Oh, It's A Silly Car

[Mike_O]

So I was getting into my car so I could head to Camelot, and I turned the key over. The dash lights came on for one second, then died. Nothing electrically responded whatsoever. (i.e. I turn the key, nothing worked)

So I got out and as I got out of the car the interior lights came on, so I sat back down and it started and ran just fine. However, the radio had reset itself to 88.1FM or whatever the lowest setting is (the indicator has burned out).

I'm thinking it's the ignition relay thinger, but could anyone tell me what else it might be? Thanks.

[nfldfordltd]

Try cleaning up your battery terminals and all cable connections...could be a simple as dirt or corrosion in the connections.

[Mike_O]

Try cleaning up your battery terminals and all cable connections...could be a simple as dirt or corrosion in the connections.

I will give that a try when I'm more awake.

[BerniniCaCO3]

Classic signs of a dead battery-- other than the fact that it came back to life!
Agreed; clean the terminals. Get a stiff brush, or even a dedicated battery terminal brush (like $2), and some baking soda + water does wonders on lead sulfide.

If they look clean/ it repeats itself... look elsewhere, like an ignition wire, or the cluster of fusible links at the starter relay (if this is an '86-'91 box, the only car I really know-- dunno what car this happened to).

[Mike_O]

Classic signs of a dead battery-- other than the fact that it came back to life!
Agreed; clean the terminals. Get a stiff brush, or even a dedicated battery terminal brush (like $2), and some baking soda + water does wonders on lead sulfide.

If they look clean/ it repeats itself... look elsewhere, like an ignition wire, or the cluster of fusible links at the starter relay (if this is an '86-'91 box, the only car I really know-- dunno what car this happened to).

This is indeed a 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis LS.

Come to think of it, when I went to pick the car up from the previous owner, he tried to start it and all that happened was an annoying loud "BUZZ" sound from the battery area. He said he had to clean the terminals...

The last 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis I owned, the main relay died. The starter would keep running after I turned the car over successfully and about a week later it did the exact same thing my car did just now.

Strange how me getting out of the car caused it to decide to work, like "Aww I'm only kidding, get back in and I'll start for ya".

Weird machine.

[Mike_O]

It runs fine now and the battery terminals aren't too bad. I did read on the battery that it has 440 cold cranking amps though.

[1990LTD]

It runs fine now and the battery terminals aren't too bad. I did read on the battery that it has 440 cold cranking amps though.

indeed! I wouldn't run less than 1000cca in my Vic, but it gets pretty cold here.


gah, I just noticed you're in Red Deer. Double those CCA if you want it to start in November

[Mike_O]

I wanna put a remote start system on it, but it's carbeurated. I'm told carbeurated engines don't play nice with remote start systems.

[BerniniCaCO3]

neither do manuals, left in drive ;-)
(may just be an urban legend....)

[Mike_O]

I got into an argument with my carbeurator the other day, and now we're not on speaking terms.

[79lincolnlover]

Have you replaced the starter solenoid?

[Mike_O]

Have you replaced the starter solenoid?

I have not, but I will get that done. Thanks.

[79lincolnlover]

The solenoids for the MK VI are only $3 each @ the Canadian Tire here, so I bought 2.

[Mike_O]

The solenoids for the MK VI are only $3 each @ the Canadian Tire here, so I bought 2.

What's an MK VI?

[86VickyLX]

Clean the Terminals.

Mark VI. Mark Six...