1990 Lincoln Town Car Car acted posessed and now won't star

167,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MR NIKON
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  • 1 POST
I recently (2 months ago) replaced my battery, starter and starter solenoid. Yesturday, all of a sudden while I was pulling up to a red light, my stereo flicked on and off. It kept doing that, then finally just went off. The car seemed to miss a couple of beats in the process, acted almost like when you run outta gas (3/4 of a tank, though). Then it seemed to fix itself and was fine. When I came out of the store, it started up, radio and all. Then, after a quarter-mile it started sputtering again, and finally just died. Now when I try to start it, it sounds normal for the first 1/2 second or so, then I get this aweful ticking noise coming from the solenoid. First I replaced the Altinator (before I realized it was the solenoid making the noise). When I got the same symptoms, I then replaced the solenoid itself AFTER re-installing the old altinator. The altinator was only 3 years old, so I figured I'd put it back in if it wasn't that. So, back to square one. What else would cause this thing to act this way?
Feb 28, 2008 at 12:32 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
Use a volt meter on the battery and a hydrometer, if you can get one, the clicking while trying to start is indicative of a weak battery, Some lincolns require a fully charged battery, or it can kill even a new alternator...have the alternator bench tested...then check your battery cables at both ends. When you put it all back together, put pos(+) cable on first save neg(-) for last!
Feb 29, 2008 at 7:37 AM
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MR NIKON
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  • 1 POST
After taking your advice, I relooked at everything and sure enough, I wasn't getting a good ground. Ended up replacing the alternator, solenoid and ground cable, and now I'm back on the streets to photograph more beautiful models.

Thanks guys,
Jim
Mar 9, 2008 at 8:44 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
Your welcome Jim...
Mar 9, 2008 at 7:53 PM
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