Help with 1996 Probe

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 12, 2004 | 09:36 AM

Fishiman

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Dallas Area

Help with 1996 Probe

I also have a Ford Probe, 1996-manual. This morning I pulled into a 7-11 and it was running fine. I jumped back into the car and it would not turn-over at all. Radio came on, windows rolled down but no action from the starter. Similar to what happens if you try to start the car without the clutch pushed in.

1. Does anyone have an idea what this could be?

2. Or, does anyone know of a forum like this one where I can go for help?

The car is still at 7-11 so I need immediate help.

Thanks so much.

Fishiman

Mar 12, 2004 | 12:19 PM

1956MarkII

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 7,746

Likes: 7

From: Tampa Bay, FL USA

1) Bad neutral-safety switch

2) Bad starter

3) Loose wire to starter

I'd start with those

Mar 12, 2004 | 12:48 PM

Fishiman

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Dallas Area

Thanks for the reply. I am going to start with the cables and battery connections to see if this is the root of my problems. If not, then I must go with the more difficult directions of starter and other issues that can take time and sometimes a lot of money.

I will keep you informed as to my progress. Thanks again!

Fishiman

Mar 12, 2004 | 01:21 PM

CowboyBilly9Mile

Post Fiend

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 6,940

Likes: 2

From: Eastern WA

Add to the list bad starter solenoid and in rare cases, bad ignition switch.

Mar 12, 2004 | 02:25 PM

Fishiman

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Dallas Area

Fixed! Sort of.

I tested the connectivity and then noticed the interior light would go "off" when I tried to start the car. I immediately decided to jump it and the car fired right up. Now I have the car at the house and need to pull the terminal cables and clean all the parts. Maybe this will help with connectivity. I don't think the battery is bad. It is only two years old but if it has not been getting fully charged for quite some time then it may have gone bad or just is not as good as it once was.

Thanks for all you input!

Fishiman

Mar 13, 2004 | 04:14 AM

Ford_Six

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 18,488

Likes: 22

From: The Big, Oregon

When I was in AZ, two years was about the maximum life of a battery. It didn't matter what brand it was, the heat kills them.

Mar 13, 2004 | 10:35 AM

Fishiman

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Dallas Area

I am sure it is about done. In addition to bad cables I am sure the battery will need changing in time for summer. I cleaned the cables and reapplied them to the battery. Seems to be working better now. Thanks for your input Jared.

Fishiman