Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

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Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

March 28, 2014, 08:49:11 PM

My car is a 1984 Thunderbird w/ 6cyl engine and auto trans.

I just had this problem appear that I can use help with;

I get in car and turn the key and nothing happens , I keep on trying the key and then vola it starts.

I replaced the battery and thought that would help but it happened again.

next day it did not.

once when I turned the key and nothing happened I thought I heard a hum coming from the rt side firewall.

What can be causing this that I can replace so the car is reliable again?

Is it the key ignition switch itself??

Is it the relay on the rt side firewall???

Any help would be greatly appriciated

Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

Reply #1 – March 29, 2014, 01:15:43 AM

Take off the steering column shroud and check the ignition switch (not the key cylinder) for signs of overheating.
These switches can catch fire.

Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

Reply #2 – March 29, 2014, 04:11:42 AM

X2. i just finally fixed my gas guage thanks to a melted switch.

Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

Reply #3 – March 29, 2014, 05:26:23 PM

starter solenoid?

Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

Reply #4 – March 29, 2014, 05:46:57 PM

Thank you for the replies and help , if its the ignition switch is the correct one a us98 or us98T ?

Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

Reply #5 – March 29, 2014, 05:47:10 PM

Quote from: 87thunderbirdBlackJack;431537

starter solenoid?

if it is the starter solenoid would that make humming sound when the ignition key is turned to start position as I heard that one time and it was coming from the rt side firewall where the solenoid is

Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

Reply #6 – March 29, 2014, 06:11:37 PM

this is not a very technical way of testing it but if you can turn the key on and take a long screwdriver and hotshot it if it cranks and fires change it. hell theyre only $20

itll make a very audible click if it is bad, usually

Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

Reply #7 – March 29, 2014, 10:00:04 PM

The clicking is a dead give away of the solenoid. Humming, i've never heard one hum, but there is always a first.

Help w/ problem sometimes no sound when ignition key is turned engine does not move

Reply #8 – April 01, 2014, 11:58:00 AM

Not sure on your two Standard part numbers above but:

Motorcraft P/N is SW2474
Borg Warner P/N is CS96

Darren