I have an 93 Aerostar Manual Transmission van that I am having problems starting. First I'll describe when the problem started, I don't know if this has any bearing on it but here goes---I let my husband use my van for his job and the tire rod went bad during the worst snow storm of the year. A friend we have went out in the storm and replaced the rod and then they tried to start it. No go, would click over sounded like it wanted to start but no go, so they came home for the day. I needing my vehicle called a tow truck and had it towed to a place within walking distance and ask them to call me, all I got out of them was wet sparks and a $60.00 charge. Well it has worked fine for over a month and a half until yesterday, went out to go to the bank after just driving it with no problems the day before, and it won't start again.(Rained the night before) Battery is fully charged, it sounds like it is turning over but not starting. I am not to knowlegdeable about vehicles but I figure maybe one of you might have a clue as to the problem. BTW this Aerostar is my baby and has over 150,000 miles on her but runs like a dream when she starts. When I purchased her over 2 years ago, I had all hoses and fluids replaced, new waterpump, battery put on her.

 

Before we dig into this, I would like to say Welcome to FTE. You will find lots of great info on your van here-

When was the last time you had a tune-up done on the van? You didn't mention if the shop that checked it out did that, but for $60, I will assume they didn't. And from what you said, it sounds like a no-run condition, rather than a no-crank condition. The first thing i would check is the plugs, wires, cap and rotor. The wires especially are sensitive to high humidity, especially as they get old and brittle. Is the check engine light on? You can take the van to AutoZone, and they will scan the codes for free. If you post the results here, we can help get you back on your way.
But again, I would suspect the ignition system is what's giving you problems.

 

The van was tuned up about 1 year ago, but with the horrendous winter we have had here in Indiana it is due another one. The check engine light is not on.

 

Yeah, I would definitely look there first. Another thing to consider is that the Aerostar, with such a small underhood area, has a lot of heat buildup, and that is what dries out the wires, making them susceptable to moisture.

 

Well went out yesterday, checked the battery cables and moved the plug cables around a little. I then got in put clutch in and gas pedal all the way down, no go----took foot off the gas tried again with clutch only and varrooom started right up. Course it is alot warmer no rain so I have no idea what caused the problem, will go to autozone and have the codes scanned and see what they say. Thanks for your help.....