Wouldn't start at first
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Wouldn't start at first
Today I tried to start my wife's '92 Aerostar and it would not start. Not sure if it was clicking or not and didn't seem to notice dash lights go on. Wiggled automatic shift lever. Several trys and it was definitely clicking, but no start. headlights worked. Multimeter read 13 volts off battery (and that was after working the headlights). Then I turned the key on and tested the battery and got 10 volts. Seemed to be a slight burn like smell in vicinity of battery / selonoid. Then I tried it again in a couple minutes and it started right up. After a short drive the battery read 14 volts. Worked for a half dozen starts since. Just wondering if my wife may get stranded. Could the selonoid be going bad and hung up, maybe still clicking but not going all the way? Maybe reinserting the key before the time it started did it. Just thought I would post in case the problem sounded familiar to someone and could get some advice.
Thanks, Paul
Thanks, Paul
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
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From: Virginia
I would be suspicous of the battery. It may have an intermittent dead cell. It's either that or the starter.
My theory is:
1 The battery had a normal load on it, but one cell was out and it didn't have enough to do anything. Each cell is about 2 volts. Or
2 The battery was good, the starter relay was good and was sending current down to the starter, creating a load, but the starter was hung up for some reason. The load of the starter would account for the 10 volts.
My theory is:
1 The battery had a normal load on it, but one cell was out and it didn't have enough to do anything. Each cell is about 2 volts. Or
2 The battery was good, the starter relay was good and was sending current down to the starter, creating a load, but the starter was hung up for some reason. The load of the starter would account for the 10 volts.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
I think you are right. I just looked and that battery is 6.5 years and 50,000 miles old. It deserves to be replaced for not other reason than old age! Gonna do it. Thanks.
