Another starting problem | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models
  • We're glad you found us via a search engine! Right now, you can join our club absolutely free and unlock member only features like the site search! This notice only appears once! It only takes 30 seconds to register, and we would love to have you as part of the World's largest Thunderbird Forum/Club! Click here to continue

  • Click here to remove google ads from the site
  • Click " Like/Thanks" at the bottom of a member's post to reward and thank them for their response! Points are added to their profile.
  • Get rid of swirls and minor paint surface scratches with this Polish & Compounds kit. Click here to read more!.

Another starting problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter 64TBirdXM
  • Start date Start date
64TBirdXM

64TBirdXM

Reaction score
2
Thunderbird Year
1964
I have a 64 and when I turn the key it clicks and then goes dead. If I disconnect the battery and reconnect then the power is ok. I replaced the solenoid but the car behaves the same.
 

This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

Probably bad connections. Either on the battery terminals or the connections on the starter, solenoid, or grounds from the engine to frame and firewall
 
I forgot to mention the battery is new. Would a bad connection cause all power to be lost until battery is disconnected and then reconnected?
 
Yes. If your battery connections are dirty/corroded it can reduce the carrying capacity of the circuit. The connection can pass small amounts of electricity but not large amounts. It is not unusual to have things like dome light, guages/lights, and bells/buzzers when you turn the key on, but when you go to crank, it exceeds the current capacity of the connection and stops the trickle of electrons. Sometimes returning the key to off, will restore the connection, but not always. Sometimes it will not reestablish on it's own. I would assume that you cleaned the battery cable ends. The corrosion that causes this condition will not be highly visible. It will look more like oxidation or glazing. I have not seen this caused anywhere other than the battery connection, but maybe it's possible.
 
Back
Top