Q: Engine doesn't start but lights power on - 1986 Ford LTD Crown Victoria
I’m having trouble with my car starting. I’ve replaced some parts like the starter, alternator and the battery. When I turn the key I have lights, but the engine won’t turn over. I need to unplug the battery and plug it back in to restore the power when I don’t get any. Could the problem be the starter solenoid or something electrical? Do you have any ideas?
Recommended Services
| Ignition Switch Replacement | $178.14 - $866.79 | Get a Quote |
| Electrical components are not working Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
You’re thinking in the rigt direction! Something in the electrical power path to the starter motor is malfunctioning: starter solenoid or starter motor itself, ignition switch, or wiring to either of these components. A professional mechanic, like YourMechanic, can isolate the problem component, and replace the failing electrical component.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How do I use the windshield washers?
The windshield washers provide you increased visibility by washing your windshields. To wash the windshields, press in on the end of the Windshield Wiper lever. If you press this button briefly, the washers will run for three swipes of the...
Alternator reading low on voltage meter
I need to know where you're testing the voltage and what problem you are having. A proper way to test the for voltage is at the battery terminals with the car running. When the car is running you should read...
Transmission filter clogged
If you haven't changed your fluid in a while this is possible. The most common cause of a clogged transmission filter is clutch debris. That much debris means terribly worn clutches. Since it is only reverse that is not working,...
Piece fell while changing water pump.
Are talking about a piece of the water pump or the mounting flange where the water pump bolts, too? If it is the water pump, then just make sure the piece did not fall into an engine open hole. Use...
My car has an electrical system issue, loses power, and stalls
Hi there. These situations can be caused by a number of things and can be frustrating. From my experience with this vehicle, it is usually caused by a bad ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement). It can also be a bad main relay...
Check Engine Light is on
Your check engine light may come on for many different reasons such as a faulty mass air flow sensor, a faulty O2 sensor, a bad catalytic converter, bad spark plugs or wires and many other reasons. Unfortunately due to the...
Crankshaft pulley not turning
The crankshaft damper has a broken rubber insulator and no longer turns the outside of the pulley moving the serpentine belt. The accessories are not being turned causing the loss of power steering, charging and any other accessory that is...
Turns over but will not start and has a strong odor of gas.
Check the location of where the fuel smell is emitting from on your vehicle. If the fuel smell is coming from the fuel tank area, then the fuel pump, fuel line, fuel filter, fuel fuller neck, charcoal canister, or the...
My car runs and drives but won’t make sharp turns like I can only turn half way before I can’t turn anymore
Hello Almighty T. If you know that the suspension is out of alignment, then I would suspect that your root issue is that some suspension component is either bent, broken or loose. It's also possible that the steering rack is...
Related articles
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a City
Living Living and driving in the city means you’re faced with parking constraints, narrow streets, and the constant stop and go of traffic. With all of that said when you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle these are all things...
How to Diagnose a Car Battery Drain
It It is safe to say that every car owner reading this has likely experienced that time where you were leaving your home or walking out to your sitting car, only to discover that the battery in your car was...
How to React If Your Battery Light is On
The battery light or charging warning light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/the-check-engine-light-demystified), available on the dashboard of your car, indicates malfunctioning or poor charging of the battery....
Browse other content
Cities
Maintenance