I have this old 'Bird for winter driving. A 302 automatic that runs like a top. I had it all tuned up with new plugs, etc. Usually it starts up excellant but some times it scares me into thinking I'll be walking home in the cold! Here's what happens: You turn the key to engage the starter, the engine starts rolling over, but not a hint of ignition. If you continue holding the key on it would roll over forever but never start! What I do then is to shut the key off, and start over. Usually as it rolls over this time, it starts.
I have also got it to start by using this method. As it rolls over [and the no start thing happens] I allow the key to turn back counter clockwise just a small tad, The starter continues to roll the engine and sometimes it will start.
Thanking you in advance.

 

Sounds like the igntion isn't getting any juice. Could be a short in the ignition switch, or any where. Break out the volt meter! But since it is an intermittent short it will be extremely tough to track until it quits all together. Sorry I know that isn't any help or consulation.

 

change out the control module

little finned box usually on the fenderwell somewhere
1 plug and your done!

...zap!

 

Yea coud very well be.
Auto Store can test that for you for free too.

Had the one in my 81 TA go out. (It is a little module inside the distributer on it.) Going down the road purring like a kitten. Then all of a sudden it just died at 55 mph. Felt like it ran out of gas. Wouldn't start, had it towed home, ran test and thats what it came up. Took it out and had the auto store test it. Sure enough the (low rpm) and and the (mid RPM) sides was not sending a signal. Put a new one in and it fired right up.

 

I didn't mention that I had tried another of those boxes. Same thing happens. Guess I need a voltmeter temporarly hooked up to catch it. I tend to think it to be a keyswitch problem because of the counter-clockwise move [above]that sometimes works.

 

Yea those intermitten problems can be a PIA!
Wifes 97 Explorer has a probelm she describes as cutting out while going down the highway. According to her it Losses power, starts bucking, losses speed, then after a mile or so it clears up and goes fine. Been doing it for almost a year. Dosen't have any codes and it dosent do it when I drive it. So I have no idea! It only does it about once a week and hasn't seemed to pick up in frequency. Til it's doing it all the time or thows me a code, I can't do anything about it. Well I could throw parts at it and see if I happen to get lucky. But it's got 150K miles, it's on it's last leg as it is. I want to get rid of it but she loves it and wants to drive it into the ground.

 

Sounds to me like the ignition switch itself is going south on you. Try turning the switch to the run position and jumping across the starter relay and see how fast it starts. If it starts right up that would be a sure sign.

 

I think the ignition switch is low on the steering column. its a plastic thing with a slider connected to a rod what goes to the key switch. these tend to crack, get dirty and just wear out. they are under $20.