Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > Club and Speciality Forums > Forum Community Car Clubs > AU Falcon.com.au

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 17-12-2007, 03:38 PM   #1
AUIIForte
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 295
Default Car want start! Aaargh!

Whats cracking everybody! Well, my car now doesn't start. I've checked the battery and its got the green LED on, meaning its good.

When I twist the key to start it, nothing, absolutely no sound, no engine turning, no nothing, except for a light coming up, it looks something like this (!).

It is just strange because just before, the car would start up perfectly fine and would drive just as fine!

I have done nothing to it, its a stock AUII Forte. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

AUIIForte is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-12-2007, 03:44 PM   #2
curtleyw
Goodbye stock AU
 
curtleyw's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 80
Default

If it's an auto, try running the t-bar up and down the column a few times.
This has happened to me before, the car thought that the t-bar was not in park when it clearly was.
Hope this helps
__________________
: 2000 AUII Falcon Forte Liquid Silver
Check it out here.
curtleyw is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-12-2007, 04:03 PM   #3
AUIIForte
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 295
Default

Aah! Hail curtleyw! Halleluja! Thank you firstly for the super quick reply, and secondly, but most importantly for helping me rectify the problem! Thank you so much. If you lived near me, I would buy you a case of beer. Thank you once again!
AUIIForte is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-12-2007, 04:14 PM   #4
curtleyw
Goodbye stock AU
 
curtleyw's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 80
Default

No worries dude, glad it was just a simple problem.
Scared the crap outta me the first time it happened.
This happened to me a few times and then magically disappeared. I think pulling out the centre console helped maybe.
As someone else said: "I guess it's just another one of those phantom AU problems." :
__________________
: 2000 AUII Falcon Forte Liquid Silver
Check it out here.
curtleyw is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-12-2007, 05:33 PM   #5
Bobman
Regulator
 
Bobman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,168
Default

This was common on EA - EL's too.
__________________
Regards
Bobby

Current Cars:
2000 AU2 Fairmont (2019-current)
2003 BA1 Falcon Divvy Van (2017-current)
2009 VW Mk6 Golf 118TSi (2020-current)
Previous Cars:
2003 MCX10R Avalon VXi (2017-2020)
1995 EF1 Falcon GLi (2016-2019)
1997 XH2 Falcon Van OPT20 (2016-2019)
2006 BF Fairlane Ghia (2013-2018)
2001 AU3 Futura (2010-2013)
1996 EL Fairmont (2008-2010)
2004 BA XR6 (2005-2008)
2001 AU2 Forte (2005-2006)
1988 EA Fairmont Ghia (2003-2005)
1984 AR Telstar TX5 Ghia (2001-2005)
Bobman is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-12-2007, 05:42 PM   #6
b2tf
not here much anymore
 
b2tf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sthn NSW
Posts: 22,918
Default

I got caught by this once too, the shifter was only about 2mm out of being in park fully and it wouldnt start. spent 5 mins thinking "wtf have i changed on it today", nudged the shifter out of frustration, click - started. :
__________________
2024 F150 XLT
b2tf is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-12-2007, 05:58 PM   #7
HLC
Audi S3
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sydney.
Posts: 8,307
Default

i did this.

and called NRMA. then realised the shifter was in R the whole time. didnt even look. oops.
__________________
HLC is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 17-12-2007, 10:23 PM   #8
Crash Lander
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: At my place.
Posts: 139
Default

I think the (!) just means the hand brake is on doesn't it?
__________________
Some people think I suffer from A.D.D., but they... Oh LOOK! A Chicken!
Crash Lander is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 18-12-2007, 09:21 AM   #9
AU2PWR
Spin 'em Habib !
 
AU2PWR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Cranbourne Victoria
Posts: 3,854
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HLC
i did this.

and called NRMA. then realised the shifter was in R the whole time. didnt even look. oops.
haha would of been funny to see the NRMA guys look on his face ..
__________________
AU2PWR

AU2PWR is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 18-12-2007, 10:08 AM   #10
james22
With da Warlords
 
james22's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Orange NSW
Posts: 1,781
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by b2tf
] nudged the shifter out of frustration, click - started. :
Hahaha, yeah right. Big nudge I bet..
__________________
You don't have to be faster than the bear, you just have to be faster than the slowest guy running from the bear.

For Sale: Parachute. Only used once, never opened, small stain.

Windsor Warlords
AU III XR-8220
300+ rwhp of Manual fun

XR50T Ute - 300rwkw (give or take depending on the day)
james22 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-12-2007, 08:05 PM   #11
steppa
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 7
Default

PLEASE HELP!

Same thing is happening to me, except it is NOT because it is not in gear!

It just refuses to start or even turn over, just one or two 'clicks' when i turn the key. The battery is fine as all electrics work.

