Starting Problems On Galaxy 2.0 Auto

[sip]

I have done a search and read previous posts, so please read on...

 

On a visit to West Yorks in my Ford Galaxy 2.0GLX Auto (1996/MkI) my engine wouldn't turn or start. Called out the breakdown service to bring me back home. The guy who came-out was absolutely brilliant and connected a cable to the starter so that I could start the engine simply by touching the +12V terminal.

 

Got home and tried my red master key, checked out the Haynes manual, and replaced the most likely culprits, the "150" relay under the bonnet and the "30" relay in the fusebox. Got both, and neither has solved my problem. I am now suspecting the ignition switch.

 

I am desperately in need of some help here. Is there anyone in the Leicestershire area willing to do us a diagnosis for a nominal fee? I don't want to have to go to a Ford dealership for this as have had lots of problems in the past.

 

Also, I am now seriously considering getting an interface cable for use with VAG-COM. Do I get this one:

 

http://www.skpang.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=41

 

or this one:

 

http://www.skpang.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=21

[Guest vr6galaxy]

Have you tried bypassing the inhibitor switch on the gear selector shaft? do a search on the topic, it's popped up a few times :blink:

[johnb80]

See if it will start in Neutral rather than park or moving the selector a little whilst holding the key over in the strat position.

 

Regards - JB

[sip]

Thanks for your replies. The car starts OK in Park or Neutral as long as the key is turned to the first detente and I touch this cable running from the starter motor to the +ve terminal on the battery.

 

Haynes shows that there are about 7 cables from the ignition switch, only three of which play an active part in the starting process. The only problem is that when you trace these three wires, they go all over the place into a number of relays, the immobiliser, the auto gearbox, etc.

 

Tomorrow, I hope to remove the steering column shroud and check the wiring there. I'll also remove the ignition switch and see if everything's fine.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Have you checked the gearbox ("in-gear") inhibitor switch yet ? (It's at the base of the selector lever, inside the car)

[sip]

Yes, the inhibitor switch seems to be functioning OK.

[Sharanfx]

Check you earths In the engine bay.

 

Easy way to test is use a jump pack or jump leads and connect the (-)ve to any metal on the engine block its self and the (+) to the (+) terminal on the battery.

 

If it then starts, one of you main earth leads ane broken.

 

Worth a try to eliminate it.

[Topbloke]

if you can start the vehicle by bypassing the ing switch (with your bit of wire) then it cannot be a bad earth the only check that is left is to see if you get any power down the signal wire to the starter (the one the bit of wire is connected to ) my best guess would be switch as it aint the starter as proved by the wire, possibly inhibitor switch because you are bypassing this by giveing the starter a direct feed, proof would be to disconect the wires on the inhibitor and join them together then see if it will start via the key, please take care that the vehicle is in nuetral or park when you do this as the vehicle will if it starts take off due to you bypassing this safty device :lol: :D :D pm me if you need further help Regards Tb

[sip]

Thanx everyone! Really appreciate the replies. Will try this in the morning and see what happens.