1989 Ford E-Series Van Ignition not engaging

Tiny
CRISSYH
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
The ignition is not engaging on 1989 Ford econoline150 van. It has been acting up for a couple of weeks now, but it started fine today & when trying to start it later, it would not turn over, like it wasn't grabbing or something. The battery is good and we changed the ignition switch, etc, but we aren't getting any response.
Sunday, March 30th, 2014 AT 1:43 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

OK, when you say it won't turn over. Do you mean that the engine spins but won't start?

If engine doesn't spin have you checked the Starter Relay. Pic attached. If haven't checked and vehicle engine doesn't spin then try this. Using a screw driver bridge the 2 large terminals, if turns over and starts replace it.
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Sunday, March 30th, 2014 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
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Forgot to attach pic.
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Sunday, March 30th, 2014 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
CRISSYH
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Thank you for your reply back. Yes sir I mean it won't start. We also replaced the starter solenoid. Still having no luck getting it started. Getting frustrated because we don't know what else to check. I've heard something about the neutral safety switch. Is there a relevance to this matter & if so what is it & how to we fix it?
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Sunday, March 30th, 2014 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
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OK, did you do as I stated in prior post about bridging the terminals? If so did it start or turn the engine over? This can help narrow down the problem, if engine turns over then can eliminate the starter from being bad and if it doesn't then the starter could be the problem, Also you say the Battery is good did you have the Battery tested? If you are saying it is good because all lights and all are nice and bright then you are wrong, just because all your lights and all are nice and bright doesn't mean the Battery is good, it could have a dead cell which can only be determined with a Battery Tester.

If you want to test the Neutral Safety Switch here's how.

Put your key in the ignition, but don't turn the engine on. Then put your car in the "reverse" gear, making sure to apply the parking brake and chock the wheels so the car doesn't roll.

Disconnect the wiring connector from the switch, then use a 12-volt test light or circuit tester. If the bulb lights up, then the problem is most likely not with your neutral safety switch. However, if no power is flowing through the wiring, then it's likely that the neutral safety switch is your culprit, and it will require replacing.

You'll be looking for a Red with Light Blue Striped wire to check.
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Tuesday, April 1st, 2014 AT 10:42 AM

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