Engine will not crank over

Tiny
JESSEBKNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 147 MILES
When I put the key in and turn it a few of the items on the gauge cluster works, but the car will not start. Also, there is a clicking noise coming from the ECU area. The fuel gauge works. There is a clicking noise coming from the ECU.
Saturday, December 17th, 2011 AT 7:08 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
What is the security light on your dash doing? Turn key on, it should say on for two to three seconds, then go out, 1998's had an issue with the instrument cluster and the PCM, a wiring kit is installed to solve it. But it could be a low battery here is a guide to confirm it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
JESSEBKNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I just went out and checked the light. If I turn the key one position forward it continuously blinks every few seconds (not a fast blink). If I turn the key two positions forward the light does not do anything. Also, if I turn the key backwards I receive the same type of blinking as if I turned it to the first position I explained. Reading the response you gave me I think it may be the transceiver module. Any comments on that? And also is this something I could do on my own?
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Not unless you have the Ford super star tester to program the new module into your car. When you say the light does not do anything, I need to know if when the key is out of the ignition, it blinks every two to three seconds, then what it does when the key is turned to the run(on) position.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Also, does it crank or not?
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
JESSEBKNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hey merlin2021, thanks for all your help. I just checked it and when the key is out of the ignition the light has the same blinking pattern as I mentioned before (every few seconds continuously). And no it does not crank. A few times when I turn the key all the way as if I was cranking it I have heard a few different noises from under the steering wheel area.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check the battery and cables, Town Cars need at least twelve volts in the battery to crank even 11.6 wont do it. Also, check ignition and PCM fuses with key in the run (on) position the light should stay on steady for two to three seconds, then go out, then it can start. If the light does anything else let me know.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
JESSEBKNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Wow! Thank you! :) I looked closer at the battery terminals and they were very corroded so I went to Advance and got some new ones put them on and she started rite up! Thank you so much merlin2021! You saved me a lot of money. God bless you and Merry Christmas!
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
You are welcome, and Merry Christmas to you too!
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
You are the man MERLIN2021!

The MEDIC
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
SEAN1989
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
MERLIN2021 I have 1998 Lincoln town car it cranks but wont start I replaced the pcm and had the key reprogrammed and I still dont have power at my crank sensor or spark
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds? We need to check the fuses and the PCM power relay here are two guides and the location of the fuses and relay.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM

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