I was leaving for work a couple day ago and my car wouldn't start. I got the cables out and it started first try. Then i noticed a tire went flat so i parked it to fix the tire. I couldn't get it started after that. Turn the key and click and lights dim. After trying to jump it off for a few minutes the entire gauge cluster went out like battery was dead but the fuel pump came on and i had jumper cable's hooked up. Well, i got the battery and alternator tested and both are good. I didnt ccheck starter yet but i replaced the solenoid by the battery box. After i did that it started right up. I drove it aroumd a few miles and parked it. Tried to start it again and just clicks. Havent messed with it in a couple days and this morning it started but was real weak start and now we're back to square 1.. wont start. And still with cables hooked up it will completely lose gauge cluster power after a few Times of trying, almost like something is grounding the ignition system out or is this how it acts with bad starter? I dont have a meter or continuity tester but Any advice is appreciated. Thanks
1987 5.0 ignition/ starting help..
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Update: I didn't mention its all stock.. to my knowledge. . Its been severly molested. The headlights and taillights are aftermarket( rear LED) and whoever installed them cut the pigtail off the headlights and spliced them together. Reason im mentioning this is because there's a bad connection in the steering column, sometimes when i turn on the headlights i have to play with it to make both come on. Im at a loss here. I dont know anyone local who can help(btw, anyone know of competent machine shop or mechanic in Birmingham,AL?) and i cant find a good diagram or schematic( except for tmoss but i cant print it off). Is it the starter and i'm just over-analyzing this abused machine or do i need to look into it more? Well, instead of asking questions i'm about to remove and test starter and hopefully get some leeway.
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Check the connector going into the alternator. Sometimes the wires start to back out of it and cause a bad connection. Battery and alternator will test good but battery won't be getting changed.
Go over all your wiring involved with the charging system with a fine tooth comb.
Go over all your wiring involved with the charging system with a fine tooth comb.
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Oh, and one more thing.
When you DO get her running remove the battery cables. See if she shuts off.
When you DO get her running remove the battery cables. See if she shuts off.
RE: 1987 5.0 ignition/ starting help...
Sounds good, i didnt think of the alt pigtail... thanks man,, ill give it a shot in the morning. I think its a short or grounding wire somewhere because the wiring has been tampered with in more than one place and i can tell it wasnt a professional job or even someone who knew what they were doing( headlight plugs are cut and wires are crimped together on same side of butt splice and they left exposed wire hanging out, didnt put tape over splice or try to protect wires). Ill just have to see how it goes tomorrow.
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