Car won't start! Help!

[Eyeball76]

I just got an 81 mustang this week. The day I got it it would start fine. Now, it' won't turn over.

I've replaced the battery and ignition switch.

It will turn over when I use a screwdriver to jump over the solonoid. When I try to start it from the key, nothing at all. No clicks or anything.

Really need to get this thing running today! Anyone have any ideas of what else I need to check?

[fastferndog]

ck all connections at trans neutral safety switch. also try starting it in neutral.

[Eyeball76]

Tried starting it in neutral, still nothing. The shifter is messed up in this thing, it doesn't have the button to push in. It's also really loose. Where is the nss on it?

[Powershift03]

On the side of the trans... follow the shift linkage... it passes through the switch.

[Eyeball76]

oh great.. the underside of this thing is nasty. I don't have a jack so I can't get to the switch. Maby I'll bypass it.

Thanks for the help guys! :)

[SVT GI]

If it will turn over when jumpimg the solenoid, I would start with replacing the solenoid. Jumping the solenoid is the way we use to tell if it was a starter or solenoid problem. Those are the 2 most common causes of starting issues with these cars. Ignition switches and NSS issues do occur but are not common.

[cobrakidz]

My daughters 68 had similar problems last year--clean ALL the connections. Good luck......

[Greg Montoya]

check the solenoid. if that fails no power when key is turned. (next to coil left side engine compartment)

[Eyeball76]

Replaced the solonoid... still nothing. :(

[SVT GI]

Hold a volt meter on the skinny wire that goes to the solenoid (red/white I believe), have someone turn the key and hold it and see if there is any voltage.

If there is, one of 3 things is happening. That skinny wire is on the wrong post, the solenoid is dead (seen it one "new" ones too), bad starter.

If there is no voltage, ignition switch, NSS, or a bad connection somewhere between the ignition switch and solenoid, or a bad fuse.

[Eyeball76]

Found it! The red/blue wire going from the solonoid to the ignition switch wad dead. I spliced in a new wire and it starts!

Thanks everyone for your help!! :) :) :)

[cobrakidz]

Good job.......did you take it out for a spin????

[Eyeball76]

Not yet.. I'm going to tomorrow. The refrigerator is calling me now!

[SVT GI]

Glad you got it figured out. And yep, now that you mention it. Some are red/white or red/blue. Good job.