to turn the key back into the acc position none of the electronics would work ie the radio. Then one day I was driving to work, on the highway the car died on me. I thought this was strange, so I pulled over to the side of the road and turned the ignition and the car fired right up. I drove down the road no more than 100 yards and it died again, only this time it wouldn't start anymore.

When the key is turned to start nothing happens other than the fuel pump engaging and the radio will turn on. Nothing still happens when you turn the ignition to the acc position. I replaced the starter it was ceased up, I have replaced the ignition switch under the dash, checked the neutral safety switch, replaced all grounds and battery cables. There are no blown fuses, it has a brand new battery.

I should note that this all started happening right after I had a new clutch installed.

I can fire the car up if I jump the starter. If anybody has had a similar or the same issue I would greatly appreciate any input.

Evan02

Have you looked at the alternator?

Maximus2014

I have not checked the alternator as of yet, however I fail to see how the alternator could cause the ignition switch to fail in the accessory position? I forgot to mention this though, when I get the car running (by jumping it at the starter) my reverse lights stay on and kind of blink like they don't have enough juice to keep them lighted.

dawson1112

Now wait,, your saying it will start if you jump the starter, but it wont crank with the key at all?

Start by checking at the starter to be sure the signal wire from the ignition is hooked up to the solenoid and has 12v when the key is in the start position.

Maximus2014

Yes it will start up with no problem if I jump the starter, I have tried it with the signal wire hooked up and I have 12.4 volts at the starter.

Maximus2014

This can't be a unique problem, somebody out there has had to have ran into this before..... It makes me want to scream.

dawson1112

If you have 12v to that signal wire during crank there is no reason I can think of other than a bad solenoid on the starter.

That signal wire is the little wire that tells the solenoid to engage.

Evan02

A buddy of mine has a newer volvo, which is completely unrelated to the cars that we are driving, I know. But once it's electrical system started going beserk for seemingly no reason. We changed the alternator and it was all good.

Just throwing it out there. If you have a good friend that also drives a mustang see if they'll let you throw their alternator on there for a little bit, just for laughs! Wouldn't hurt.

Maximus2014

It is a brand new starter, my problem seems to be within the ignition system because there is no crank, nothing just the sound of the fuel pump when you try to start it up. The starter and or the solenoid itself would have nothing to do with accessory power not working.

I think I will go have the alternator tested just for kicks but I think there is something else going on.

Like I said this all started when I had a new clutch installed. Does anyone think it could have anything to do with O2 sensors since the exhaust had to be removed during installation? Or a switch inside the tranny?

Evan02

I think if it were an O2 it would be throwing some sort of code?

Did it start immediately after the clutch was installed? If you had a smaller garage do it they may be able to diagnose the problem for free, and if not and you don't want to spend any money ask them if they noticed anything while they put your clutch in.