1970 Ford Torino: Starting Help

[Matthan]

I have a 1970 Torino that I picked up this weekend. When I turn the key nothing happens at all. The only way I have been able to start the car is to jump it from the solenoid. I replaced the solenoid but it still is doing the same thing. The Battery is fully charged.

Any suggestions?

[Windsor]

Have you checked power at the ignition switch? Maybe no power getting to the starter from it.

[b5blue]

Wiggle the shifter while cranking.

[A383Wing]

is it column or console shift? Ford had sloppy column issues. What about putting it in neutral and try starting?

possible neutral safety switch could be bad

[shorty442]

hmmm - sounds like you need the proverbial BFH - Big Ford Hammer.   

[Matthan]

Yes, it is a column shift.

[rt green]

my boss has one. yellow 429 super cobra jet. cool cars, congrats.

[A383Wing]

Yes, it is a column shift.

put your foot on the brake, turn ignition switch with key to "start" position and hold it there...now move steering column shift lever all through the detents and see if starter engages

another thing, are you sure wires are on solenoid correctly in engine compartment?

[1974dodgecharger]

Ford Owners Recommend Dodge

[myk]

Yes, it is a column shift.

put your foot on the brake, turn ignition switch with key to "start" position and hold it there...now move steering column shift lever all through the detents and see if starter engages

I just had to do the same thing in my '98 Mustang over the weekend...

[Aero426]

On a column shift,  pull the shift lever towards you, then upward.  While holding it upward, try the key.   This is common on column shift Fords of this era.

[chargerboy69]

This thread needs pictures.  I love Torinos, very nice looking cars. 

[cudaken]

This thread needs pictures.  I love Torinos, very nice looking cars. 

Take some pictures of the taillights! I have never seen them before! 

Cuda Ken

[69wannabe]

This thread needs pictures.  I love Torinos, very nice looking cars. 

Take some pictures of the taillights! I have never seen them before! 

Cuda Ken

Awesome reply Ken!!!  Sounds like the neutral saftey switch is stuck or bad. You can try putting it in neutral and see if it will start with the key. My dad has a 71 F100 farm truck that did the same thing and I just bypassed the switch and that was a done deal. Been starting fine for years every since.

[ACUDANUT]

This thread needs pictures.  I love Torinos, very nice looking cars. 

Take some pictures of the taillights! I have never seen them before! 

Cuda Ken

Ken, try goggle images.

[Matthan]

Tried putting it in neutral still nothing...battery is fully charged.....also tried pulling tho column back when I try to start.....any other ideas?

[Ghoste]

Did you wiggle it around in neutral with the key turned?

[Matthan]

Yes

[A383Wing]

do you have power at the start terminal on the solenoid when key is turned? Are you sure you have the little push on terminals on the correct solenoid studs? The should be a "S" & "I" terminal..if wires are switched, car will not start with key

also, possible neutral safety switch is bad

[Matthan]

Could the key lock be bad?

[Ghoste]

Possibly.  When you switch it to on, do the guages indicate they are getting power?  If so, what happens when you move it to start?

[Matthan]

Nothing

[b5blue]

If key is column mounted buy a new switch for it and plug it into harness under dash then re test without installing. Find NSS and for now jump it off under car.

[ACUDANUT]

ignition switch ?

[b5blue]

Yes, a trick I learned working on my 70....I had a new switch I installed quit cranking the starter 1 month later. Could not believe it was the new switch but it was! PIA on column cars!!

[Nwcharger]

 Try tracing the exciter wire for the start solenoid to the firewall and make sure there's not a fusible link that's blown. If not Then try  bypassing the neutral safety switch.   Do you have access to a wiring diagram?

[hatersaurusrex]

'70 Torino is at the pinnacle of 'other brands I respect'.   Looked around for one when I was hunting for the Charger, and the '70 - particularly a Cobra clone - brings strong money.

I might still own one - some day...

PS, yes please post pics.  The Mopar Gods' will it to be so.