My 65' Mustang Troubles


Sequence of events-


On Thursday December 26, 2013 I attempted to start my 65' Mustang; I turned the key to the “on” position, pumped the gas pedal a couple of times then turned the key to start. The engine turned over a couple of times, but didn't catch. I released the key back to the “on” position, pumped the gas pedal a couple more times and again turned the key to start. The starter began cranking, but the engine failed to catch so again I released the key only this time the starter remained energized and continued to turn.

I immediately turn the key to the “off” position, but the starter continued to crank. I tried turning the key back to the “on” position then back to “off” and still the starter continued to crank. In a panic I jumped out ran and grabbed for a wrench to disconnect the battery, but by the time I got back to the car the constant cranking had drained the battery and the engine was silent. At that point I disconnected the negative battery cable.

Thinking that the ignition switch was the culprit I ordered a new ignition switch from CJ Pony Parts, Harrisburg, PA. The new switch arrived the next day and after about two hours of frustration I installed the new switch, put the key tumbler back in and with the battery still disconnected I tested the new switch for mechanical functionality. It appeared to function well so I started to place the negative cable back on the battery. Immediately the starter resumed it's cranking so this time I pulled the negative cable off the battery right away.

Now, suspecting that it was in fact the starter solenoid I contacted NAPA Auto Parts; they had a solenoid in stock so after purchase I replaced the old with the new. When I reattached the negative battery terminal the starter was now silent. Hooray, now we're getting somewhere.

Got back in the car, turned the key and the starter cranked again and stopped when I released the key. Thinking all was back in order, I pumped the gas pedal a couple of times and again turned the key only this time I was met with complete silence.

After calling a friend who is into cars and describing the sequence of events, he agreed the starter solenoid needed to be replaced and suggested I check the wiring harness for any "toasted" wires.

I checked all of the fuses in the fuse block (continuity check), read through the circuit schematic looking for a fuse or fusible link and searched the internet thinking I was missing something. I found that the 65' Mustang did not have a fusible link nor any hidden fuses so I suspected the new switch I had replaced the day before or a fried wire that I couldn't find.

After reading through several other forums I replaced the ignition coil with a new one from Auto Zone and I have put the old ignition switch back in place of the new one. Still nothing. No response from the gauges when the ignition switch is placed in either the “on” or “accessory” position and I still have no response from the starter.

After a very lengthy amount of profanity (which did absolutely nothing to help the problem) I contacted my local mechanic and asked him to troubleshoot the wiring. He called me about an hour into his diagnosis and told me he had found the problem..........a faulty "new" ignition switch. He removed the original switch as it had been fried by the solenoid failure
reinstalled the "new" switch and the car continued to show no signs of life. He then called one of our local AutoZone parts stores who had a new ignition switch in stock because all of the wiring was delivering the necessary power to the ignition switch. Once he received it and had it installed she fired right up; I told him to restart my car at least twenty times to make sure that this indeed was a successful cure for the problem and drove her home later that afternoon.

Now the box that the new switch came in was labeled made in "Taiwan" and all I can say is you get what you pay for. This was no fault of CJ Pony Parts and this is not intended to be a "dig" at them, just an analysis of what I did and with the help my mechanic the problem was fixed. I contacted CJ Pony Parts and they told me to send back the "new" switch and they would refund me the cost plus the postage to send it back (thanks guys).

I hope that if someone else encounters this problem and they read my post that it helps them to get their "Pony" back up and running.

Have a Happy New Year!