If I leave it for a while, it somehow starts and I don't have the problem for another few days. However I'm starting to have to leave it overnight before it works again.

Any idea what it could be?! I probably need to get it looked at, but I'm a poor uni student and am heading away on Boxing Day - there's no time or money to get someone to look at it! Hopefully its a simple solution like "hit the starter motor with a hammer" haha.

edit: by the way, its an AUI Fairmont Ghia, 5.0L V8
steppa is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-12-2007, 09:22 PM   #12
JC
Miami Pilot
Donating Member2
 
JC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ACT
Posts: 21,704
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Writing tech articles 
Default

It's the battery. A hot battery produces less cranking amps, so while everything else starts, it won't start your motor. Once it cools, it "seems" to be working fine. Replace it with at least a 560CCA battery, and you should be good. If you're in NSW, and you're an NRMA member, NRMA offer a replacement battery service, and at the same time they will check that the alternator is working fine etc, etc.
__________________
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Hammer: FG GTE | 376rwkw | 1/4 mile 11.793 @ 119.75mph 1.733 60' (4408lb)
1 of 60 FG MK1 335 GTEs (1 of 118 FG Mk 1 & 2 335 GTEs).
Mods: Tune, HSD/ShockWorks, black GT335 19” staggered replicas with 245 & 275/35/19 Michelin Pilot sport 5s

Daily: BF2 Fairmont Ghia I6 ZF, machine face GT335 19” staggered Replicas with 245s and 275s, Bilsteins & Kings

FPV 335 build stats: <click here>

Ford Performance Club ACT
JC is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-12-2007, 10:20 PM   #13
paddy_au2
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Default

hey steppa, i am in no way a mechanic or even that handy around cars, but if you're certain your battery is working fine it could be your alternator.. it happened to mine and i had to get it replaced. when i was driving home from work and all the electrics started to slow down and the lights faded, finally bringing the car to a stand still. i was able to start it like you are every now and then but would have to wait. but yeah guess you'll have to get it checked out to be sure...

in other news, this is my first post and unfortunately i have a starting problem also but not like any above. i tried searching the forum, have been for the past half hour going through the threads, so sorry if a solution already exists.

anyways, the car clicks over and everything seems to be getting ready to kick in, and then nothing... fan belt stops its cycle and i'm left with a dead car. electrics all seem sweet, lights radio instrument lights etc., (battery's brand new). A mate suggested it could be the fuel pump but could it also be a starter motor problem??? it worked fine yesterday and today nothing so i assume this means its been a gradual problem. any help would be tops. cheers, pat.
paddy_au2 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-12-2007, 10:25 PM   #14
EvilChief
Boost Addict
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Brisbane
Posts: 1,151
Default

simple test: turn headlights on, turn car over, if lights dimm battery is most likely cactus (even with green dot)

if lights do not dimm its points towards starter motor. a few gentle taps with a hammer can get you a couple more starts, but it will not last forever.
__________________
N12 Pulsar - sold
Gen1 Liberty Turbo - sold
VP Commodore Turbo - sold
LN65 Hilux Turbo - sold
EL31 Corolla Turbo - sold
Ford AU Ute Turbo - sold
Ford AU XR8 Sedan - 5.4l V8 Turbo (in the build)
Ford BA XR6T Ute - daily driver
Ford FG XR6T Sedan - cruiser

do you see a general trend? I DO

Can't live with it, can't live without it!
EvilChief is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-12-2007, 10:36 PM   #15
paddy_au2
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Default

cheers boss, i'll have to check that out. had to happen at christmas didn't it :togo:
paddy_au2 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-12-2007, 11:12 PM   #16
IH8HSV
XR6T 400kw(well one day!)
 
IH8HSV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Toodyay W.A.
Posts: 1,008
Default

STEPPA --- I had the same problem and it ended up being the body control module under the dash.

This was in my ED - i presume AU still have the same set up and problem.

If you have no success with the battery, run a wire from the ignition barrel ( use a test light and twitch into the wire which lights up when you turn the key to start ). Run this through the fire wall and connect straight to the solenoid wire on the starter motor.

It works great and may help you out.
IH8HSV is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-12-2007, 10:32 AM   #17
BillC
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Townsville
Posts: 260
Default

JC is correct. Its your battery. If its giving a couple of clicks it means your solenoid is pulling in but there is not enough power to turn the motor over. Go to the nearest battery shop and get them to test it. Depending on the quality of the tester its the only way you can be sure. I was an auto electrician in a past life and I can tell you that batteries can be difficult to diagnose. They must be fully charged before you test them or they can give false readings.
BillC is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-12-2007, 03:27 PM   #18
steppa
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 7
Default

Thanks for the advice everyone, however it doesn't seem to be the battery as I've swapped it with one I know has plenty of juice left, but still nothing.

