My 93 will not start.
 

On my 1993 when I turn the ignition, there is nothing, no clicks, no sounds, nothing. Just lights. The check engine light does not flash and the security light does not appear. I checked the voltage when turning the key on the battery and it goes down only to 10. Battery is fine. When I turn the lights on they work, and they dont dim as I try to start. Ive tried a clean spare key and it does not work ether, and I even made sure that the VATS contact was clean. My Ford neighbor suspects its my ignition switch and that it needs to be replaced. If so where can I locate it?

On a side note, this happened once to me before 2 weeks ago. However I suspected it was moisture because when I opened the engien compartment it was all wet with morning dew, so I slammed the hood, tried again, and it worked again for a couple of times. Car has been outside and exposed to the elements for some time now so I fear that may be a factor.

Help and advice is appreciated.

check the battery cables....try and wiggle them around.....i had a fluke problem a while back, that was the same symptoms that you are describing

I agree. Sounds like a loose cable. Tighten them up. Also, check for corrosion and clean if needed.

Same problem
 

Good timing, I'm having the exact same problem with my 95 Olds 88. Twice in the last couple of weeks it has acted like it didn't want to start. When I turned the key the starter would engage briefly, then lag, then the engine would start. It sounded like a low battery.

I tested the starter, battery, and charging system using one of those hand-held testers that battery shops use. Everything checked out okay. Once last week the car refused to start after I'd just shut the engine off. I got a wrench, beat on the starter, and it fired fine for a week. Then last night, nothing. The lights don't dim, I don't hear a click. the security light comes on when I turn on the key, then goes out after a couple of seconds. I cleaned the contacts on the resistor and tried knocking on the starter and it's still dead in the water. I checked the battery terminals, cut the rubber boot off the positive cable, and didn't find any corrosion to speak of. The cables seem tight, and well, I don't think it's a cable issue since none of the lights dim when I try to turn the engine over.

Any thoughts? I'm thinking it's the starter.

Well damn that did it, I was getting ready to be all technical, broke out the voltimiter and FSM when I overlooked the obvious. Thanks for the help!

LOL.....sorry! We can delete the suggestions...start all over and make you do a bunch of technical diagnosis, if you want ;)

Glad it seemed to be a simple fix. Those are the best kind.

Woa, is this a bad starter day or something, I'm having the same problem with my 95 SLE.

When I try turning on the car, nothing happens. All the lights work and when I turn the car key all the way, I am able to shift gears. Any ideas?

Also, just last night I installed a new headunit and speakers. Would that have anything to do with it. My friend tried to jump me before I saw that the lights worked, but I used the automatic door lock to get inside the car, so I don't think it's the batteries.

Again, first insure that your battery cables (especially the positve) are tight and making good contact. Check the cables for corrosion (even under the rubber boots) and clean up if needed.

Anytime an aftermarket electrical device is installed, there is the potential to cause an issue, but I don't think a HU and speakers should cause you not to start unless some serious rewiring occured.

To install the Headunit, we unplugged the negative a few times. Is there just enough power for the nights, but not enough for the starter (and AC and headunit?)

My car is not at my house (where I am now). What would be best to bring with me back to the parking lot to try and fix it?

It is possible that the battery is weak from the install and just needs a recharge. In my car, I had a bad positve battery terminal that had been "reemed"/"chewed" out. I had all power and lights, including remote door locks, but unless the cable was making full contact, it would not start. Bring an 8mm (or adjustable wrench) and take off battery cables, inspect for corrosion (clean off with paper towels or a wire brush), reconnect (be careful not to overtighten and crush the battery post srurfaces) but make sure the "teeth" on each cable bite into the battery post surfaces.

See if it fires up.