for some reason my starter wont work when i turn the ignition, i can only hot wire the starter wire with the battery using a scrap wire laying around to start my car, i also noticed that when my car is running and i turn the key to spin the starter my car immediately shuts off, its like i turned the key to off... any idea what this could be?

i changed my computer 8 months ago and it was fine since then, the issue started few months later, the car wont start and i have to wait for some time then it will suddenly work. sometimes minutes and sometimes hours, i changed the starter 3 times and the issue is still there.

any idea what it could be? there is no good electrician in my area these days so am on my own.

Mustang GT 2002 Manual.

 

My first guess is a bad solenoid.

 

Well, it could be that, sure, but it really sounds more like an ignition cylinder to me... If it was wonky, it'd not start and it could cut off the 'on' pretty easily...

Whatever the problem, you're gonna need a wiring diagram, multimeter and patience. Or someone to do the diagnosing. You can throw parts at it, but it's likely going to be more wasteful of time and money and parts than if you did the chasing down of the issue.

Hang on, lemme find a video... here we go, Eric of South Main Auto. Not Mustangs in these things, but very similar issues. Eric is a fantastic person and resource because of his willingness to show you the processes in his diagnosis of crud like this. I've learned a lot of things from his many brake jobs. Him, Eric the Car Guy, 2CarPros, FordTechMakuLoco and so many others out there with good stuff for me to absorb... Oh yeah, videos. Here ya go:




Good luck, you got this! Just need a multimeter, maybe a wiring diagram and you can do it!

/I still say it's the ignition cylinder...