Intermittently not starting issue?

MTUTEIN

MEMBER
2010 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
46,000 MILES

Shortly after purchasing this car in February, the starter was replaced. The car worked fine. One week ago, while at a store, the car wouldn't start. Interior lights, radio and A/C were on, but clicking noise with each attempt to start. Tightened loose terminal, no start. Jumper cables used, no start. A man rocked the car back and forth at the door jam, then it started. I went to Auto Zone, battery is fine, but they reported some unknown issue with starting system. It worked fine rest of the week until two days ago again, but it did not start. Interior lights, radio, A/C all on. This time, no clicking noise with attempts to start. Jumper cables were used, it started. Today I went to Pep Boys for a diagnosis, they said starter, battery and alternator all working fine. What's wrong with my car?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,732 POSTS

Hi,

When you tightened the battery terminals, did you also clean the terminal and battery post? What you are describing sounds like a faulty connection.

Also, the idea that moving the vehicle allowed it to start could be related to the transmission sensor. When it happens, see if it will start in neutral.

The starter relay could have a poor connection in the fuse/relay box under the hood, so just as a check, remove the fuses and relay to make sure there isn't a poor connection or corrosion.

I attached the wiring schematic related to the starting circuit, so check the fuses and the relay indicated.

Note: Fuse 1 and 105 and the relay are all in the under-hood fuse box. There is also a fuse 1 in the central junction box in the vehicle. Check it as well. I highlighted the things to check in pics 3 and 4.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)