99 Mercury Cougarr won't start

[Onita]

Posting this for my SO, hoping to get some help. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to cars, and at work, so will have to check some things when I get home I'm sure.

She went to start her car today and it wouldn't turn on. There is no clicking, it doesn't try to start or anything. Also, her radio isn't turning off now, even with the key out of the ignition. Any ideas on what it can be and/or how to diagnose it?

It has a new battery and alternator as well.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Ignition switch. Classic symptoms, especially since the radio's staying on as though the car thinks it's in "Accessory" mode.

ZV

 

[Onita]

Ignition switch. Classic symptoms, especially since the radio's staying on as though the car thinks it's in "Accessory" mode.

ZV

Thanks. Is there any way to "test" to make sure?

 

[JulesMaximus]

It's a '99 Mercury Cougar...I'd be surprised if it did start. 😛

 

[Vette73]

Thanks. Is there any way to "test" to make sure?

In most cars getting to the ignition is switch is the hard part. Rockauto.com has it for $97 so it is not as cheap as older cars, but I doubt many stock it so you need to strip the steering column to get to it and then if it does test bad leave the car like that till it comes in.

Kinda like taking shingles off your roof to fix a leak and then trying to reuse the old ones. Yea you might save a couple bucks but in the long run its just easier to replace with new.

The only thing I would add to what Zen has said is to check the key switch to make sure it is fully turning. I have seen some break and anything would turn the front part but the rear that feeds the switch was not turning. So try a screw driver to see if the key switch turns on its own or it is firm and only turns with the key.

 

[Zenmervolt]

The only thing I would add to what Zen has said is to check the key switch to make sure it is fully turning. I have seen some break and anything would turn the front part but the rear that feeds the switch was not turning. So try a screw driver to see if the key switch turns on its own or it is firm and only turns with the key.

Good catch. That's something I haven't seen before but it could definitely happen. Thanks for adding that!

ZV

 

[Onita]

Well, after replacing the ignition switch, that didn't seem to be the problem. Guess I'll have to take it to a mechanic.

 

[foghorn67]

Did you test the voltage on the battery? Has it been on since you replaced the battery? If the alternator sucks, it will drain the battery and kill the new one.

 

[Onita]

Did you test the voltage on the battery? Has it been on since you replaced the battery? If the alternator sucks, it will drain the battery and kill the new one.

No. Although the alternator was just replaced like 2 months ago.

 

[ultimatebob]

My bet would be the neutral safety switch. I had this exact problem with my 99 Cougar V6 as well, and that's what fixed it for me.

Anyway, try wiggling the shift lever and see if it will start. That's what I eventually did to get my car stuck out of the college parking lot after being stuck there for an hour 🙁

 

[AMCRambler]

Yeah if it was stuck in accessories mode then the battery is definitely dead by the time your replacement ignition switch arrived. Jump start the car and hopefully the battery will hold a charge.