When I say it clicks, the sound is extremely faint (feint?) and just sounds like the computer or something is turning on, not ticking over like it does when the battery is dead.

Twice now, the engine has turned a little bit for about half a second, then nothing. REALLY BLOODY FRUSTRATING as I can't even get it home at the moment, and don't really want to call a tow truck on xmas eve.

I'll keep trying and when (if?) I find out what's wrong with it, I'll let you all know what it was.
steppa is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-12-2007, 03:32 PM   #19
StealthAu
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,981
Default

If it isn't the battery, next time you are having issues try jumping the starter. If it turns over, you know it isn't the problem. Clean all your terminals first.
StealthAu is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-12-2007, 04:34 PM   #20
BillC
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Townsville
Posts: 260
Default

If you are sure its not the battery then it must be the starter motor. You said it turns over once then nothing. This sounds a bit rough but get a hammer and tap the side of your starter motor. This can sometimes release the brushes inside so it makes contact with the armeture. If this works and you can start your car then take it to an auto electrician and get your starter motor overhauled.
BillC is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-12-2007, 04:53 PM   #21
mik
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
mik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Melb north
Posts: 12,025
Default

it pays to check your electrical connections too , i was under mine servicing it just looking around sometime ago while it was on ramps putting a spanner on everything i could find just for peace of mind, and the starter cable was very loose and i suspect it was like that from the factory years earlier.
mik is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 27-12-2007, 09:11 AM   #22
iwannaford
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 67
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JC
It's the battery. A hot battery produces less cranking amps, so while everything else starts, it won't start your motor. Once it cools, it "seems" to be working fine. Replace it with at least a 560CCA battery, and you should be good. If you're in NSW, and you're an NRMA member, NRMA offer a replacement battery service, and at the same time they will check that the alternator is working fine etc, etc.
Sorry JC just want to clarify a cold battery produces less CA than a hot battery.
If the battery has a cell discharge, the green dot still might be green but thats an charge state indicator for that cell, usefull if you want to make sure the battery is in a charged state. If another cell has a short in it, it will be discharged, while others remain charged thus not starting the car.

As evilchief said, a simple test is to turn the lights on, if they dim badly that means the voltage is not sustained in the battery >10V. If they stay bright, it could mean startermotor failure, dirty terminals, faulty safety switch on the shifter..

Seeing as you've replaced the battery, double check evil's theory, as if its a k-mart one or similar, its probably 6mths+ old.

Furthermore, "Im a poor uni student with no money"

Then..

Oh its a 5.0lt V8 Ghia.. :| :P Good luck.
iwannaford is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 27-12-2007, 10:18 AM   #23
sly
Sly like a G6
 
sly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Hunter Valley Whine Country
Posts: 1,808
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by steppa
Thanks for the advice everyone, however it doesn't seem to be the battery as I've swapped it with one I know has plenty of juice left, but still nothing.

When I say it clicks, the sound is extremely faint (feint?) and just sounds like the computer or something is turning on, not ticking over like it does when the battery is dead.

Twice now, the engine has turned a little bit for about half a second, then nothing. REALLY BLOODY FRUSTRATING as I can't even get it home at the moment, and don't really want to call a tow truck on xmas eve.

I'll keep trying and when (if?) I find out what's wrong with it, I'll let you all know what it was.
Couple of things have caused these symptoms for me. One is the neutral switch (lever position sensor) on the side of the autobox.

Another is the immobiliser (if the car has SmartShield). The car will crank & sometimes even start, then stall, if the key isn't validated by the immobiliser. A flaky Body Electronics Module (BEM) has done this for me... a mechanic I know has seen the same symptons from a worn lock barrel with too much freeplay in the pin that senses that a key is inserted.
__________________
The Frankenfalcon... AU1.5 Wagon, BA brakes, AU2 booster, BA2 XR6T engine, stock from airbox to turbo, 8psi/98 octane tune 240RWKW, BF XR6T cat, quiet 3" zorst, Pex BSO660 & BSO439 mufflers, 84 db, built BTR box, 3.08 LSD, Emer SVI LPG, AU1 XR8 alloys, Momo wheel, JVC KDR746BT head unit, Aerpro steering wheel control wiring.

Sleeper, anyone?
sly is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 27-12-2007, 01:43 PM   #24
Falcon87
Falcon Unbelievable
 
Falcon87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SE Melbourne
Posts: 261
Default

Steppa try the engine fuse that's located in the fuse box in the engine bay!
Falcon87 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 03-01-2008, 05:31 PM   #25
steppa
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 7
Default

Turns out that the problem was some broken lead, which when moved in the slightest way would allow the car to start. Cost me a slab of JDs to a mechanic mate of mine to fix it, after him spending close to 5 hours looking for the problem.
steppa is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 12:16 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL