Intermittent starting issue

Discussion in 'Technical' started by joerockne, Aug 23, 2021.

  1. joerockne

    joerockne Member

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    I am trying to get my Maverick running. I did get the 302 started and it sounds fine ! I replaced the starter, the solenoid, battery cables etc. But I am having an issue. Turning the key and nothing now. I have to try and trace whats going on. I am not real familar with Fords and their problems. I was thinking maybe ignition switch or connections there? Anything else common I should check?
     
  2. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    try adjusting the ignition switch at the base of the steering column.
     
  3. joerockne

    joerockne Member

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    OK I will try that first. Maybe the rod is not actuating it. Its so freakin' hot right now I am not making much progress.
     
  4. 71Mavrk

    71Mavrk Member

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    I had a neutral safety switch that would make intermittent contact. Drove me nuts until I figured it out and just jumped the connection.

    Micah
     
  5. joerockne

    joerockne Member

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    IS that switch in the shifter or under the dash? I have a floor shifted car.
     
  6. Maverocket

    Maverocket Bob Williams

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    It’s on the transmission at the shifter arm.
     
  7. joerockne

    joerockne Member

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    Thanks . I may jack it up and take a look.
     
  8. joerockne

    joerockne Member

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    I had some time and jacked the 72 up. I did not see any switch on the tranny. It was a factory column shifted model converted to floor shift I think. I did see that switch at the base of the column. Somebody cut the green wire , extended those wires and had connectors on them. My feeling is maybe they went to a hidden "kill" switch? If that green wire has a break in it, does that prevent starting the car ? I have to test tomorrow, but my guess is it does.
     
  9. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    did you try moving the shift leaver while you hold the key in the start position? or even put it in neutral and see what you get.
     
  10. joerockne

    joerockne Member

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    I think I tried that a few months ago. But I will again tomorrow. It is a floor shifted automatic. The column I put in it was column shift auto, minus the lever. I am 99.9% sure I already moved it around. I just found the break in the green wire so I suspect somebody put it in there for a reason.
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2021
  11. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Wire from ign switch to neutral safety & on to "S" terminal of solenoid should be a red wire with blue stripe. First check at S terminal, then on said R/B wire at ign switch plug. From that point work toward neutral safety from switch. A test light will reveal when wire has power.
    fordstart11.PNG
     
  12. joerockne

    joerockne Member

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    I tested it with the light at "s" with the key in the on position. It did not have power. I pulled the plug apart with the red and blue striped wire apart. There was no power there either.
     
  13. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    There is only power at the red/blue when it's connected to switch, and in start position.

    Main feed to switch is a slightly larger yellow wire. In start, switch routes power from yellow to the Red/Blue.
     
  14. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    sounds like you are on the right track...:yup:
     
  15. joerockne

    joerockne Member

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    Just to be sure, that wiring to the distributor does not play any part in the turning over of the starter does it? I unhooked the old distributor wiring and put an HEI in . I ran a direct wire from the battery to the HEI and jumped the solenoid on my test fire ! It ran and I think its ok.
     

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