Let me start off by stating I'm fairly new to working on cars. With that out of the way, I can't seem to get my 68 to start. I have a good battery, I've checked the starter and it's good, replace the ignition switch, checked the fuses and all are working and have power. I put the key in the ignition to start it and nothing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

What about jumping the solenoid to start it? Just to see if it'll go that way.

If it does, then the wire leading to the solenoid is the problem, or the grounding thereto. Solenoid is, after all, sorta just a big ol' relay.

If it doesn't turn over with the jumpin', then the problem is either:

1) the solenoid
2) the starter
3) the starter's positive cable/mounting (The post can rust up, which is what happened on my '66 T-Bird one time. Took us forever to figure that out. Lil' sanding and putting it back together with some dielectric grease and problems solved!)
4) or the grounding of the engine block (where the starter is grounded)

Also, check the firewall connector(s) for any corrosion/gunk. Perhaps take them apart, inspect/repair/clean, and put some dielectric grease in there before reconnecting. That's what is was on my Dad's '65 T-Bird Special Landau. Drove us nuts until that was figured out.

Past that... time to get a test lamp/multimeter and get busy, I'd guess, tracing the wires about... So fun.

Welcome to the forums!

 

I've tried jumping it and it gets the engine cranking slowly but never actually starts up

 

My '69 ate the starter solenoids like candy. It got to the point where I would always buy two, so I had a few at the house, ready for the day she just would not start.

That would be my first suspect.

 

I had a 99 cobra that a ground wire wasn't grounded good enough it wouldn't do anything when I turned the key the lights and gauges would work

 

I'll try and trace my grounds and see if that's it, if not I guess I can try the solenoid next. Didn't think to try It since I just bought it last year but if you say they go out frequently, won't hurt to try replacing it

 

When you purchase a solenoid, get a quality one. Got a full charge on a known good battery? One with a dead cell will charge but not have the juice to turn starter. Take starter off and bench test.

 

So I've checked my ground and its secured and tight. Checked fuses and they're all good except the one for the radio/clock but I doubt that would be the cause of the car not being able to start. I'm running out of ideas as to why it won't start. Even got a new solenoid thinking that might be it and turned up nothing. 😳😳😳😳😳😳

 

Timing set right?

 

Not sure how to set that but would that not bring power to the ignition switch?

 

Negative though in your post it would turn over but not start

 

Sorry let me correct that. From the ignition switch with turning the key it won't do anything. I can't seem to find out why there isn't any power getting to the switch. When I go to try and jump the solenoid, that's when it will crank but not actually start up.

 

Hmm trace all your ignition wires make sure they are intact and not shorting out looks like 4 wires

 

Is it auto?

 

Yes it's auto

 

Could be the safety switch try putting it in neutral

 

One way to check would be wiggle the shifter a little as your turning the ignition while its in park I don't know if you can bypass it with a fuse like on a manual to diagnose the issue

 

can you tell us if your battery is good, has it been checked/tested? How "new"(old??) is the battery?

I had a volvo that if jumped would start and run just fine (granted your Mustang is not running) but let it sit for an few hours it would be flat dead and need a jump had the battery tested twice and was found each time to be "good" but when I replaced the battery with a brand new one the issues went away permanently and it was determined the old battery had a bad cell in it.


start with the simple stuff first, and remember this one simple rule when dealing with electrical issues, "the battery is both the Alpha and Omega (start and end) to the electrical system." hope this helps some.