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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: pinto1955 on April 01, 2006, 05:40:48 PM

Title: Electrical Problem
Post by: pinto1955 on April 01, 2006, 05:40:48 PM
Hi,

I  hope someone can please help. I just finished restoring and old 1972 Ford Pinto sedan. I turned the car into and old NHRA Super Stock Modified Compact with an HO 2.0. I've been working on it for 2 1/2 years and it's finally finished. Problem is about two months ago i lost the keys and had to have a new cylinder put in. When I reinstalled the sterring column and turned the key it initially wanted to start and then it quit. Now I have nothing when I turn the key. The lights come on but won't crank. There's power at the fuses, at the actuator switch and on one side of the solenoid. I've replaced the solenoid in case it was defective and still nothing. The only way it will turn over is if I cross the solenoid terminals with a screwdriver. I've even tried switching the wires at the solenoid and still nothing. I would really appreciate any help or advice. If anyone could call me 832-563-8427 or write back to this web site or my e-mail dcorneau01@ev1.net I would be very grateful. Thanks for your time, Don
Title: Re: Electrical Problem
Post by: 73pintogeek on April 01, 2006, 06:09:29 PM
Hey Don,
I believe the problem is mechanical...there is a rod inside the column that run`s from the ignition switch down to the actuator...when you re-installed you may have jarred it loose somehow...this has happened to me before...just a thought...anyone else have any idea`s?
Rex
Title: Re: Electrical Problem
Post by: pinto1955 on April 01, 2006, 06:22:22 PM
Hi Rex,

Thanks for the reply but the rod is still connected to the switch. I stripped away all the plastic mouldings on the colunm and partially dropped the column to check it and make sure the pin was also intact. Let me know if you have any other ideas. Thanks again, Don
Title: Re: Electrical Problem
Post by: fast34 on April 01, 2006, 09:08:56 PM
But is it adjusted properly??  There should be a little adjustment in it.
Title: Re: Electrical Problem
Post by: Pintony on April 02, 2006, 12:17:13 AM
Hello pinto1955,
Call me on sunday and I will tell you how to fix your starting problems.
from Pintony
1-618-339-5047
Title: Re: Electrical Problem
Post by: Original74 on April 02, 2006, 07:47:45 AM
I was going to post my experience with this, as just yesterday I replaced the ignition switch in mine, was right there with you on what you describe. But.....how can I trump the experience of the Pintony-Meister? I trust you two will talk as he has detailed above.

The reason I replaced my ignition switch was the same issue as you describe, no crank when in starting position. New switch did not help me. As stated above, there is adjustment in the location of the switch. If you pull the pin in the switch all the way towards the steering wheel, that is the ACC position. Push it in one detent and that is the LOCK position. I positioned mine in the lock position with the key in the same position. Verified that when I put the key in ACC, it pulls the switch to that position, then it is synchronized with the switch.

I believe my continuing problem to me my neutral start switch. I too can remote start from the solenoid, but even with the key in the crank position and moving the auto shifter through all positions, I get no crank. I found a post and pic by Pintony showing the square 4 pin connector from the tranny that is the neutral start and backup light switch. I need to figure out which wires are the neutral start. I am going to get under it this morning and remove the neutral start switch from the side of the tranny, that way I can get the color code right. Will probably be looking for a new switch, hopefully a standard Ford part. Thank goodness for Ebay.

Well, I said I would not trump the Pintony-Meister, but just shared my experience. Can't make Tony mad, he is scheduled to stop by my house Wednesday on his way to CA. Don't want to make him mad and have him pass me up!

Hope this helps someone. I don't want to bypass the safety of the neutral start switch long term, but might have to jump around it to get me going until I can find a switch.

Dave

Title: Re: Electrical Problem
Post by: pinto1955 on April 05, 2006, 09:50:49 AM
Thanks to all of you who replied on this subject. Pintoney I'll call you this Saturday or Sunday if that's ok. I've been out of town last week still working on hurricane damage from Katrina & Rita. Saturday is my best day if it doesn't conflict with your schedule. Please respond if that time is ok. Thanks again, Don