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I drive a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria and the other day after driving to the store. I get back in my car to leave and put the key in the ignition. The dashboard lights and everything come on, but the engine doesn't turn over and when I turn the key to start the car the red brake light flashes on but as soon as I turn it back it goes off.
Also, after taking the key out, the car wouldn't turn off.
I'm pretty sure it's an electrical issue but what could be causing this. Any suggestions???
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Cleaning the battery terminals is the simplest thing to try, and a bad starter solenoid definitely will prevent the starter motor from going. In your case, however, the fact that removing the key didn't shut it off is more indicative of a bad ignition switch or key. On a vehicle 17 years old, either may well be worn out. First try another key, if it works fine, the key is worn out. If not, someone will have to "hotwire " it to see if it will start bypassing the ignition switch. If you typically drive it with a lot of other keys on a ring, that weight hanging down and flopping around causes it to wear out faster.
Cleaning the battery terminals is the simplest thing to try, and a bad starter solenoid definitely will prevent the starter motor from going. In your case, however, the fact that removing the key didn't shut it off is more indicative of a bad ignition switch or key. On a vehicle 17 years old, either may well be worn out. First try another key, if it works fine, the key is worn out. If not, someone will have to "hotwire " it to see if it will start bypassing the ignition switch. If you typically drive it with a lot of other keys on a ring, that weight hanging down and flopping around causes it to wear out faster.
Nice video.
yeah probably a faulty ignition switch,maybe a wire came loose, but before tearing it apart try this hail Mary trick, while you have the key in the start position try jiggling the gear shift selector lever. as i've had old American cars that wouldnt start unless you moved the gear selector a little bit.
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