Stalls and wont turn over

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Stalls and wont turn over

September 22, 2009, 08:16:51 AM

86 cougar LS 5.0. When I drive to work or over long distance and the engine is really good and hot and I have arrived at the destination and let it sit it will not turn over. It has left me stranded when traveling to work (18miles) Or it I run errands around town I cant let the rpm get low b/c it will likely want to shut off. It started this in July. I will try to go home I would have to keep it moving or it will shut off on my while making a turn. I have a bad exhaust leak and oil do burn of the manifold. Also my instrument cluster, radio and major components went out on the inside of the car. My turn signal wont come on or make the clicking sound but my headlights will light up. I assume that stuff may be due to a fuse. Help me some advise guys, thanks in advance.

Stalls and wont turn over

Reply #1 – September 22, 2009, 02:55:37 PM

The gauges and inside stuff sound like a bad ignition switch. Not the key switch, but the switch down on the steering column. :D

Stalls and wont turn over

Reply #2 – September 22, 2009, 10:23:16 PM

Could very well be the ignition switch. They tend to separate with age, however, I don't think the back-lights of the instrument panel go through the ignition switch, nor the headlights/tail lights. Turn signals, yes, speedo power, yes, AC/Heater fan yes, radio, yes. You got WAY too many electrical problems for it to be one fuse, unless it's a fuse link out under the hood. In that case, more than likely, the car wouldn't even run. Try turning on your four-way flashers (emergency flasher). That uses the same relay and most of the same circuits as the turn-signals. If that works, more than likely the ignition switch has split open.

Remove the covers on the column, being careful not to wreck the ribbon that goes around the bottom of the cluster when you pull the top cover. Disconnect the batter Negative terminal, then the positive. Negative first assures you won't explode your battery in your face if you accidentally touch something with the wrench. Now, put your key in the ignition, and turn it to the ON position. Theres a small pin that you can push in, and the tumbler set will come right out. Grab the heads of the little security bolts on the switch with some small vice grips or something to break them loose, then just remove them. Keep one to match the threads with a common screw. Go to your favorite parts house and get a new ignition switch. They're still fairly common, so most any major parts distributor will have one. Plug harness back in, install new switch with common screws. Reconnect battery in reverse order (positive first). Try new switch (start the car and check all the accessories). Put covers back on column if it all works.

I thought at first you meant the starter wouldn't turn the engine over after you stopped. My re-interpretation tells me that there's not even a grunt from the starter.

Stalls and wont turn over

Reply #3 – September 23, 2009, 01:03:21 AM

I probably misspoke. I mean the car will turn over, but won't start. It's not the starter because it will let me drive over short distance, but will eventually leave me stranded once I arrive at my destination and let it sit for a while. The gauges ie.. lights to the cluster and radio, turn signal and flashers won't come on. But I can still listen to the radio. External lights like brake light and headlight all still work. even though the gauge lights and turn signal is a big problem, but I am more concern will the engine issue.

Stalls and wont turn over

Reply #4 – September 23, 2009, 01:31:12 AM

I would still check your ignition switch. I had a car that kept dying on me at random. It was my knee hitting the ignition switch.